who else cant stand ugly plants?

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by desertanimal

Hmmmm. I think RJSquirrel posted in the spirit of how he/she felt about his/her own collection (from the photos it looks like RJSquirrel runs a very tight ship) not about how he/she felt about other people's collections. In that regard, I think this post has really taken the conversation to a totally separate topic, and one that is unkind. Other people's aesthetics and tastes certainly don't always overlap with mine, but I would hope that others would be kind about something as completely subjective as an aesthetic and not criticize me as if there were some objective basis for such criticism. "Pretty" plants indicate good culture. $50 pots don't necessarily indicate better culture than Wendy's soda cups. And honestly, let's pretend that some poor kid who lives in a trailer who can only afford Wendy's soda cups for containers can grow pretty orchids (I am not at all presuming that ppl who grow in cups can't afford otherwise or that they live in trailers or that trailers are bad). I'd be a lot more impressed by that than by someone who can just afford to throw away all their plants that didn't fit the "pretty" category and can keep their collection looking good by buying new plants and putting them in fancy pots.

This post was the most elitist thing I've heard in a long while. I was not a fan.

Fastastically put!

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by desertanimal

Hmmmm. I think RJSquirrel posted in the spirit of how he/she felt about his/her own collection (from the photos it looks like RJSquirrel runs a very tight ship) not about how he/she felt about other people's collections. In that regard, I think this post has really taken the conversation to a totally separate topic, and one that is unkind. Other people's aesthetics and tastes certainly don't always overlap with mine, but I would hope that others would be kind about something as completely subjective as an aesthetic and not criticize me as if there were some objective basis for such criticism. "Pretty" plants indicate good culture. $50 pots don't necessarily indicate better culture than Wendy's soda cups. And honestly, let's pretend that some poor kid who lives in a trailer who can only afford Wendy's soda cups for containers can grow pretty orchids (I am not at all presuming that ppl who grow in cups can't afford otherwise or that they live in trailers or that trailers are bad). I'd be a lot more impressed by that than by someone who can just afford to throw away all their plants that didn't fit the "pretty" category and can keep their collection looking good by buying new plants and putting them in fancy pots.

This post was the most elitist thing I've heard in a long while. I was not a fan.

I agree with this post exactly, at first this thread was interesting and now it is starting to feel as if it is becoming a thread on bashing peoples style. I am a college student, I have to get creative with what I have. I don't spend 20-Up for pots its not practical for me. Nor can I throw away a plant either just because the leaves look a little bit off.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Beauty (and ugly) is in the eye of the beholder!

I have a Dendrobium unicum that, as a plant, will never win any beauty contests. That brief time when the plant is in bloom makes up for the remainder of the year, though! There are many Dendrobiums that are like this, other orchids and other plants, too!

A previous poster on this thread said it well. As long as a plant is healthy, if you don't like its looks, take it to your local OS meeting, give it away to someone that may appreciate it. Not too long ago, I was gifted a bunch of Dinema polybulbon divisions. I established a big basket with the largest division, two mounts with the smaller ones. The basket and one mount have really grown well. The other mount struggled a bit, but did recover; it was a bit "ugly", though. I decided to take it to my OS to give away. The recipient was thrilled! I'm sure it will do well for her.

[MattWoelfsen]

Unfortunate turn of events. I'm really sorry I participated.

[nikkik]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

Collecting orchids is an elitist hobby. In my circle of friends, I'm the only one who raises orchids, all of my friends love the results of my orchids--flowers, and they oooo and ahhhh accordingly. I try to encourage them to grow orchids, but they all consider orchids to be too expensive.

Umm, I would have to disagree with you about orchid growing being an elitist hobby. It can be expensive, but I've seen plenty of orchids that cost less then $10! If you go to your local society meetings you can buy cheap raffle tickets and get orchids for a couple of bucks.

In this hobby you choose to buy expensive plants, it's not a requirement. If you make that choice you are not better then any other grower. As put in a previous post, just because you can purchase expensive plants doesn't mean you can grow them.

Your friends probably don't purchase orchids, not because of the price, but probably because they are not interested in the hobby the way you are. Flowers are pretty, everyone ooos and ahhs, but they doesn't mean they want to put their time and effort into the plant to obtain those flowers.

My two year old has a collection of four orchids and by no means would I consider her or myself an elitist! Most people I know with a lot more money wouldn't even think to buy an orchid, not because of the price, but the simple fact they just aren't interested in the hobby.

I find most orchid growers to be kind and generous. Those who view orchids as an exclusive club or hobby need to do some soul searching and reevaluate their thought process because it's never nice to shun others based on economic status.

Orchid growing doesn't = rich (trust me)!

[goodgollymissmolly]

"Come on now, let us not vilify ALToronto--she is entitled to express her opinion."

So am I and I don't include calling people trailer trash an acceptable opinion for public display. If you think I'm mad as hell you are correct. ALT vilified ALT not me.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

I agree about the ugly plants, and I've just tossed a bunch that were never going to look good.

But I'll kick it up a notch or two - what about ugly windowsill displays? Mismatched dollar store plastic trays holding orchids that are growing in Wendy's soda cups? It's a short step from shabby chic to trailer chic, and judging by the photos that members here post, quite a few have gone down that step. Just sayin'.

Out of line.

[WhiteRabbit]

Mods are watching this thread. Infractions will be given for un-civil posts.


Going back and browsing this thread, I am tempted to close it...

It's fine to express an opinion - I just don't know why it seems impossible for some to do so without disparaging others .

[AnonYMouse]

After the first couple thoughtful replies (Nikkik and Desertanimal's) everything else is a pile on. Just "Like" the reply to support it and move on.

[WhiteRabbit]

Thread closed