Stupid question...? - Orchid Board

Femme · #1 01-12-2010, 12:31 AM

How can you know, when you buy a NOID orchid, if it is a Doritaenopsis or a Phalaenopsis hybrid?
I have been looking at pictures of them both and i have to say they look very much the same to me.

greenbean · #2 01-12-2010, 12:39 AM

There are no stupid questions. We all start somewhere and learn from each other.

Doritaenopsis is a hybrid between Phalaenopsis and Doritis pulcherrima. Doritis has been reclassified as a Phalaenopsis, so technically Doritaenopsis no longer exists but the name has stuck. With many complex hybrids, there really is no way to distinguish between them.

If a hybrid has enough Doritis influence in it, though, the plant may be smaller with a more upright spike. Doritaenopsis also tend to have vibrant colors. Doritis was used to help develop some of the reddish flowered colors.

Anyone feel free to correct me if I mis-stated anything, especially if you are more up to date on classification. I can never keep up with it.

camille1585 · #3 01-12-2010, 09:49 AM

There's never stupid questions here!

Like Evan says, everything has been lumped together into the same genus, Phalaenopsis. Another difference between Phals and Doritis (and Doritaenopsis that were not too hybridized) is that Doritis/Dtps tend to grow more in a 'cornstalk' manner, meaning that there is a greater distance between the leaves than on Phals. But since most Phals and now ex-Dtps are so extensively hybridized, there are very little differences between the two.

cb977 · #4 01-12-2010, 11:04 AM

nutgirl · #5 01-12-2010, 11:35 AM

I can't tell you how many times I've learned something from the answers to so called "stupid questions". (I prefer "basic questions")

If we knew all the answers there wouldn't be an Orchid Board.

Maureen

etex · #6 01-12-2010, 12:27 PM

I also wondered about the difference!
I am so glad you guys feel the way you do! Everyone is so nice to share information with us less experienced!! Orchid Board is great!