New Orchid Buying Protocol

[Bolero]

I throw them in with all the other plants. No worries.

[b amateur]

Reputable dealers,close inspection[roots and greens],that pretty well does it for me.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I'm a real stickler for repotting or remounting no matter who it comes from. Even Andy's Orchids or Tropical Orchid Farm.

Experience time and time again has handed me lessons from the school of hard knocks.

Even these reputable sellers sometimes either grow their plants in incorrect media that does not offer the plant the opportunity to thrive in the long run, or are grown in a way that doesn't suit me (or you).

Repotting also offers the opportunity to check out the condition of the roots. And even places like Tropical Orchid Farm can mess this up.

Unless you have a microscope and a lab, it's difficult to tell whether a plant is "clean" or not. Bacteria is microscopic and so are fungal spores. Viral particles are also microscopic. What you see with the unaided eye is the damage done to the plants by the presence of these micro-organisms.

[Charmkp]

It's best to isolate for at least a week, but I usually don't do that especially if it's in bloom. I only repot when the bloom is off and if the medium is broken down after a purchase. However I have a bi-weekly treatment routine so if there is any problem with the new plant, it would have been taken care of during treatment.

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by Charmkp

It's best to isolate for at least a week, but I usually don't do that especially if it's in bloom. I only repot when the bloom is off and if the medium is broken down after a purchase. However I have a bi-weekly treatment routine so if there is any problem with the new plant, it would have been taken care of during treatment.

Would you mind sharing your bi-weekly teatment routine? Sounds interesting. Inquiring minds want to know. That would be me!

[Hedge]

I admit to not isolating although if it is a sick looking rescue orchid I will almost certainly repot and keep away from my choice items. I have only so many places I can put them at this time of year, so they have to take their chances - but my collection is quite small and in three rooms and a greenhouse!

[nhman]

1) I only buy for trusted growers
2) When all plants come in they are isolated.
3) They are all tested for viruses.
4) They are all repotted and then both the plant and roots sprayed with fungacide and insectacide with mitacide.
5) Then they are allowed to mingle and play with the others in my collection.

I have found that this reduces my collection's exposure to bugs and disease which causes me to expend excess energy and emotion in fixing trouble and -therefore - less time to enjoy the beauty of these plants.

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by nhman

1) I only buy for trusted growers
2) When all plants come in they are isolated.
3) They are all tested for viruses.
4) They are all repotted and then both the plant and roots sprayed with fungacide and insectacide with mitacide.
5) Then they are allowed to mingle and play with the others in my collection.

I have found that this reduces my collection's exposure to bugs and disease which causes me to expend excess energy and emotion in fixing trouble and -therefore - less time to enjoy the beauty of these plants.

How do you test them for viruses?????

[Charmkp]

Originally Posted by kiki-do

Would you mind sharing your bi-weekly teatment routine? Sounds interesting. Inquiring minds want to know. That would be me!

I live in the tropics and therefore have ideal conditions for growing orchids, but we also have various pests and diseases.
My bi-weekly treatment include the use of an insecticide, fungicide/bacteriacide/virucide, with a sticker(dish washing liquid works for me), some fertilizer (20/20), and a drop of harmone (superthrive). This mixture keeps away most disease and pest.
I do skip a week or two sometimes, but I find when I do for too long the new shouts(growth) tend to suffer from pest damage.
I sometimes use a mixture of blended garlic and dishwashing liquid, when I want to ease of the chemical usage. I also rotate what I use to prevent resistance, and chemical overuse.

[nhman]

I test for viruses with Agdia test strips.
These test for the two most common categories of viruses that orchids may have. It's a simple test to do and the results are available within minutes. Not perfect, but better than most options. Although there is some expense involved (not THAT great compared to the cost of our orchids!!!) I believe that it's worth it to protect my collection.
I also make liberal use of hand sanitizer between touching plants and flame any tools that have contact with my orchids after use.
Probably over the top - I'll admit it!!