"Strategies" for "rescuing" orchids from grocery stores/big box stores

[The Orchid Kid]

I did try to pull it back to the OP query (but then I went off a bit too!).

The King is right - that sticky is very useful.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

Maybe the moderators can delete this thread as it is not adding anything new to the discussion. But I have gotten some good info and enjoyed the debate. I like to see spirited discussions here. It makes it interesting. Thank you all.

Threads are never deleted unless it goes completely off track in a very very bad way. Usually troublesome threads are simply locked and extremely offending posts deleted. No reason to do that for this thread though. If you don't want to participate in it anymore you can also turn off email notifications for it.

[quiltergal]

Decided not to reply.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Decided not to reply.

probably for the best I think we have all gone at it long enough and all we are doing is making each other upset.

[The Orchid Boy]

Don't shoot me!

I loved watching this thread... and its arguments. I didn't particpate until now & I agree with both sides in certain ways. I got my first 3 orchids as rescues and then started collecting species orchids and now I don't buy anything unless it has a tag. I am a student on an extremely limited budget ($55 or less a week), but I manage to buy almost all my orchids from small growers who do most of their own breeding, a lot are unknown or are unfamiliar to most people. If you get to know the small growers and are loyal to them, they get to know you and you get to know them, they might start including freebies in your orders. I did recently get a Dend. lindleyi from a Lowes as a "bag baby" and since it was in its dry resting period, it was in perfect shape and I'm going to be mounting it soon.

[LadySoren]

Am I able to delete or rename this thread (I started it. Lol)?

I, too, agree with both sides, but I kind of want it to end. I can say something completely inappropriate if you'd like. (Joking...)

[The Orchid Boy]

Originally Posted by LadySoren

Am I able to delete or rename this thread (I started it. Lol)?

I, too, agree with both sides, but I kind of want it to end. I can say something completely inappropriate if you'd like. (Joking...)

It seems that this thread is dying down. Just leave it be, unsubscribe from it if you want, and eventually this thread will get pushed off the first page of the "Beginner Discussion".

[Fernando]

Strange.
For all who rescue, just be VERY careful for the rescued plants may be not healthy (specially those found in composting areas near botanical gardens, big nurseries etc. Even in shops, the last plants often are infected with fungi, due to no ventilation and bad light. Once you have had the experience introducing unwanted diseases (and pests btw) into your healthy collection, you'll leave the plants where they are...
And if you rescue, maintain a severe quarantaine to make sure the rescued plant is ok.

Fer

[Rowangreen]

That's good advice from Fernando. Though in the UK I find plants from the supermarkets seem very 'clean' (ie no bugs or nasty diseases) even if in bad condition. The only infected plants I've had have been from other sources, including my society and Columbia Road market in London.

---------- Post added at 11:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 AM ----------

PS: I was finding it quite intriguing that I'm seeing a bit of a cultural difference between the US folks and us in the UK... but maybe I better not go there

[camille1585]

Same here, most plants I see needing rescue have nothing wrong with them other than the fact that they out of bloom, or maybe have root rot. As to insects/diseases, I wouldn't even buy a 'good' plant in that condition (for reasons cited by Fernando) so I'm certainly going to avoid rescuing a plant like that too.