mini phal - No ID - from Coles supermarket

[SouthPark]

I was just doing some quick shopping at Coles supermarket --- a regular well-known chain supermarket in Australia.

I always take a look at the small section of phal orchids at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets ----- always nice to see. I had never bought an orchid from a supermarket before. But --------- there is always a first time - which is today.

It is a No ID, which is absolutely no issue. I bought it right away hehehe.

This one really has honey-dew melon colours. And it also sparkles like there IS a tomorrow.

We can see that the other buds aren't in good shape, as it was obviously at the supermarket for some time. Luckily nobody bought it yet! Also - the plastic wrapping is still on it. I have to remove it hehe

These pics were taken in the shade, without flash, and without direct sunlight ----- and the flowers are so sparkly even under these conditions.

[Diane56Victor]

Every now and again you can find a gem.

Last year I got a few bargain phals from Bunnings on the reduced shelf $5 each. They had badly dehydrated leaves, terrible packed sphagnum and no flowers left of course but a repot, trim and some intensive hydration and they have come back really well. Huge healthy leaves, no blooms yet but that will happen with time.

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Diane56Victor

Every now and again you can find a gem. Last year I got a few bargain phals from Bunnings on the reduced shelf $5 each. They had badly dehydrated leaves, terrible packed sphagnum and no flowers left of course but a repot, trim and some intensive hydration and they have come back really well. Huge healthy leaves, no blooms yet but that will happen with time.

Totally agree Diane! Bunnings and supermarkets can certainly do some surprising.

Also - it's excellent to hear that you bought some phals from Bunnings. And rescued them. It sounds like they have really recovered very well at your place. And definitely looking forward to pics of the flowers from those phals - any time.

I go to Bunnings at least once a week - just to have a look at the phals out there!

When the timing is right, and they just-so-happen to have lots of fresh phals in ----- it is like an orchid show out there. The staff that tend those orchids - that's if there is any - should probably get some orchid training from nurseries ----- that's if they have undergone training. Such as - how to water them, and to not allow the plants to get dehydrated.

Thanks for posting again Diane!

[Shadeflower]

one of my first supermarket phals is nothing special but walking past it being in bloom for 54 weeks straight now does feel pretty special.

Siuermarket pots need to be inspected but I'm sureyou're repotting this one anyway.

If it helps I feed my phals bloom feed all year long now. That was the secret I was missing with my phals.

Otherwise very easy but I know you already have one

[SouthPark]

Originally Posted by Shadeflower

One of my first supermarket phals is nothing special but walking past it being in bloom for 54 weeks straight now does feel pretty special. Supermarket pots need to be inspected but I'm sure you're repotting this one anyway.

Shade ------ 54 weeks straight is something special indeed.

Supermarket phals and orchids are definitely as nice and special as any other orchids. They were born/raised - and took ages and cared for to get to the flowering size.

Some lucky ones - such as the one that is now in your care - are exceptionally lucky to be in good hands!

Totally agree with you shade - about the need to check out the media and potting of the supermarket phals. While the nursery growers know what they're doing - there becomes a disconnect when the orchids leave the nursery, and stay in a supermarket. The mistreatment usually beings when the plants leave the nursery.

[SouthPark]

This morning - got some direct sunlight shining on the flower. Not much difference! Still getting the nice sparkles.

Honey dew melon.