Orchid Identification Resources for Beginners: Books, Websites, Societies

11 Orchids, Multiple Genera—Need ID Help

Phals, Den./Phals (?), possible Cattleya, Zygopetalum 'Sunflower'. Emotionally committed before learning care differences.

Top Resources

1. American Orchid Society (AOS) website — sketches, culture sheets for common genera. Google "AOS orchid culture."
2. Book: Home Orchid Growing by Rebecca Tyson Northen (Prentice Hall) — comprehensive, readable.
3. Local garden centers/libraries — browse orchid sections.
4. Google specific genera — "Cattleya culture," "Zygopetalum care," etc.
5. Plant tags — save every tag; research the name.

Best Learning Accelerator

Join a local orchid society. Use Orchid Mall → Societies → your area. Meetings = live plants, demos, mentors, bulk buys.

Critical Insight

Your listed genera have radically different needs (light, water, temp, rest periods). ID first, then tailor care. You've adopted a zoo—learn each species' language.