Hi, are these plants even orchids?

[neophyte]

Hi, I saw these plants in a greenhouse and they look like they have pseudobulbs. Are they actually orchids? If so, can you identify them?

[MrHappyRotter]

No. One is Scilla violacea. I'm not sure of the ID of the other, though you can rule it out as an orchid. It's probably a lily or allium, something along those lines perhaps.

[stonedragonfarms]

I believe that the last one is likely Albuca bracteata; both are closely related to onions if my botany is correctly remembered.

[neophyte]

thanks!

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by stonedragonfarms

I believe that the last one is likely Albuca bracteata; both are closely related to onions if my botany is correctly remembered.

Agree on second. Of the Asparagaceae family. Known as Pregnant Onion or False Sea Onion. I "think" more related to lily family than onion or allium, but can't remember for sure.

I have a forty year old Bowiea sea onion, sometimes called climbing sea onion. Similar bulb, but foliage is a lot more fun. A great conversation plant for visitors.

[estación seca]

The current correct name for the spotted-leaf one is Ledebouria socialis. It is a very easy-to-grow house plant that blooms reliably each spring. There are about a half dozen different forms with variations in size, spotting and flower stalk length. There are also a number of other Ledebouria species in cultivation; all are charming house plants.

The second one is an Albuca, but you would need flowers to differentiate between several very similar tiny species. (There are large Albucas bigger than most Crinums, with 6-7 foot / 1-1.2 meter flower spikes.) Most of the tiny species leaf out and grow in the very cool winters of southern Africa, and expect a long, warm, dry summer dormancy, dropping leaves in spring when weather warms. They will often grow weakly if watered through summer, but they usually never bloom if grown like that. Until a few years ago they were in family Hyacinthaceae but I refuse to look again until botanists stop fighting.

Don't taste any Albuca! Many are very toxic.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by estación seca

The current correct name for the spotted-leaf one is Ledebouria socialis.

+1