Orchid price, NoId phal - Orchid Board

mandirose1 · #1 01-01-2015, 06:37 PM

I saw a gorgeous phal at Whole Paycheck a bit ago. It was $20

I was on my way out when I saw it, and the first thing I noticed was all it's aerial roots. There must have been 10 at least, and they were a good silvery light green color without too much damage, (which surprised me with it being so close and possibly banging into all the other pots.) The root system in the media looked robust and bright green. The crown was fully visible and it looked great. There were a few small purple marks on the crown. Normal? It was potted in a clear pot with bark and moss. There was quite a bit of condensation in the pot... It's in bloom, (of course,) but it's a good time of year to buy an orchid in bloom right? It had an incredibly fat, healthy looking spike.

Am I an idiot to spend $20 on a NoId phal at Whole Foods? They were right by the sliding door and it's been incredibly cold in the Denver area recently. Would it probably just fall to pieces in my 74 degree, somewhat dry home?

Raqsharqi · #2 01-01-2015, 08:32 PM

I'm a newbie, so my perspective may be different from that of others on this board. If you fell in love with the orchid and aren't planning on growing it for some competition, I don't think it matters...as long as you know what kind of orchid it IS, of course. The flowers bring us joy, and that is enough.
On the other hand, you could get an ID orchid in spike/sheath for about the same price, if the name matters to you.
It sounds like the orchid whispered your name, and the thought of that lovely flower made winter kind of disappear. Folks spend that much on a floral arrangement!

Daethen · #3 01-01-2015, 10:07 PM

I have purchased several like that with no id. It is up to you if it is important enough for you to spend the money on.

mandirose1 · #4 01-01-2015, 11:01 PM

I decided to go back tomorrow and pick her up! Also, I'm going to do it without my kids because it was kind of hard to concentrate with a 3 year old tugging on me!

I want to make sure I'm not bringing an hitchhikers home that'll destroy my mini phal.

LovePhals · #5 01-01-2015, 11:05 PM

I think you should get it. I did that at Trader's one day. I waited seveal days before going back, but when I did I was so thrilled they still had it. It wasn't in that great of shape so I ended up cutting the spike off after a month so it can focus energy for the spring on roots/leaves.
I don't think you will regret getting it, just not getting it!

mandirose1 · #6 01-02-2015, 12:29 AM

I'll post a picture when she's home.

Leafmite · #7 01-02-2015, 01:59 AM

My policy is to buy what makes me happy. After all, isn't that the true purpose of flowers?

My Green Pets · #8 01-02-2015, 04:46 AM

First of all LOL at "Whole Paycheck" as I have not heard that before!

About the Phal, go for it, but I am a little concerned about what you said about it being right by the door and getting that cold draft. I can't imagine the flowers will last long under those conditions, even after you get it home.

My local grocery (Kroger) has their flowers right in front of the door as well. The christmas cactus I bought in bud has dropped every single one without opening first!

Kailyn · #9 01-03-2015, 12:13 PM

be careful is transit. most orchids i pick up in bloom in winter have blasted due to getting them in and out of the car. I try to get them when it is mild out now only.

mandirose1 · #10 01-03-2015, 01:29 PM

Good tip!

I just got the chance to go back for her today and, of course, she was gone. Damn kids keeping me chained to the house. lol
I learned my lesson on that one; take your butt back in line if you see one that gorgeous again. I half entertained getting another, but none of them were as nice.