Question

Orchid   Hello Rick,

My grandfather used to grow orchids on trees, and I've always wanted to do the same. I'm just too scared to kill the beautiful orchid :-(. So I decided to take the first step, and I got this one you can see in the atached pic, which I'm planning to move to a tree in the front of my house. I started reading online about how to do it, but then I read that some species of orchids are meant to grow on the soil/ground, while others can grow on trees. I don't know if this one is suitable for the tree... Would you please tell me the name of this species? Greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Richard

Answer
Richard
I would need numerous more pictures (different angles, wholeplant, flower close-up, etc.) of you orchid to even begin...There are thousands of species and hybrids of orchids...Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis and Oncidium are the most common orchids sold...It helps to know from what tropical area they originated...Unfortunately the easiest way to ID orchids is when you buy them by asking the sales people what they are or reading the label originally put on the plant...Without that info you can only guess by comparing it to orchid plant photos...

Type "orchid identification" into your search engine...You need to have your orchid in front of you so you can compare the various plant parts (leaves, stems, buds and especially flowers - number of them & color) to orchid identification chart pictures. It may take hours to find one similar to yours...Make sure the flower matches yours (straight or frilly edges, color location, size and shape...Then compare the leaves, stems, roots, etc...

Sorry I could not be of more help...Let me know if you are able to match it...Most orchids will grow in a good orchid potting mix or properly placed on a tree...

Good luck,
Rick in southern NJ