Species and what to know as you buy them?

[Roberta]

Let's drop back to some definitions to clarify what you might be asking.
Orchid species exist in nature. They come from distinct habitats and knowing about those can help you determine the care that a given species requires. A species tag may indicate a cross between two cultivars (specific plants), if both are the same species, it's still a species. (Line breeding of a species is breeding select individuals to gain desired characteristics)

Most of the orchids that you will encounter in a shop (and a lot online and at shows) are hybrids - different species crossed for particular characteristics. Often these are easier to grow, because they inherit characteristics from different parents that may broaden the environment that they need. Hybrids can, of course, be mixed and matched to make ever more complex hybrids.

If an orchid has more than the standard 2 sets of chromosomes, the flowers may be bigger, rounder, etc. Occasionally this occurs randomly, but more often it's encouraged by chemical treatment of the the baby orchids. 4 n (double the normal 2 sets) can breed. 3 n (3 sets of chromosomes) usually can't (mules) but may still have the aesthetic "improvements".

As you can see, this can become complicated. As a new grower, the understanding of it all develops slowly. (No only do orchids teach patience for growing, but there is a lifetime of learning, can't do it all at once...) You need to get familiar with the different broader types, and focus on meeting their needs. (Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum are all types that you will encounter easily, and have different needs)

If you buy from the original grower, you are more likely to get good culture information than if you buy from someone who is just reselling. But do your research, and acquire slowly. Welcome to the addiction. (I started with one Cymbidum from a co-worker, and if you look around my website you'll see where THAT can lead.)