How to tell what type of orchid I have
 

I received a lovely white orchid for Valentines Day in 2010. It bloomed even more beautifully in 2011. I have read that I should replant it in fresh mix but seem to different instructions based on the type of orchid it is. I am clueless on that topic. Starting from ground zero, except that I apparently don't have a ":dunno:black thumb."

Well you must be doing something right, if it has not only survived 2 years but has bloomed for you! Read this:

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ends-here.html

:)

im guessing its a phalaenopsis.

Whoops, forgot to say it's probably a Phalaenopsis. Lol, thanks Bob.

:rofl:

I'm guessing that your guess is based on the popularity and availability of the Phal. But how do I tell, the shape of the leaves, size of the plant, type or shape of the blossoms? Is there a good reference book or something on-line with photos or descriptions. Kind of like the Audubon Field Guides?

so...wheres the pictures?

Google is your professor.
Phalaenopsis Amabilis, the beginners dream orchid.
It's so tough it's Tennessee proof ! By choice !

Once you've seen a couple of different orchids, you'll start to pick up on the differences between different kinds of orchids. In terms of getting to grips with what orchid is what quickly is pretty tricky - with something like 30,000 species...

However, there are certain types of orchids that are more common that others - the things you can find in stores easily. Your orchid is almost certainly a phalaenopsis - a picture of it would mean we could nail it down for you in a moment (leaves and flowers).

In terms of figuring it out on your own, take a note of the following: (google the terms if they're unfamiliar!)

1) Is it monopodial or sympodial?
2) Shape of flowers
3) Shape of leaves
4) Shape (or absence) of pseudobulbs
5) Overall growth habits

Then compare them with other named plants, and you'll be there pretty quickly.

One thing you'll quickly come across is "alliances" - these aren't really taxonomic groupings per se, but they are useful in figuring out what plants you have, and what conditions they will probably need! Have a look at pictures of plants from different alliances, and you'll find your Orchid ID Eye will get better fast :)

Of course, when it comes down to IDing the exact species you're dealing with (and even more tricky with one of the 100,000+ hybrids, many of which look similar) it can be difficult to get an exact, accurate name - this is why so many plants are NOID - and will remain that way - particularly common plants like Phalaenopsis that don't come with accurate labels (beyond "Phalaenopsis" or "Orchid"!) - what you'd ideally have is a label with the exact species or hybrid on it. I haven't been dealing with orchids for all that long, but I can figure out roughly which group an orchid is in a couple of moments (although sometimes I come across something unusual and I have to look at a label!). You'll soon find you'll be merrily assigning things to "phalaenopsis" "cattleya" (or one of the alliance inter-generic hybrids) "pleurothallid" etc just like the next orchid-nut from just a glance. :)

Good luck!

Go to Walmart, look at some Phals and see if yours resembles them. That would be a good start.