Not sure if buying is okay

[nickel525]

Hi everyone, I live in tropical South Florida and I was wondering if it was economical to buy an orchid during the winter "season". I'm considering buying an already blooming, or half blooming Phal. at Home Depot/Lowes. But I'm worried because I know it's the really the season for orchids to be blooming (unless its normal for South Fla which I don't know if it is) and my first two and only two phal orchids that I have bought...from other sources (nursery and whole foods grocery store) have died (not at the same time...two seperate situations).

Does anyone have any guidelines for me?
Should I just be paitent and wait for the spring season before I buy another orchid? I thought about buying a bulb and starting fromm scratch, but I thought that a spiked orchid might be easier to nuture.
I need all kinds of help.

[cowboy51278]

Buy whenever. Seedling, Blooming Size, In bloom.....Whatever. Just buy from a good source. I know a lot of people (including myself) have bought orchids from Lowes, and Home Depot. Generally not a good idea. Find a good local grower or even your local society. They can point you in the right direction!

Here is a link to an interesting article on buying orchids..... Why is your show attendance (or orchid society) shrinking ?

[unhappykat]

it really doesnt matter when you buy an orchid, unless its a seasonal grower, since they grow all throughout the year, for the most part. Jsut make sure its something you like and that will be suited to your area, for example dont buy cold growing madevallias for south florida or warmth loving vandas for main unles you are really ready for a challenge. Phalaenopsis are not reliant for a seasonal change to induce blooming usually they just need a drop in temperatures for the best blooming si you will often find them blooming year round in department and health stores because they can be artificially chilled so they can flower when needed and not when they feel like it.

[Sandy4453]

Phals can bloom any time of year. Winter bloomers are the most common and begin spiking when temps drop. I have quite a few Phals that also spike in summer and some that are typically winter Phals that will put out additional surprise spikes in summer as well.

If you're interested in the plant for the flowers alone then, it's a no-brainer...go get it! The reward though for most growers is maintaining a healthy plant when not spiking and helping it grow to its' full potential, that when spiking season begins, will put out spikes filled with buds. Whatever Phal you choose, can live on for years and years.

Go get the plant and come back here to the board for assistance in maintaining it. There are more how-to articles here than you'll probably ever read and loads of people to answer your questions.

Just be forewarned....you're going to get hooked!

[cb977]

Living in Florida makes it a breeze to buy chids anytime of year!

I prefer not to buy from HD or Lowe's unless they have something that looks outstanding.

The only problem you might run across in ordering online during the cooler months is the weather in the area they're being shipped out of. If you order from someplace cold, you may get a delay in shipping...but some dealers offer heat packs

[flhiker]

Hi Nickel, I live in south Florida too, and buy from the Home Depot regularly. We are very fortunate because the orchids that are supplied to the Home Depot down here are growen Locally. And delivered weekly. I don't buy the orchids that are in the bag, only the one's that are flowering.

[JennS]

Originally Posted by nickel525

Hi everyone, I live in tropical South Florida and I was wondering if it was economical to buy an orchid during the winter "season". I'm considering buying an already blooming, or half blooming Phal. at Home Depot/Lowes. But I'm worried because I know it's the really the season for orchids to be blooming (unless its normal for South Fla which I don't know if it is) and my first two and only two phal orchids that I have bought...from other sources (nursery and whole foods grocery store) have died (not at the same time...two seperate situations).

Does anyone have any guidelines for me?
Should I just be paitent and wait for the spring season before I buy another orchid? I thought about buying a bulb and starting fromm scratch, but I thought that a spiked orchid might be easier to nuture.
I need all kinds of help.

Generally, what is most economical, is buying orchids when they are not flowering. However, unless you really know which one it is, you probably should buy in flower to know what you are getting (especially at first). I like the sit back and wait approach, but also want immediate gratification, so I almost always buy something in bloom too or else I end up looking again within a couple days. I need flowers to satisfy my craving!

All that being said, economical or not, the best quality plant will probably not be coming from Home Depot or Lowe's unless purchased right after the grower delivers them. I find that within a couple days they start looking bad, getting under or overwatered, etc. Also, alot of the time the growers will have better prices anyway and can give you really good culture information. Living in South FL you are surrounded by growers so I say take the road trip and visit them! It is fun too!

Lastly, you can always buy seedlings or other not blooming size plants for less price, but that will be years before you get flowers. I think you should buy one with flowers to enjoy just in case you don't ever get to see them again. And FYI, orchids come from seeds not bulbs for future reference.

So, lastly if you do decide to go purchase from Lowe's/HD I recommend asking them when they get new shipments in and getting there that day or the next day to make your pic. I also would be careful of Phals that get left there too long as they get prone to overwatering and root rot. I think their Dendrobiums are usually pretty hardy though. Tell us what you chooose.

[JennS]

BTW, I do agree with FLHiker that they can have great orchids, I was just making my recommendations based on being a new grower and getting the best quality for your money.