Question
QUESTION: My mom received an orchid as a gift about 7 years ago. It had flowers at that time but has not bloomed since. I did not see the flowers, so can't describe them and she doesn't remember what they looked like. The leaves grow in clusters, with new growth emerging from the center and are "canoe" shaped when they are young.  The leaves are medium to dark green, thin, long and narrow.  One of the longest is 9"long x 1.5"wide. Some of the leaves appear partially wrinkled, some horizontal, some vertical. At the base of the oldest growth are blades which are very "cactus" looking, oblong with longitudinal ripples. I posted a picture on the orchid forum at davesgarden.com, and two people replied with possibly Brassavola or Miltonia.  It is difficult to look for on the internet as most websites have pictures of the flowers but not the foliage.  From what I have been able to find, it does not look like Brass. but does resemble some Miltonia I have seen. Any help would be appreciated.

ANSWER: Sheri, I went to the website you recommended for viewing and went back two yesrs in time without finding your picture.  Did you use "Sheri" as the topic starter?  Miltonias have very thin leaves like blades of grass but wider and longer.  If not grown properly, they will have some horizontal wrinkes in some of the leaves. The leaves start out with a bilateral fold and unfold as they grow to reveal a bilateral leaf. The dimensions you measured are not unusual for Miltonia's.  If you posted it under a pseudonym or other name, that might help me locate the picture. Another possibliity is a vanda orchid with leaves much thicker than miltonias but much longer than wide. If you haven't checked the American Orchid Society (AOS) website, they have stetches of many of the more popular orchids under their "culture" section.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks. I actually posted it here:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/800650/
If this link doesn't work, my screen name at Daves Garden is "outtamygourd" and the topic starter is "Can Anyone Help Me?" Based on what you've said so far, I am really leaning strongly toward Miltonia, but would welcome any further input.  Thank you so much.

Answer
Hopefully, you already have my followup answer, but if not here it is again.

In the picture the plant appears to have near spherical pseudobulbs.  You can confirm this by looking at the plant.  If this is the case and the leaves are long, narrow, and thick it is likely that it is an Encyclia.  Flowers on Encyclias are small, occur on branched spikes and are very fragrant.  Encyclias like lots of light and warmth.