Trader Joe's how to

[mayres]

My comments complement Marissa's - yep, I've gotten lots of great plants at TJ's for as little as $5.99. Often they have mini-phals for $7.99 and paphs too! Bigger plants are $13.99 and REALLY EXPENSIVE ones for $16.99 . Some of the stores get stock in nearly every day but as noted - GO EARLY, as depending on the particular store, they can get picked over really early. If you go later in the day you are likely to see the plants that have been there for awhile that have not been able to get any "takers".
I also repot all plants soon after purchase - I've too often found bad root systems - even from vendors that have a history of being good ones. I like knowing right up front that any issues are mine and not something I inherited.
Like all stores that carry orchids - they also tend to increase their supply during appropriate holidays - such as mother's day, valentine's day, etc. Again - GO EARLY - as close to opening as you can.
Good luck!

[nutgirl]

I have been very happy with orchids from TJ's in Chico. Good selection and price is right. They seem to use local nurseries (N. Cal) that have nice plants.

Some are labeled some are noids. Regardless, I always check the roots when I get home and repot if necessary or at least improve the root conditions until I do repot. So far so good.

[pixieStar]

I have found some amazing orchids at trader joe's and I have seen a lot of them, some even prize winners, later at the orchid shows. My mom has been more than envious the times when I point and gasp "I got that one at trader joe's months ago for 6.99"! I would recommend, just as many others have already, to check the roots and re-pot asap. A lot of times the bark around the orchids will be completely dry but there is a hidden wad of wet moss wrapped around the roots and rotting them underneath. I have killed one, and been confused by many trader joe's orchids before I figured out what was happening to my orchids that I thought i was paying so close attention to, they withered while I was unknowingly rotting the roots.

There are lots of different types and lots of very healthy orchids at trader joe's. I say choose what you like, check as best you can for healthy roots in the store and re-pot as soon as you are willing. I do lots of "trial" orchid shopping from trader joe's like; "I wonder if I could get one of these to grow. Hmmm, 6.99 I'll give it a shot.

Good luck!

[Wrebbitrocks]

i finally got on again. yes school's out and i can finally tend to my plants since im not busy anymore. since the last time i posted i killed my oncidium got a huge new one plus 4 phals a dendrobium nobile type and a paph. i was very pleased with my phals which lasted the full 3-4 months of bloom instead of the 1-2 days of life before when i first started. the dens are covered in new growths especially the nobile which has a bunch of keikis on the sides of the canes. i divided the new oncidium cuz it was overgrowing from the pot. it has lots of the eyes growing but they stopped and i have no clue why. its kinds shrivelled and the leaves are wrinkled but thats the way they were when i got it. i think its cuz its shocked from the division and transplant and im hoping itl plump up when the new growths send out roots. the nobile got spidermites one one of the growth so i chopped it off and have been cautious of any more bugs. im having a little trouble keeping the paph perked up while i figure out an efficient watering routine but until then i'l hope for the best. all the phals are fine and the one in moss is confusing with its water so i want to put it in bark. any suggestions. i want to expand my collection with some minicats since theyre said to be easy to care for. now that its summer i can get a job and buy some. still havent gone to trader joes but i will go soon. i want a taida salu phal too and a yellow one. im in need of a white one too but i'l get them when i can. well theres some of what i've been doing lately and i hope to keep finding helpful information on this site. thanks fellow orchid growers.

[Wrebbitrocks]

oh yeah. some of my plants have little black ants that leave little piles of what seems to be particles of medium(wood, perlite, coal) on the surface of wherever the pots drainage holes were on. they dont seem to be hurting the plant or crawling onto it and they just come out when i water or theyre searching for food i think.

[Amanda L]

I knew I wanted a Trader Joes here when I visited New Mexico a few years ago. I love that store, but we don't have them here in Tn!! I want that kind of variety when I go to the store!! All we have are Phals and the occasional Den! I NEED MORE VARIETY.

[cabnc]

If you are near Phoenix -- check out this orchid nursery:

Phoenix Orchids

He has some great orchids!

Charlie

[Ranchnanny]

I have purchased several orchids from Trader Joe's and have been very satisfied. At our store in Bend, OR I have found $8 orchids. Once in awhile they do have different varieties so I go back often. Some orchids I have purchased were in moss and some where in bark. I guess it depends on the grower. If its in moss its repotted as soon as possible. I always try to find an orchid that is about to bloom with good color and good healthy roots. Don't be afraid to check the roots before buying....

Good Luck
Sheridan