Wow, saw something bizarre at Lowes...

[NeoOrchid]

Hello-

While browsing plants at Lowes I saw a large table with what appeared to be dyed royal blue phals on it! They also appeared to be from the "ice cube orchid" manufacturers because they were in the same type of packaging.

I have to say I was honestly upset to see these quite healthy appearing large very pretty phals dyed royal blue.

Those poor flowers.

Neo

[Connie Star]

They apparently inject dye into the spike. I've heard that they will come back white. However, I don't think I could stand to look at them until the flowers died and then wait for new white flowers.

[Amanda L]

I agree, it's a sad sight.

[RosieC]

There have been a few discusions of these recently. I'm not a fan from the pictures I've seen, but some people must like them or they would not be sold. In some ways the NoID phal industry is aimed at the cut flower market anyway, expecting people to throw them away when they are finished. I find that sad, and this goes along with that way of thinking

I wouldn't buy one, I want orchids for the long term and I already have a white NoID phal and that's what I would be getting long term so don't need another.

[zxyqu]

What's sad is that they often dont tell you they cheated for the blue color. It's sad they up the price for a white phal, and to those poor informed, buy them without getting the truth. Then again, they're going for like 60 bucks on eBay right now.
Didn't we all do this experiment in like 3rd grade with dye and a cut flower stem?

[Ysa]

Here is link about my blue phal story
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...blue-phal.html

[lostonthebeach]

They were at my local Home Depot about a month ago. They were removed from the shelves after three weeks. Very few sold.

[r4obert]

someone selling one on E Bay for 50.00+

[fishmommy]

those dyed phals showed up at my local grocery store. wouldn't you know it - they all were purchased within a couple of days. these mad scientists have a hit on their hands. sigh.

[cday2inflorida]

Almost as bad as juiced up fish. That whole industry of "painted" fish should be outlawed in the US. The dyed Phals should be added to that list, as well.......throw in "ice cube" culture, too.