Quote:
Originally Posted by kaitala
I went to rescue more orchids at Lowes. In a few short days, I've learned how REALLY in bad shape these poor things are.
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Many are in terrible shape. That's why many people have recommended either picking the best plants you can find out of the lot at places like Lowes, or purchasing plants from better sources.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kaitala
What are the white fuzzy pillbug looking bugs that infest them? (I'm sure they're quite common).
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Yes, they're quite common on weakened plants.
They're mealy bugs (mealies for short).
Rubbing alcohol kills them instantly.
Ants farm these guys by the way.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kaitala
Some with NO leaves at all. It was sad. And my rescues aren't doing so well. Lost a leaf from my Phal, and one on the Den has black spots and is turning yellow.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kaitala
I need a trip to the library, and some better quality plants, I think. Probably a bad decision for a beginner to try to nurse these guys back to health, but it was worth a shot.  |
Better quality plants are always a good idea for beginner or advanced growers alike.
Here's the thing about
Phal hybrids...
They're cloned by the masses. You won't be able to save them all. If it's not impossible, it's highly improbable.
They're pretty much "manufactured". Kinda weird isn't it?
Plant biotechnology has taken agriculture and horticulture to a whole new level. Especially with the many advances in plant tissue culture (aka plant micropropagation).
They've got tissue culture down cold and they're making even further advances as we speak.
Saving these Phal hybrid clones, is in my opinion, not worth it.
This goes for pretty much many of the cloned varieties of orchid hybrids.
Saving the rarer species orchids is what is truly needed.
There will always be hybrids, especially when the species are around to produce them.
But if the species is gone, it's gone.
Here's a book recommendation, see if you like it:
http://books.google.com/books?id=K6Y...age&q=&f=false
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