I rescued a Oncda. Oh, boy!
While at a home improvement store this evening, I took a stroll around the orchids. I normally refrain from retail purchasing primarily because of their prices, but also because of the overall condition of the plant. I have, however, rescued 2 from a different retail chain, and have successfully bounced them back. Anyways, tonight I found this orchid. It was by far in the worse condition I have ever seen in a store. My daughter was with me and insisted we try to save her. I looked at the price- $25- (I pay $12 for healthy jewels at the farmers market.) I looked back at the plant. (Not feeling too good about this one) So, I asked the garden cashier about the policy regarding dying plants. She walked with me and looked at the orchid. She stated that it didn’t look too bad, and would probably come back. I asked if she knew orchids? She looked puzzled. So I showed her a healthy one for comparison. Seeing there is an issue- she said she’d be sure that the manager saw the orchid so they can talk to the vendor who comes in once a week to tend to them. She went on to say that they can get a credit from the vendor, then discard the plant if it does not make it. But they do not give a discount to the customer. Off she went with the plant. I go in to the store to check out, and have my daughter in my ear…”why aren’t you saving her? They don’t care about her… they just want their money.” (She’s 10- and right) So I went to the manager and told him about the orchid. He pretty much repeated what the cashier said. And almost seemed put out that I was even talking to him about it. I explained wanted to try to save the plant because it will die if not tended to. But paying full price was hard given its condition. Then quickly asked how much credit they would get from the vendor…the full $25? He got on his walkie then offered it for $10. I thanked him and asked if he’d like to see the plant and the problem to discuss with the vendor…he said NO. (jerk)
My initial impression was that it’s been under watered based on the shriveling. But after I got it home, maybe it’s been over watered as there is a lot of black. It is wet now- once I got back to the garden section, the cashier had watered it. It has 2 spikes; a bunch of dead flowers on one and several dead with 4 surviving flowers on the other. (It’s pitiful). I’ll know more tomorrow after I look at the roots in the daylight. Got my hands full with this one...
I apologize for the flash/lighting/shadows on the photos, but I wanted to get these up here as soon as possible. Any opinions are welcomed. Thanks…
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