Identify pls.Given 1 Phal. 2Cat. 3. Den. or Lae.

[Chris_USA]

Hope I did this right. I have attacehed 3 orchids given to me. I stress that Iam very new to all this and dont know anything in depth so your help would be appreciated. I think the Phal. is swarm but dont know rest as no id. Just guessing from book. thanks Chris

[Shiffdaddy]

My guesses:

1. oncidium of some sort, intergeneric
2. Cattleya or Laelia hybrid
3. reedstem Epidendrum

[WhiteRabbit]

agree with shiffdaddy

moderately bright light for the Oncidium, most don't like to dry out much, but shouldn't be soggy

fairly bright light for the Catt/Laelia type, allow media to dry out inbetween waterings

Epidendrums love light and water!

[Chris_USA]

thank you both for the help. Its a bit daunting to have these. I don't want to kill em with kindness, yet watching epi leaves go purple and brown onion skin on the Cat. gets me nervous.

[Shiffdaddy]

My epi leaves go purple when they have too much light and it sounds like the cattleya has too much light too although I'd need to see pictures. Try moving them into shade and slowly introduce them to more light. Anyone agree?

[cricketerry]

Originally Posted by chwcjw@yahoo.com

................... and brown onion skin on the Cat. gets me nervous.

If this is wrapped around the pseudobulbs it is quite normal but you can pull it off if want to.

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by cricketerry

If this is wrapped around the pseudobulbs it is quite normal but you can pull it off if want to.

That is what I was going to say. Catts have sheaths on the pseudobulbs and as the pbulbs mature the sheaths become dry and you can peel them off. It is just part of the plant. Usually when leaves start to turn purple that means they are getting a lot of light kind of like a sun tan. Some red and purple flowered orchids can have a purple tinge to the leaves too.

[Chris_USA]

Thank you again. I will try to cut light down. These were all recently repotted Im told. But you folks, I can not believe the help and kindness. I am touched, thank you. chris

[Wynn Dee13]

Originally Posted by chwcjw@yahoo.com

Thank you again. I will try to cut light down. These were all recently repotted Im told. But you folks, I can not believe the help and kindness. I am touched, thank you. chris

Just because the leaves get a purple tinge doesn't mean they need less light. They just probably shouldn't have much more. I take the purple tinge as a sign that they are getting their maximum light. it's ok as long as they don't burn.

If you need anything else just ask!