Hola

[Curtis2010]

I inherited a few hundred orchids several years ago and I live in an area where orchids also grow naturally. So, I have a bewildering number of varieties to ID here at my place on the Rio (Rio Dulce, Guatemala). I am just now starting to work on identifying the species I have. Any assistance forum members can offer would be much appreciated.

A picture is attached of the one I am trying to ID today. Naturally occurring variety, obviously epiphytic, very small flowers (my hand included for size reference -- as you can see the whole bract of about a dozen flowers is only the size of my fingernail), no discernible pseudo bulb, habitat is hot, humid, lowland.

Thanks,

Curtis

[Kelo]

Welcome to the board, Curtis! A few hundred, huh? Cool!

[Curtis2010]

Originally Posted by Kelo

Welcome to the board, Curtis! A few hundred, huh? Cool!

Yes, a few hundred individual plants plus about a dozen indigenous varieties that grow abundantly here. I am initially just trying to ID the major "group" to which each belongs. I am just starting to learn a bit about orchids so the learning curve is steep.

So far I have ID'ed specimens of Brassavola, Catasetums (indigenous), Cattleya (many hybrids), BrassoCattleya, Dendrobium (several hybrids), Epidendrum (indigenous), Oncidium, Cymbidium, Stanhopea.....and I've just scratched the surface.

[Merlyn]

Cute little thing ! Someone here might be able to help you.

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome, sorry I can't help with the ID but it sure is a cute little guy.
Joann

[jrodpad]

Welcome to the OB. While I cannot help you with the identification - I'm sure someone here can.

It is a beautiful little orchid, whatever it is. Thanks for sharing.

- J

[tucker85]

Welcome to Orchid Board! Just a suggestion, I keep a journal on all my orchids. If I don't know what it is I make a tag with a number on it (otherwise I use the name). I start to gather information. I write down what time of year it blooms, how often it blooms, what the flower looks like, how much light or water it seems to like. Eventually you'll begin to understand each orchid. Good luck.

[Paul Mc]

Buenas!!! A pura vida!!!

WOW, I am so jealous that you have that many plants. It would be my dream come true. I just hope it wasn't under bad circumstances.

Yes, the learning curve is steep and can be even steeper for certain types of orchids. However, with a lot of research, patience and experimentation you can do it. Plus, you have come to the right place to ask questions. Everyone here is extremely helpful and kind.

It's hard to tell what you have because the flowers are not in focus. But based upon the leaf structure, it almost looks like a Gastrochilus. Look for some pictures on the internet to see if the flowers and the plant look the same to you.

If all else fails, you might try going to Andy's Orchids on the internet and just going through each type of orchid he has to see if you can identify the flower. His store is based in California, USA. It's a good place to start to identify species orchids.

You should watch Andy's video while you are there as well. It is very interesting. You might really enjoy it.

[Curtis2010]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Buenas!!! A pura vida!!!

WOW, I am so jealous that you have that many plants. It would be my dream come true. I just hope it wasn't under bad circumstances.

Yes, the learning curve is steep and can be even steeper for certain types of orchids. However, with a lot of research, patience and experimentation you can do it. Plus, you have come to the right place to ask questions. Everyone here is extremely helpful and kind.

It's hard to tell what you have because the flowers are not in focus. But based upon the leaf structure, it almost looks like a Gastrochilus. Look for some pictures on the internet to see if the flowers and the plant look the same to you.

If all else fails, you might try going to Andy's Orchids on the internet and just going through each type of orchid he has to see if you can identify the flower. His store is based in California, USA. It's a good place to start to identify species orchids.

You should watch Andy's video while you are there as well. It is very interesting. You might really enjoy it.

Gracias por tu respuesta.

Unfortunately, my "inheritance" of the orchids was due a traumatically bad event, but life goes on. This place was my wife's dream come true. Orchids have never been a big interest of mine, but it seems a waste not to know more about what I have here.

The total number of individual plants here is staggering. Not only were there many "exotic" or hybrid orchids imported, but local species grow profusely here as well -- only about a dozen varieties I have found, but probably thousands of individual plants. And this just in my little piece (about 5 acres) of Guatemalan paradise.

Orchid lovers should really consider a visit to Guatemala. Habitats range from sea-level hot-humid wetlands (where I live) to brisk cloud forests at almost 10K feet. Amazingly these two extremes of habitat can be found only 70 miles apart! And, orchid species are abundant in all.

Re the orchid ID, I will search down your suggested path. The flowers are so small that it is hard to get a clearly focused pic without a tripod and a more appropriate lens -- this pic was just taken with a little point-and-shoot digital camera. However, when
you look very closely they are each perfectly formed little orchids...albeit pin head sized.

Thanks.

[WhiteRabbit]

Glad you found us!