Photos of leaves? Good Books?

[dt78]

Hi everyone,

I'm pretty new to orchids. I recently bought three orchids. They were 50% off because the flowers had already fallen off so I figured I give them a shot. Two of them are Phalaenopsis orchids, but I don't know what the third one is. It didn't have a tag. It's leaves are different though, and this brings me to my first question.

Is there any place on this forum showing the orchid types by foliage that could help me to identify the type of orchid I have?

I've seen plenty of pictures in this forum and on the internet showing different types of orchids but they always show the flower not the leaves, and since it isn't flowering I have no idea what it is.

Also, during my search I've come across multiply ebooks claiming to be so much better than books in stores, so this brings me to my second question.

What is the best book to get for information on orchids? (Are the ebooks any good?)

Thanks in advance for any help.!!!

[fred]

hi and welcome to the forum

nice to have you with all of us orchidgeeks

I hope that you enjoy your stay here with us.

If you can post a pic of the plant you are not sure about we may be able to help you with that.

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...t=orchid+books

[Vivienne]

Welcome dt78 - where are you located?? Everyone is going to ask you that question.

There are many great books available. Personally, I find books better than ebooks. Probably the best book to get is the Ortho Books Complete Guide to Orchids.

Also check out the Orchid Books thread at http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...ighlight=books

[dt78]

Sorry I didn't mention were I was from. I was going to do this before I asked for any advise on care (which I know I will be doing in the future). I live in South Dakota.

The leaves of the unknown orchid are narrower and pointier than the two Phalaenopsis orchids I got.

Note: I added a picture of the orchid I'm not sure about as an attatchment because when I try to put it in the post, it tells me something about not being able to until I have at least 5 posts. Hopefully this will work.

[mayres]

You have a dendrobium. This plant will want a lot more light than your phalaenopsis. Very different growing conditions.

[Tobi]

Hi and welcome dt78. I agree with Vivienne on the Ortho books. Either "All
About Orchids" or "Complete Guide to Orchids" are excellent books for beginners
and growers alike. Mike is correct about your 3rd orchid. It is a Phalaenopsis
type Dendrobium. Your 2 Phals need light but no direct sunlight where your
Dendrobium needs much brighter light to bloom. (An east, filtered south, or
west window). Watering conditions are different as well. The Phals need
consistency with watering. (no extreme of wet or dry), while the Dend. like
to be almost dry before another watering. I'm sure some of the senior members can help you if you need additional information. Good Luck growing!!

[kmarch]

Note on Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium

A Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium refert to a particular type of Dendrobium that bear flowers that are more full and round-ish, in some cases resembling a Phalaenopsis. The similarities stop there as Phal-type Dens are completely different from Phals and require Dendrobium care, not Phal care. Here are some representative pics:

Phalaenopsis
Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium

Cheers!

[dt78]

Thanks everyone! This helps a lot. Now I know what to look up to find information on my new orchids. Hopefully through the help of this forum I will be able to successfully care for my orchids and get them to bloom again.

Once again . . . Thanks Everyone!