A lot of people have trouble determining the difference between the two main orchid varieties we sell. I thought I'd give you all a quick summary of how to quickly tell them apart. We often sell them mixed together, so its handy to know.
The two main varieties are Mokara and Dendrobium orchids. Of course we also sell Aranda (spider style) orchids, cymbidiums, oncidiums, phaleanopsis etc, but for some reason - a lot of people are confused beween Mokara and Dendrobiums.... so I'm concentrating on these two for the moment.
Mokara orchids are actually a hybrid between three different orchid varieties (Ascocentrum, Vanda and Arachnis). They were developed in the late 60's and are now one of the most popular orchid on the market.
They have a few distinctive elements:
1) Thicker stems is a good differentiator. They have a much thicker stem than those found on dendrobium style orchids.
2) The closed bud of a bloom is quite small and round, unlike the dendrobium which is larger, more elongated and 'bell shaped' at the base.
3) The petals on each bloom are often broader and fleshier than that found on a dendrobium orchid.
Mokara's are great for earthy and bright coloured arrangements (a lot of red, orange yellow, strong purple and pink varieties).
Dendrobium orchids are a massive genus of orchid with apparently well over 1200 different varieties created. They have been around for a while (early 1800's) so they are a very well known flower. They are the classic 'Singapore Orchid'.
The most distinctive elements with dendrobium orchids include:
1) Thin stems. They are more skeletal in the stem shape
2) Distinctive 'Bell shaped' closed buds as you can see from the picture below.
3) Slender petals on the blooms, often in more pastel and softer colour ranges than Mokara's.
Dendrobiums are great for soft colour arrangements (pinks, greens, whites, purples) and also have one of the most popular orchids - Galaxy Blue (which is real... but dyed blue during its growing phase) in its family.
I hope that helps a little more in deciphering your orchids. If you have any other questions you would like to have answered - let me know! sales@tropicalblooms.com.au