Identifying Orchids by Foliage: Few Books Show Leaves

Difficulty IDing orchids without flowers—most books focus on blooms. Need foliage references.

Limited Resources

Ortho and Sunset orchid books have some whole-plant photos but mostly common types. Uncommon species' foliage rarely shown.

Describe leaves, bulbs, growth habit for educated guess. Or consult specialty societies.

Orchids: Reblooming Clearance Orchids: Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Cattleya; Mystery Orchid Bulbs in NorCal: Likely Cymbidiums, Find Local Help; Orchids Not Reblooming: Annual Cycle & Rest Period; Can You Root Cut Orchid Flowers? No—But Here's What to Do Instead; First Orchid for an 11-Year-Old: Phalaenopsis, Books, and Cold Transport; Orchid Identification Resources for Beginners: Books, Websites, Societies; Supermarket Orchid Heat Damage: Dendrobium vs. Phalaenopsis Recovery; Colmanara 'Cherry Pop' Wrinkled Pseudobulbs: Over/Underwatering Diagnosis; Reviving Two Mysterious Dead Orchids: Basic Care and Future Selection; Orchid Types: Oncidium vs. Phalaenopsis – The Two Major Groups

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