Difference between Cymbidium and Oncidium

[Buttercup]

Hi everyone,
I have another newbee question. I am having a hard time telling the distinguishing characteristics between Cymbidiums and Oncidiums. Is there an easy way to tell the difference?
Thank you,
Buttercup

[Anton]

Buttercup, have a look on my Web site and you'll see the difference.
http://www.users.on.net/~op_ink/AD/Welcome.html

The plants are entirely different shapes, as are the flowers.

Hope these pikkies help.

[arleneg]

Anton, I love the Midnight Tawny Port cymbs! If only I was successful in growing cymbs, I'd have one of those. Right now, the only one I have was a gift from my mom. It's a white one (sorry...she didn't include name tag or remember...it's from a division).

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Cymbidium bulbs are pretty much symetrical around the circumferance, Oncidiums bulbs are distinctly flattened. Cymbidium leaves are alway narrow and a darker green, Oncidium leaves can be a little wider and are more dilicate.

[Buttercup]

Thank you both. The tip about the bulbs really helps (and I'll remember it) I looked at the pictures on both of your guys' websites. How cool it must be to have so many gorgeous flowers. I went to my first orchid show this weekend and loved it.

[Anton]

Get some good orchid books, study them and then, when you go to an orchid show you'll be able to recognise the various species and appreciate what the exhibitors are trying to achieve with their plants.

I went to the Spring Flower Show here in Adelaide last September and it really made a difference knowing what I was looking at, and being able to talk to the growers about their plants and what they are trying to achieve with their breeding programs.

As a result you are able to make better informed choices of plant purchases at the growers' stalls around the displays.

I am looking forward to this year's Show as I want to get some Paphs, so will be doing some advanced reading up on them.