Saw some cool NoID stuff at the grocery store

[Leafmite]

I see nothing wrong with the store-bought orchids. I often buy them as gifts and nearly all of our new Orchid Society Members were introduced to orchids through these plants. I am not sure how people would otherwise get hooked on orchids. These cheap Phals and Oncidiums, I think, are a great introduction to orchids as they are usually spectacular specimens as well as being more durable and quite perfect for those who just want to try orchids to see if they can actually grow them before making the investment into the more expensive orchids.

My first orchids came from Phipps Conservatory (Pittsburgh, Pa) around twenty years ago. They were rootless, single canes of Phal-type Dendrobiums that Phipps was selling off after a show. I bought a pair of canes and planted them in some bark I had to enrich the soil of my other plants, then forgot about them except to water them when I watered my other plants. The blooms and foliage were so unspectacular compared to my other plants that I gave them away and quickly forgot completely about ever having them. After that, someone gave me a pair of seedlings, a Vanda and Cattleya, for house-sitting while they were on vacation. Again, I was not impressed as they were not as exciting as my jasmines, citrus, passiflora or other plants that I grew. These were not the best introductions to orchids. I did not get interested in orchids until I had read the Rex Stout mysteries.

As for viruses, I have decided to do what I can to prevent them but not worry overly much. If an orchid does not grow well or shows color break in the flowers, it will be tossed. With most other plants, people value those that are resistant and productive despite being infected. I grow many of these other plants and one type even shows virus symptoms but are still very productive. I love my other plants and have decided to keep them. Maybe orchid breeders need to develop orchids that are resistant to viruses and that, even when infected, will not show symptoms.

I have been told that plant viruses are now everywhere. Neighbors might grow Hostas, trees, varigated ornamental grasses...if you have plants outside, they might be infected with some sort of virus.