What does single and multiple growth orchids mean?

[Daethen]

I see orchids listed as single growth, multi growth, etc. Can someone tell me what they are meaning by this?

[orchidlady]

Without knowing the specifics of what you are looking at, it generally indicates the size and maturity of the plant. An example are Paphs They start out as a single fan-like growth, then produce more of these growths, or "fans" as they mature. Each growth only blooms once, so you need additional growths to be produced in order to get more flowers.

Susan

[smwboxer]

Usually, single means one active growth and multipule means several new growths being put on at the same time.

[Daethen]

It was a paph that triggered the question. I am always wondering if it is meaning one single plant fan? Is each single leaf considered a growth? I just need an orchid basics education I guess.

[orchidlady]

Maybe pictures will help.

Here is a Paph with a single growth


And here is one with multiple growths


Susan

[Daethen]

Well, you certainly left nothing to the imagination. Thanks!!