Please help me identify my orchid!

[bellatrix]

Oooh that is a lovely flower. You named lots of flowers in your post - I'm googling them and finding out what all those names refer to. This is fun. I especially like what Dendrobiums look like on Google Images.

I want either a Dendrobium or a Lady Slipper one next!

Are Phals and Phaphs easier to grow and bloom in general or does it depend entirely on each grower's environment?

[Carpe Diem]

To your question I would say yes, they are easier. Although I have seen posts on this board, from experienced growers blooming the most beautiful orchids, saying they have no luck with Phals. I can't explain why a newbie like me can flower a Phal and some long time growers can't. I guess that's one of the mysteries of life.

[bellatrix]

Or maybe there's a super secret and subtle trick to it and you've unknowingly uncovered it - but you don't know it yet!

[flexdc]

Also Bellatrix I recommend Miltonopsis. You can grow this along side the other two I mentioned. The are called pansy orchids sometimes. Only trick for this one is they don't like to hot. But as long as indoor below 28c and above 15c then you are fine. I figure you are in Canada and not Florida, you should do well with these. Added bonus they smell like roses.
Here is one of mine from last year


This was actually a throw away that I rescued.

Andrew

[Stray59]

Yes, Bellatrix, you definitely are catching Orchid Fever - It is most dangerous to your checking account. As for your question as to the NoID value - this question has been tossed around on this site many times over. It is a simple question of your taste. Many growers, usually those that have been addicted for some time, will only purchase named varieties as they want to know the parentage or use it for breeding, or just want to have the name to go by. But others just value the looks of the plant and the heritage or breeding stock value is of no consequence to them. This is all up to you. I like to know the names of my orchids, but will purchase a NoID if the color or bloom quality catches my eye! I bought one the week before Mother's day, a pale yellow NoID with a spray of about 20 flowers on it, from Walmart and it still has every bloom that was on it originally with no blooms looking old yet - good staying power.
One comment about the original photo you posted - I have seen similar ones sold at Lowe's and they are in a pot liner inside a ceramic pot that has no drainage - this is not a good idea as your plant will need air and good drainage at it's roots - I use decorative vases at times to "show off" a plant, but do not grow in any pot with no drainage - you are just asking for mold, mildew and rot - basically lots of trouble and not a good environment for the plant. I always remove the plant from the "no drain" pots and either just grow in the pot liner (usually a plastic pot) or slip it in a comparably sized ceramic pot with drain holes.
Best of luck with your growing experience!!
Stray59
Oh and BTW - not all Miltonia's have a scent - some just have phenomenal blooms with no scent at all. If you have one that has a good scent, then it is an added bonus, but just FYI this is not the case with all Milt's. And some species Phalaenopsis have scents, but most commercially grown hybrids do not. And I do not know of any Paphiopedliums that are scented, but some probably do, I just have not run into them.

[bellatrix]

Andrew:

That is SUCH a pretty plant you have. I love how the colour is so perfectly shaded and then there's a splash of GOLD in the middle. And the shape of the petals is so nice. And they smell like roses? I WANT THIS ONE.

So far my list is: Miltonopsis, Paphiopedilums, and Dendrobiums.

Top priority: Miltonopsis.

I'm so excited to look for these. Thank you Andrew! (I can't stop staring at your Miltonopsis photo. I'm glad you rescued this plant.)

---------- Post added at 03:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:15 AM ----------

Hi Stray59,
Thank you for your insight; that was interesting and informative to read.
Now I am certain that NoIDs are fine by me.

My outer pot has no drainage but there's a thin plastic container holding the moss and plant - it has one drainage hole right in the center of the bottom. Do you think this will suffice or shall I change its pot? Perhaps a pot with multiple drainage holes along the sides of the bottom surface would be better. Thank you for looking at the photo and bringing the pot-issue to my attention.

I'd like for my next orchid purchase to have a scent. I'll try to find one that does - and I'll try not to be disappointed if it doesn't. Searching for one with a scent will give me an excuse to purchase more.

[Stray59]

Bellatrix:
To answer your first question, I would say yes to repotting it, but not until it is finished blooming. I would remove the plastic pot, melt or cut some additional holes in the bottom and sides of the plastic and find a regular red clay pot with good drainage that the plastic will fit inside of and move it to it's temporary home. Once it has completed the bloom cycle, I would repot it, being sure to remove all the old potting mix and rotted roots to ensure a fresh start. If your plant is potted in straight sphagnum moss at this time, do be careful to not over-water it; the one I purchased around Mother's Day is in straight moss and I only have to water it once every 10 days or so - I wait until it is completely dry before giving it any water, as the moss will hold water better than you think. It is better to underwater than over-water an orchid, as standing in moist medium will pretty well guarantee rotted roots.
Scents are such an added bonus to orchids, but you will find that the commercially offered phaleanopsis, paph's and miltonias are usually NOT scented. BUT, many species orchids are scented, some quite heavily. Brassavola nodosa ("lady of the night orchid") has such an overpowering perfume, it is hard to miss when even one flower is in bloom. And they smell their best early in the night, thus the name. Also, Maxillaria tenuifolia ("coconut orchid") smells like coconut creme pie. Many of the Cattleya orchid tribe have wonderful smells also. And you will learn that just because an orchid is listed as "fragrant", does not mean that it is a NICE fragrance - some Bulbophyllum smell rather rancid! Orchids also have times that they smell and times they don't; some in the early morning, some in the evening, some in hot sun, some at night.
But, the desire for fragrance is a personal taste issue - I look for fragrance in my orchids as there are so many different varieties and color combos, I can find several that not only look good, but smell wonderful.
Here is a couple of pics of the phalae that I purchased from Walmart - $9.98 for the plant! Now that I brought it into the light I see that three blooms are starting to look "tissue papery" and thus are about to drop. Just thought I would show off this NoID!

Hope you like it - but again, to each their own!
Steve

[HighSeas]

I have to agree! I would "rather" be some ID but really...if I like the plant it only matters that it's an orchid...and going home with ME!

[Vanda lover]

The oncidium alliance are mostly pretty easy and quite rewarding. Some of them have been crossed with as many as 5 other varieties to improve colour and scent etc. They do need a little more light than phals do though.
You have been warned: ORCHIDS ARE ADDICTING!

[Stray59]

bellatrix:
You may want to look at an OB members website to look at supplies and get great suggestions - web search "First Rays Orchids" - he sells supplies and has tons of tips and suggestions for the growers.
Also, look at Hausermann's Orchids in Chicago to see some really phenomenal orchid plants and supplies. They are more expensive, but they do know their stuff and they do not sell NoID orchids. There are a LOT of orchid suppliers, but these two have good sites to get you interested in other species and have good tips on growing and such.
Again, hope this helps - you already have been bitten by "the bug" - may as well help you get totally immersed!!
Steve