Have photos, need help identifying

[Aundrea]

I bought some of them at stores without the tags, and a couple were given to me without tags. Other than knowing that they are; Phalaenopsis, Cattleya and Oncidium, I do not know the cultivar names of them. My Oncidium is a Pacific Sun Spot, other than that, I don't know the names of my other 9 orchids. Was hoping some of you here could help me out!
I currently have 10 plants of those 4 plants have not bloomed, and only one of the four have a flower spike.
Looking forward to learning more!!

[lambelkip]

for Phalaenopsis and Cattleya, there are simply too many similar hybrids to ever identify them properly.

[MattWoelfsen]

Hello Aundrea, I have purchased many no identification (NOID) orchids from grocery stores, home improvement centers, and the superstores. Most of these orchids are not identified because they are intended to be decorative as opposed to being a plant an orchid hobbyist would nurture and submit for show. If you look at Orchid Merchants that cater to hobbyists and collectors, you can find the same flower with their proper name listed BUT these named orchids are priced US$10 and more than their NOID counterparts. I would direct you to http://www.orchids.com/. They have hundreds of phalaenopsis orchids available. I like their website because they match flower with name. You will see what could be your orchid listed there--'real' orchid hobbyist or collectors would caution you that this is not a verifiable way of identifying your orchid. I would direct you to one of the largest purveyors of NOID orchids: http://justaddiceorchids.com . This websites is oriented towards using an orchid as decoration. Hence you will see flowers matched with room decor. I mention these two companies as examples. There is probably a way of identifying your orchid through DNA testing. But that would probably cost way more than the orchid itself!

[RosieC]

Unfortunately if you find names by looking at Vendors sites you won't know it's the right name.

There are too many orchids that look exactly the same, and identifying them from photos is not accurate when it comes to Phalaenopsis hybrids. Even if you find pictures that look the same you can't know it's the same as your orchid.

I do look for names in this way, but I never record them as true names, only something for me to call it for my own records, if I post pictures I always make sure it's clear it's NoID, otherwise it could just cause confusion for others. See this link here http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tml#post376190

Many Phalaenopsis sold for the mass market are not even registered crosses, so have no name. The nursaries just make them for the cut flower market and don't bother registering what they have done. Those phals might look very similar to some registered ones, but could be genetically different.

Don't worry that you can't find names for these, as I said above I give mine names for my own records (and so they don't feel left out with my others that have names :coverlaugh) and they are just as pretty and enjoyable as those with a name

---------- Post added at 03:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:25 PM ----------

If you know the nursary that raised the plant, then their records might name it, some are helpful in giving details, others might not be. But photos from other vendors just aren't a reliable way to ID it.

[Aundrea]

THANK YOU ALL for all the great info! I have bookmarked MANY pages to help with identifying. I do know that there is much more to it than just a resemblance when looking for the right name.

I appreciate ALL the hints and wisdom!! =]

[Bud]

My very first Phaleanopsis was a NOID.
It didn't matter to me then because what was important to me was the beauty of the flowers, color and the butterfly form. In fact I got several other orchids and threw away the tags, it was clutter or a plastic sore eye.
It was when I joined the forum that I learned that orchids have registered names and tags and it helps to know the names to find their proper culture and history.

[Aundrea]

Thank you, Bud. I feel the same way, I love them!! I just would like to know, to put a name to them. Not for anything other than my own knowledge. When I see them in the discounted "gonna throw them away, this is their last chance of survival" cart, I grab them. That is how I saved 5 of the 10 I have.

[NYCorchidman]

I have to disagree that NOIDs sold at supermarkets and big box stores are not indentified. All phal hybrids have either registered (or unregistered) names or at least parents name.
It is just that many nurseries do not keep track or don't bother to have name tag for each pot sold.

While many are almost impossible to identify once tag is lost, many are also quite typical and unique enough to be identified without tags.

With this said, I am quite sure that your number three is Taida Salu. Taida Salu has a few different known cultivar like Alisan, Orchidheight, Orange....
They all pretty much look very similar.

It is quite famous and popular, so I see it offered at supermarkets every once in a while.