The Real Can't Be Faked: Common Knowledge for Identifying True and False Orchid Introductions

In orchid circles, "the real can't be faked" is an old saying that comes up often, meaning that a genuine variety stands up to the test of time and bloom, and no matter how a counterfeit is packaged, it will eventually give itself away. Because famous orchid varieties are few in number and rise quickly in value, the market now and then sees ordinary plants passed off as famous varieties, and so this saying has become a self-reminder for many orchid growers when introducing plants. Orchid identification mainly depends on the bloom and the plant type. Every legitimate variety has relatively stable petal form, color, leaf posture and leaf texture, and when introducing a plant you can check these variety characteristics one by one, such as the differences in the petals and lip of plum-blossom petals, lotus petals and narcissus petals, and the leaf variegation shown by edged leaves and striped leaves. For plants whose bloom is unstable or whose characteristics are vague, you may as well observe them for one or two more flowering seasons before drawing a conclusion. Besides looking at the plant, you also need to look at the channel and reputation. Introducing plants from a reputable orchid nursery or from orchid friends you know is often more reliable than chasing a low price; a famous variety priced clearly off the market rate is often the biggest giveaway. When you are unsure, you can ask experienced orchid friends to help you judge, and taking part in local orchid association or orchid friend exchange activities more often is also a good way to sharpen your eye. For ordinary hobbyists, the process of growing orchids is itself a form of learning. Start with the basics such as watering and treating potting medium, and grow your own plants strong and thorough; once you have seen more and bloomed more, you will naturally have the confidence to tell true from false. In the end, the real can't be faked; once your skill is there, the plant will speak for itself.