Small budget? No problem!

[Call_Me_Bob]

i might get my head bitten off for this too, but here goes.

I agree with the two above posts. i started on



discount noids. but even when i got my first orchid, i knew that the leaves should be healthy looking the and roots green.

ive even gotten names phals on the discount rack!

[cb977]

No worries...nobody gets their head bitten off here...ever!

It's interesting to see all the different answers and explanations

[Triffid]

Oh that's all right then, wouldn't want to give any one indigestion!

[cb977]

[Gin]

Triffid good one !
I got my first Orchid from a neighbors trash pile in So. Calif 1 Cymbidium bulb it was the remains of a Mothers Day Plant .The next was a bagged Catt. in a 2 inch pot . I opened it and the tag said your plant will bloom in 4 to 5 years that was over 30 years ago I still have the Catt.
I don't see anything wrong with buying a discount plant as long as it is healthy preferably with a name .
I just did it at the Mo. Botanical Garden .

[dsrtfox1942]

Originally Posted by orchidsamore

I have to agree with Ray that you really not learning about orchids with these plants.

If the commercial grower did not think the $4 plant was worth $4 why do you? The big box stores have the right to return the plants to the grower for credit.

The big problem is that a distressed plant may take years to begin growing properly. I see many people say that the plants are growing well but have not flowered. You as a beginner will never understand why the problems exist. You are not learning.

A distressed plant that does not flower is worthless. It is not teaching you anything about orchids and discouraging good care. As long as you buy bad plants it only encourages the big box stores to continue ignoring their care.

If you only want to see roots and green leaves you can buy $2 tropical plants that are much prettier. You can buy healthy orchids for $5-7 that will bloom in a year if you frequent good nurseries. Why pay almost as much for damaged goods.

Would you buy a wrecked car just because it was cheap?

Frequent a good orchid nursery and ask questions you will learn faster and cheaper.

I'm not sure what nursery you are going to, but all of the nurseries I have ever been in have charged at least $12.99 for a basic, small size Phal. At a specific orchid nursery in Lancaster, good luck finding one under $24.99. No one should purchase a used car with out first looking into what are common problems and making sure they aren't present. Newbies should look into what is a good orchid before purchasing one. Good roots, leaves, etc. Someone who isn't going to be collecting orchids and it's just a quick fad are going to just purchase one already in bloom. So, in short, people buying "death-rack" orchids should know what makes a healthy plant before purchasing. I recently went to my local chain store and bought 6 Phals for $6.00. All have great roots and good leaves and will make great plants.

[stefpix]

A friend twice thought the Phal was dying because the flower stem dried up. Told her twice that the stem was just done blooming and what matters are the roots and leaves. Some stuff I started with from the dying rack is alive and well. A hard cane Den doubled the canes in one year. I am not interested in getitng any more hybrids like that but it is a great way to start.

I bought a Epc René Marques from a nursery at an orchid show and it dried quickly and died, nothing I could do. Bought the same in a Better-Gro bag at Lowes for less and it seems healthy and producing new growth.

I prefer to give money to the small independent seller, but it is no guarantee.

Also when you start one thing is spending $2 or 3 and another is spending 20 $ on something you are not sure you can keep alive.

[dsrtfox1942]

Originally Posted by stefpix

A friend twice thought the Phal was dying because the flower stem dried up. Told her twice that the stem was just done blooming and what matters are the roots and leaves. Some stuff I started with from the dying rack is alive and well. A hard cane Den doubled the canes in one year. I am not interested in getitng any more hybrids like that but it is a great way to start.

I bought a Epc René Marques from a nursery at an orchid show and it dried quickly and died, nothing I could do. Bought the same in a Better-Gro bag at Lowes for less and it seems healthy and producing new growth.

I prefer to give money to the small independent seller, but it is no guarantee.

Also when you start one thing is spending $2 or 3 and another is spending 20 $ on something you are not sure you can keep alive.

I also picked up a couple of the Better Gro bagged orchids. One was purchased on the death-rack for $2.50. One I purchased out right when they first came in this spring, a Colmanara Wildcat, is pushing up a flower spike now for me. I think it all comes down to education and patience. One must be educated before purchasing and patient to get it to flower. The people who want instant gratification should stick to blooming plants. Those who want a new hobby and passion, can start with what they want as long as their conditions are correct.

[stefpix]

Yeah agree, my point was also that the Better-Gro one in the bag was larger, slightly cheaper and healthier than the one I bought form the nursery at the orchid show in Jersey.
Probably most nursery stuff is great and plants from Lowes or Home Depot may get sick soon but if you look you may get lucky. I am mostly interested in species. Recently at Lowes I saw a great looking healthy Brassavola Little Stars. I was very tempted.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i got a den form the death-rack, and it had buds!! and its in great condition, about to open! there are 27 blooms in two spikes, and the thrid spike the buds havent developed enough to count.

some orchid nurseries can be very pricey, but some can be reasonable, especially if you dont buy in bloom. i got a nice phal from hausermans for $12.00 including shipping!!!