Small budget? No problem! - Orchid Board

Hawaiian_Guy · #1 06-22-2010, 01:46 PM

Raising orchids can sometimes be a rather costly endeavor for the beginner, but it doesn't have to be. Trust me, I've known friends that maybe just wanted one plant, go out and spent say $25-50, only to mess up on it's husbandry later on and then the poor plant dies. I gotta be honest, that breaks my heart. So that being said, you could say I'm an orchid rescuer. By that I mean, I always buy poor, sickly looking plants. The ones that vendors usually want to toss into the garbage. Now here's the thing, like today for instance. I'm walking through Home Depot and I catch a vendor chucking orchids into a shopping cart. Literally tossing them. I wasn't even in there for orchids, but the mistreatment of those plants caught my attention. Well I asked the lady what she was gonna do with 'em and she said she was getting rid of 'em. Well, I took a few off her hands, but I did end up paying a paltry sum; $12 for 3, since she saw dollar signs hanging over my head, lol.

Anyways, what I'm trying to get at is not to be afraid to purchase a plant that looks like it's on it's last limb. You can barter with the manager or vendor and get them for half or maybe even a third of it's original price if it's missing flowers or it looks like it's gonna die. I know, I know, who'd want that? Well, anyone that can see past a sad looking plant and know that with a little TLC it can be brought back. I've scored a lot of orchids that way, saved a lot of money, and had the pleasure of saving and enjoying one of the most beautiful plants nature's given to us. Try it sometime, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

grasshopper · #2 06-22-2010, 03:14 PM

I do this myself, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I still consider myself a beginner and rescuing orchids has sort of been my way of learning what to do to bring them back to life. I figured if I know how to revive them, then I'll know what NOT to do so as not to kill them. I have several NOID phals and dendrobiums that are big box clearance items and they have been the most rewarding plants. They have not rebloomed, but they've rewarded my TLC with new roots, new leaves and new pbulbs. I am easy to please and new "anything" excites me. Hoping that they'll bloom for me this next year.

I may not have the classiest orchid collection, but it's a colorful one and I love 'em all. And the fact that it's not been a budget breaker of a hobby thus far is a plus!

Welcome to OB Hawaiian Guy!

Call_Me_Bob · #3 06-22-2010, 04:22 PM

same thing as both above!1 that it totoally my position

RosieC · #4 06-23-2010, 06:43 AM

It's a great way, especially if you want to learn how to keep them healthy... practice on the cheap ones. I've done it with loads of NoID Phals and I'm going to use some of them to practice new techniques now.

Just need to make sure you don't blame yourself if they die... if you start out with a discount one and it dies then it's very likely not your fault.

Ray · #5 06-23-2010, 08:48 AM

Personally, I think it's foolish to buy weak plants if you're just learning how to care for them. If they get worse or die, you don't know if you're doing the wrong things or if it was just too far gone to make it in the first place.

I do agree, however, that buying a plant because you like the looks of it, but without knowing how to grow it properly is equally foolish.

There are plenty of healthy plants on the market than can be had for considerably less than $25-$50, so you're better off starting with those than with weaklings.

However, orchid growing is not the least-expensive hobby out there, so if your goal is not to spend money, don't start!

Hawaiian_Guy · #6 06-23-2010, 10:43 AM

I can see your point Ray, but there's usually at least 2 prerequisites I have before I buy a weak plant. One: I'll inspect the roots. If they're there and look decent, Ok. Two: I check the leaves not only to see if they're plump, but to see if any rot or fungus is present or developing. You see, as far as places like Home Depot, Lowe's, K-mart or wally world are concerned. The plant's no good without a spike of flowers. I also know that they're not the greatest when it comes to the care of orchids so in turn they're neglected by way of decreased watering. Maybe I should correct myself and say I buy the weaker plants, yes that's it. They're not dead, but to the untrained and unconcerned eye of those only wishing to make a quick buck on orchids they are and that's the benefit. Saving a plant that otherwise would die utterly and saving a few bucks while doing so.

Tropicgirl · #7 06-23-2010, 01:44 PM

I feel the same way, Hawaiian guy. About a quarter of my collection came from various discount racks. That is how I started learning how to care for them. In some opinions that may have not been the best way to learn but it was the only way for me. I have a rescue heart, whether it is plants or animals, and will try to save what I can.

Discount orchids are also a great way to increase a collection if you're on a budget. I don't think anyone is setting goals to not spend ANY money, but with the economy as it is I, for one, am trying to save as much as I can. You really don't have to spend a fortune to start growing orchids, it's not the least expensive but it sure as heck isn't the most.

orchidsamore · #8 06-23-2010, 02:43 PM

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.

Ray · #9 06-23-2010, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawaiian_Guy

I can see your point Ray, but there's usually at least 2 prerequisites I have before I buy a weak plant. One: I'll inspect the roots. If they're there and look decent, Ok. Two: I check the leaves not only to see if they're plump, but to see if any rot or fungus is present or developing.

But those mark you as far less of a beginner trying to learn than you implied earlier! A newbie wouldn't necessarily think to look at those factors.

cb977 · #10 06-23-2010, 03:21 PM

Even as a newbie, I didn't go looking for lesser-quality plants...less expensive, yes...not healthy, no.

...and even as a newbie I did

Quote:

One: I'll inspect the roots. If they're there and look decent, Ok. Two: I check the leaves not only to see if they're plump, but to see if any rot or fungus is present or developing.