Where to Start... - Orchid Board

chucknora · #1 10-11-2012, 11:22 AM

So, I just posted my introduction, and figured I'd get right to the heart of why I joined. I have never properly taken care of an orchid before. But I have recently begun to have a new appreciation for their beauty.

So I'd love to learn!

My question is, is there a best orchid for beginners? My Publix (supermarket) across the street sells them in the produce section (with the other flowers). $12.99 for a little potted orchid. Most have 3-5 flowers on the stem. I almost bought one, but wanted to look into caring for it first. And see if a supermarket orchid is a good investment.

Suggestions?

cbuchman · #2 10-11-2012, 11:28 AM

While you are learning, the supermarket is a great place to get inexpensive orchids. Just make sure that the plant is healthy. Most likely, it is a Phaleaonpsis, and there is a great thread on this Board about care for Phals.

Before buying, look for leaves that are light to medium green and hopefully you will be able to see some roots which should be silver or green with green tips. If the roots look mushy or the leaves are yellow or brown, then it might not be the best choice. And, of course, you have to love the blooms!

Good luck and once you have your first baby, take a picture and post it on the Board so we can all help you be successful; we all like to share our flowers.

Findish · #3 10-11-2012, 11:33 AM

When I first started lurking in the Safeway floral department trying to decide whether to start growing orchids, the flower attendant told me that the orchids would be going on sale in a couple of weeks. I waited for the sale and have not paid more than $10 (sometimes only $5).

Silje · #4 10-11-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chucknora

So, I just posted my introduction, and figured I'd get right to the heart of why I joined. I have never properly taken care of an orchid before. But I have recently begun to have a new appreciation for their beauty.

So I'd love to learn!

My question is, is there a best orchid for beginners? My Publix (supermarket) across the street sells them in the produce section (with the other flowers). $12.99 for a little potted orchid. Most have 3-5 flowers on the stem. I almost bought one, but wanted to look into caring for it first. And see if a supermarket orchid is a good investment.

Suggestions?

Hi and welcome to OB!

Well, why not? I think most of us have a supermarket orchid or two in our collection. Personally, I'll have to admit that the majority of my plants are mass produced no id hybrids picked up that way. That's mainly because I don't have access to good nurseries, but we've all been there. And I'd say that supermarket orchids are perfect to start off with because you can afford to do some trial and errors and the losses are not going to give you sleepless nights.

I've got absolutely no idea what kind of orchids your supermarket stock though. And I was initially thinking that one could hope for more flowers and/or buds (than 3-4) if they are the normal phals or oncidiums.

A good beginner orchid? Hmmm...it depends. Some do well with oncidiums (I suck at that and am absolutely lethal to those) and some start with a phalaenopsis or moth orchid. I'd put my five cents on a phalaenopsis.

Before you actually buy one, I should warn you that they are addictive and have potential to completely take over your house and empty your wallet.

Good luck!

chucknora · #5 10-11-2012, 11:43 AM

Awesome! I'm pretty sure they are Phaleaonpsis as well, and they may have more blooms, I tried not to look too much, as I am very impulsive and would have purchased it then, lol.

My supermarket has a variety of colors, and I've seen some I really like. Maybe I'll pick one up this weekend, and have my first of many

tucker85 · #6 10-11-2012, 11:50 AM

Welcome to Orchid Board! I see you're in Florida. Where in Florida are you located? Do you want to grow orchid indoors or outdoors?

chucknora · #7 10-11-2012, 11:52 AM

I live in Pinellas County. I want to start indoors, but eventually I would love to have some outdoor orchids as well. With the baby it'll just be easier to take care of indoor plants.

Also, attached is the orchid I killed. I was devastated! And haven't tried again since (couple years).

tucker85 · #8 10-11-2012, 12:13 PM

Phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums are good indoor orchids that don't require much light. Orchid societies can give you a lot of information about local growing conditions. You can attend meetings as a visitor without paying anything until you decide to join or not. There are two near you. Here's a list of meetings in your area.
FLORIDA WEST COAST ORCHID SOCIETY