New Orchid Buying Protocol - Orchid Board

kiki-do · #1 08-30-2009, 10:49 AM

Hi All!

I'm just curious as to what you all do when you buy new orchids. Do you isolate them for a while before adding them to the others you have? Do you repot them immediately even if in bloom? Do you spray them as an added safety measure? I would love to hear what everyone's routine is in regards to bringing in newbie plants, especially those with large quantities, greenhouses, etc.
I isolate mine for a few weeks, but I have to admit that lately, if they look really good, I don't really have my guard up about it, and I think that could spell disaster down the road. What's your routine and what pointers do you have for the rest of us?

orchidbingo · #2 08-30-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiki-do

I isolate mine for a few weeks, but I have to admit that lately, if they look really good, I don't really have my guard up about it, and I think that could spell disaster down the road. What's your routine and what pointers do you have for the rest of us?

Thanks for starting this thread. I'd really like to know what the folks with larger collections do.

I isolate and I sometimes let my guard down too.

bingo

trdyl · #3 08-30-2009, 11:37 AM

My collection isn't too large. It is around 45 plants. I grow in S/H. Upon arrival I repot them immediately and give them a fungicide treatment plus insecticide if needed. I would rather sacrifice one blooming then the rest to come.

kiki-do · #4 08-30-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trdyl

My collection isn't too large. It is around 45 plants. I grow in S/H. Upon arrival I repot them immediately and give them a fungicide treatment plus insecticide if needed. I would rather sacrifice one blooming then the rest to come.

Thanks, Ted, that is what I've heard alot throughout OB from many of the expert growers here. Usually when I buy a new phal orchid, it has blooms and buds to come. It would break my heart not to be able to enjoy that bloom season. I usually separate it from the others as I don't have the guts to lose even a single bud. Other plants I would agree with you, but phals are treated differently here. Your way is the smart way, though, no doubt about it.

trdyl · #5 08-30-2009, 03:40 PM

About Phals I am sure you know that the tops can look healthy but until you examine the roots you really do not know what your dealing with. I good heathly Phal will pass though the process with minimal effects.

LauraN · #6 08-30-2009, 05:11 PM

I examine mine for signs of bugs and then just blend them in with the rest...Probably not the best advise, but I NEVER repot, unless things look drastic.
I've come to trust certain growers, and not trust others. The ones that I don't trust, or have gotten problem plants from, I don't buy from again!
I usually opt for the path of least resistance. I still have some orchids in the same exact pots and media that they were in when I bought them 4 years ago. I wait to see that there is a problem before making them go through a potting change, except for the plants that I think will do better on mounts.
Like I said, probably not the greatest advise, but it works for me!

RosieC · #7 08-30-2009, 05:26 PM

If they look OK and if they are in bloom, I can never bring myself to repot even though I think I should.

The slightest sign of a problem though and I take a look at the roots. I also repot new ones once the flowers are gone.

I think the best advise is to check out the roots but I more often than not risk leaving them.

quiltergal · #8 09-01-2009, 09:49 PM

I'm pretty lazy about new plants too. I give them a visual inspection and if all looks well I just toss them in with the rest. Once they're done blooming I repot. There are a few cases where mealies have cropped up a month or so down the line, and then I take drastic action. (Spray, repot, systemic) I've been lucky not to have a major outbreak, and I really should isolate for a few weeks at least.

isurus79 · #9 09-02-2009, 02:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LauraN

I examine mine for signs of bugs and then just blend them in with the rest...Probably not the best advise, but I NEVER repot, unless things look drastic.
I've come to trust certain growers, and not trust others. The ones that I don't trust, or have gotten problem plants from, I don't buy from again!
I usually opt for the path of least resistance. I still have some orchids in the same exact pots and media that they were in when I bought them 4 years ago. I wait to see that there is a problem before making them go through a potting change, except for the plants that I think will do better on mounts.
Like I said, probably not the greatest advise, but it works for me!

Word for word, I do the same! I really only buy from my trusted vendors and I seem to do just fine. I also rarely buy bloom size plants and usually buy seedlings or NBS plants, so they haven't really had the time to accumulate diseases or bad root systems.

Louise · #10 09-02-2009, 05:57 AM

I know one should repot when buying a new one ...but usually i never repot unless the plant is putting new roots. If ever i buy one in bloom (which has been pretty rare lately) i wait until the bloom's over and generally until new roots are coming out...unless it's obviously an emergency case. I allways thought the repot is a stressfull event for an orchid so i try to help it buy doing it when it grows..