Phals in need of care

[verian]

While shopping in Sainsburys I could not resist a look at the orchids what I saw was Phals wilting, I picked a couple up they were so light they could have blown away in a breeze, do these people not care about the flowers they are trying to sell.
Ian

[SlipperGirl]

no I dont think they care very much about the flowers, that and I dont think anyone knows how to care for them.

[WhiteRabbit]

Well, from the store's (and their supplier's) standpoint - they are a cash crop - store probably returns un-sold ones to the supplier, so it's not worth it to the store to spend time (time is money!) having someone care for the plants

[NYCorchidman]

I think some employees are slacking off their duties. They at least go around and water once a week or so.

At least the ones I've been to here in NYC, the big box stores and grocery stores where I see orchids are sold, they practice this, but when I saw it, I freaked out.

It was a communal bath!!!

---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:59 PM ----------

Then again, I understand them.
These orchids are treated as cut flowers. sold for flowers. perfectly fine.

but not so fine for those who wish to grow them for a long time in case plants pick up some disease in the bath water. lol

[The Orchid Kid]

After buying a few from such retailers and had bother with them, my view is that they are sold completely on the short term flower value. The problem is the flowers can look good on a plant for quite a while, when behind the scenes the plant is suffering from little water or a decomposed medium that remains wet for too long.

I am trying to 'save' em when I can and repot into good stuff for the long term!

[james mickelso]

I love it when people try and save orchids that have taken a beating at stores or in collections. Bravo! Bravo!

[Miggity]

Most of my orchids are the poor neglected little guys hidden on some clearance rack in a big box store. It is great to see them get healthy and even better when they start blooming again.

[The Orchid Kid]

From bitter experience some are beyond saving sometimes and I am increasingly fussy about ones that look like having a virus or serious fungal issues.

But, many neglected store orchids soon come back to life and as Miggity says is quite a thrill when they do.

[verian]

I agree that some can be saved I have bought ones out of flower from Dobbies for £1 and they are doing very well even though they have not flowered again yet.
Ian

[The Orchid Kid]

£1!!!! Total bargain - might have to take a trip there.