What determines your purchase?

[Connie Star]

Like others have said, great thread!
I've been growing orchids for a little over a year and a half. I started with what the beginner book from "Dummies" recommended, a phal. Not knowing what I was doing, I inadvertently bought a Phal type dendrobium, which just won me my first blue ribbon at the Mass Orchid Society show.
I have most of my orchids in the living room, so I look for plants that look good when they are NOT in bloom. To me the phals, most dens, masdies paphs and phrags are graceful looking out of bloom, but the catts and oncidium types do not look so good except when in bloom. I'm trying to limit the number of genera I grow, so far without much success.
In all honesty it is still the "wow" factor that hooks me and reels me in.

[another.one]

Originally Posted by jim blanford

MY WIFE...... Jim.

[natasha]

my criteria...
1. price - must be affordable to me. should fit within rm100 (usd32) if i really like and wants it. preferably below rm50 (usd16) if i like it
2. size - i prefer medium to small size plant. i won't consider if it is going to be a giant
3. can survive in my condition
4. plant is healthy and the flower have a good shape. and good roots
5. high priority in my wish list
6. i'll buy those that are rarer to get first
7. for impulse buys: cheap, fragrant, wonderful colour and shape plays important part

[natasha]

Originally Posted by Connie Star

I have most of my orchids in the living room, so I look for plants that look good when they are NOT in bloom. To me the phals, most dens, masdies paphs and phrags are graceful looking out of bloom, but the catts and oncidium types do not look so good except when in bloom.

maybe you can try jewel orchids - ludisia discolor leaves are wonderful!

[Paul Mc]

WOW, so many responses. This is great guys - I love hearing what you guys think. And I got some great ideas from you all on how to formulate my next purchase beyond the "WOW" factor, lol...

And Connie Star, I have a jewel orchid and it is a beautiful contrast to my other orchids. Bloom spikes are currently coming up - should be blooming by Christmas.

[Daethen]

This is a fantastic thread. I posted that I am still in the wow factor stage. Well, as I continue to read the posts here that is changing. I still am trying different ones to see what I can grow, but I am also starting to pay attention to what has been doing well for me and what hasn't.

So, I guess I am saying thanks to all of you who took the time to post and make me look at my own purchasing habits. Another lesson learned.

[LuizaG]

This is indeed the most enjoyable thread I read so far.

I am really a newbie to orchids having never understood or liked them until one was given to me as a gift. I felt obligated to care for it and I began to love it and wish for more, More, MORE orchids but I do not have the space at all. I nearly killed my first one as I had no idea about anything but thanks to such good information and advice on this forum, my Phal is now recovering. Having nearly killed all flowers, leafs and roots on this one I was impulsive and bought another phal in flower at that time. I learned from this purchase experience that I prefer large flowers.

I am very much limited by space and growing conditions so having more orchids would be a struggle therefore I try to not buy. When I'll have more space (new accommodation) my criteria would be:

1. I would chose one more Phal for now as that is the only orchid I know anything about. Maybe a yellow one as I have a white and purple so far. But in time I will be willing to try other types preferably bright coloured ones to create a good contrast with my white décor.

2. I would look at the roots and leafs first as I do not want to start with a sick plant. I would not go for plants that are poted in anything but clear pots.

3. Preferably a plant that shows signs of growing new roots from the base of the crown so I can repot in Semi-Hydro any time soon. I can't be bothered with bark or anything else any more - had too many problems.

4. As an impulsive buy, if I see a plant that is reduced just because the flower spike is broken but roots are healthy, or the flower spike is only growing but no flowers yet I would probably buy it as the potential of the plant looks good and it's cheap.

I recognise though that buying cheap orchids is demotivating on the long run as you feel you pay more for accessories or to cure a disease / other problem than you paid for the orchid. Also it makes it easier to give up on the plant if it has a problem. On the other hand it is better to practice on NOID plants than to kill a rare expensive one. NOID orchids are only for a time.

I try to tame the "wow" or "what pretty" effect but not sure how long I can keep this up

[LuizaG]

Although Phalaenopsis might be a beginner orchid and too banal choice for some, it is one of my favourites, not necessary for the flowers but it's silhouette when in flower. I find the way the flower spike grows somewhat curve and then hanging under the weight of the flowers looks delicate still heavily fertile, sophisticated, mysterious, unpredictable but in the same time giving a sense of calculated, winsomely calm, reminding me of the Japanese cheery trees in bloom in spring.

[alsorchids]

Yes, this is a very enjoyable thread to read. I can still impulse buy, and I still wonder if some of the Vanda type orchids are mean't to be here. That being said I am also still experimenting and I am adapting my greenhouse enviroment to my warm growing orchids as much as I can. I understand that this is the essence of horticulture. We are all to one extent or another horticulturists. At first I bought for color or pattern. Now i buy for something I really like, but also for health and vigor. I am very interested in how many growths the orchid has and especially how many new growths there are. Yes good looking roots matter. Lastly I like a couple others I have read, buy paying attention to when the orchid is likely to bloom so I can have flowers all year long.

[fotofashion]

I guess I am fortunate in that there are several growers in the general area so I buy what they sell knowing that, unless I am really neglectful, they will probably do OK.
I have bought on line and, for the most part, done OK there too.
I do love intergenerics but lately I have noticed so many that look so much alike that I have kind of backed off from them unless it is really different.
Price enters in of course.
I have plenty of room although that might get tight if I continue buying plants at the present rate.
I need to get more educated as to the needs of the plants I already have. Just why does that NOID Brassavola hybrid I have had for several years not bloom? It grows new pbulbs like crazy.
I'm waiting for Den. Enobi Splash that a local grower is getting soon. That's one lovely flower.
I did the Phal. rescue thing but I'm over that. I have 4 or 5 poor neglected plants that desperately need repotting. I will, perhaps, buy a couple more species Phals. depending on price and looks-the cute factor.
This has been an interesting thread for its thoughtful replies. Makes you think as to your own motives for buying that next plant or two.
Beverly A.