Whats the problem with NOID plants?

[snowflake311]

All but one of my plants is a No ID. I don't know why some orchid people turn a nose up at plants with No IDs? If it's a nice healthy plant and you like it what's the problem? I have gotten to the point where I can identify different orchids pretty good. No I don't know the name the breeder gave it or it's exact parents. I can still tell if it's a Zygo or an oncidium Genus and so on.

I do research on what I want and then keep a look out for it. When I find the plant Genus I want I buy it with No ID. Example I have a Zygo and have no clue what it's name is but I know it's a Zygo what more do I need to give it good care.

I understand if you want to Breed orchids or show them you want to know the full name. But for us basic orchid growers why place an importance on Pedigree. How many of us are really going to show and breed orchids?

I feel the same way about Dogs and dog breeding.

[NYCorchidman]

You are right. There are no problems.
You grow what you like to grow and enjoy.

The problems arise when people name their NOIDs and present at shows. Yes, bad but happens unfortunately.

Also, a lot more people than you think attend shows.

[weederwoman]

I think the issue arises because this site is a source of information for people. If you post a photo of a beautiful orchid, others,who want to buy one like it, appreciate a name. Also, if I ask for suggestions on an orchid that fits my needs, say a pink highly scented mini catt that blooms twice a year, I hope for a name, and often even a supplier. I have a lot of unnamed plants that I love as much as my named varieties. I'll bet most people do.

[snowflake311]

All good points thanks for bring them up.

You are right I have no clue how many people go to show. I am sure I would be surprised at the number that show the orchids.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I have a few NOIDs, but I have also just started to take "baby steps" into growing orchids from seed, including trying to make a hybrid. When you invest the time it takes to cross 2 plants, and either flask the seed yourself or have someone else do it, you want to "know what you have". If you make a hybrid that is something special, you need to know the parents if you want to register and name the hybrid.

[AnonYMouse]

If I see a noID that looks like a Bulbophyllum masonii, I'm buying it.

To some extent, you have it backwards. I think many of us wouldn't mind a noID if it looked like flowers/foliage/growth habit of the plants we want.

---------- Post added at 11:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 PM ----------

And you should drive down to the SF Pacific Orchid Expo next month.

[camille1585]

I don't have anything against noids, though I find myself buying less and less of them.

In my case, I think that there are several reasons why I've mostly turned away from noids

-Noids tend to be the usual and not so variable selection of Phals and Oncs mostly. Once in a while there are some gems to be found, but often you just see more of the same, week after week. I am lucky here that Onc hybrids tend to be named, which the phals, paphs, catts are all nameless. I scored a gorgeous Onc Sharry Baby last month this way!

-As my love for orchids grew I discovered all sorts of neat species and hybrids on OB. Yes, I will buy a look-a-like noid in a heartbeat if I can't find the original plant, but most of the plants that get added to my wishlist can only be found at the specialized orchid nurseries; and so they are named.

-Telling myself that I will not but any more noids is a good way to limit impulse buying. I think that if I were still as crazy about noids as I am about the rest of my orchids, I would have a hard time resisting every time I saw a noid which caught my eye...

-I like to find out things about the hybrids I buy by putting their names through Orchidwiz, to know their history and what cultural modifications may get them to perform at their best. I just find it fascinating to see which species pop up in their background.

[RJSquirrel]

No IDs dont bother me..

I buy 'em for the ladies in the office to put on their desks for them. They dont care either. Im a sucker for a purple phal anyway named or not. Wanna sell me someting paint it piy-urple!!!

I think when you get a little better and pointed towards what you really want to collect and grow, The ID IS is going to very important bec YOU are going to want to know eventually.

If you enjoy the plants no ID or more ID than it needs doesnt matter. You can even take noIDs to Orchid meetings

They dont mind them. They arent getting judged or any awards but they dont mind the no ID plants showing up on the tables with beautiful blooms.

Always need more blooms!!!

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by camille1585

I don't have anything against noids, though I find myself buying less and less of them.

In my case, I think that there are several reasons why I've mostly turned away from noids

-Noids tend to be the usual and not so variable selection of Phals and Oncs mostly. Once in a while there are some gems to be found, but often you just see more of the same, week after week. I am lucky here that Onc hybrids tend to be named, which the phals, paphs, catts are all nameless. I scored a gorgeous Onc Sharry Baby last month this way!

-As my love for orchids grew I discovered all sorts of neat species and hybrids on OB. Yes, I will buy a look-a-like noid in a heartbeat if I can't find the original plant, but most of the plants that get added to my wishlist can only be found at the specialized orchid nurseries; and so they are named.

-Telling myself that I will not but any more noids is a good way to limit impulse buying. I think that if I were still as crazy about noids as I am about the rest of my orchids, I would have a hard time resisting every time I saw a noid which caught my eye...

-I like to find out things about the hybrids I buy by putting their names through Orchidwiz, to know their history and what cultural modifications may get them to perform at their best. I just find it fascinating to see which species pop up in their background.

I totally agree. I have only two NoIDs left (given the rest away), but these two will stay. One is a miniphal that looks very much like a Jiaho's Pink Girl. I've seen the registered hybrid for sale, but I feel that since I already have one that's so very similar, why bother buying another one just to get the tag? I'll just enjoy the fragrance of mine instead.

But for me it's mostly rarity; the species/hybrids might not be rare at my favourite vendors', but you can't find them at the local flower shops here.

Oh, and it's a great way to limit myself. Sometimes it's very hard to walk away, but I actually manage. To make up for this, I go on shopping sprees online instead... I'll just keep telling myself that I'm keeping the economic crisis in Europe at bay.

[Leafmite]

The problem with noID orchids is if you lose one that you really love, it can sometimes be impossible to replace it. And, as someone has said before, if you have a really nice noID that everyone is admiring and wanting, you might have difficulty finding the exact same one a second time.
But, you have the same exact problem if you buy an orchid that isn't cloned or something that is rarer, like an older cross, a specific clone or certain species that are not commonly sold.