What are the odds - Orchid Board

The Mutant · #1 04-16-2012, 12:47 PM

of walking out of your local store, sauntering over to the display window of the little florist shop across the tiny square, and there spotting one Phalaenopsis hybrid you never thought you would ever lay eyes on in your life?

I don't know the odds, but one thing is for certain, tomorrow I'm going to buy a Phal. Hilo Lip, or at least a hybrid that looks like one, anyhow I don't care! I love the dark pink flowers with their almost pure white lips!

So, despite the flowers being big (which I normally don't like) I will add one of these darlings to my collection tomorrow.

I'll post pictures of it as soon as I've brought it home!

EDIT:

Here it is! My newest darling! And MAN, look at those roots! I don't think it's a P. Hilo Lip, but rather a similar hybrid, but it doesn't matter, it's gorgeous anyway.

This is now my largest Phal (except the size of the leaves, I have two that beat it in that area) in all categories. It's just...wow...

Pilot · #2 04-16-2012, 02:32 PM

Hilo lip is awesome. She is not the most vigorous of hybrids but she's beautiful. There is a similar hybrid called Madonna, I believe. I have this one and it's much stronger but not quite as lovely as Hilo lip.

The Mutant · #3 04-16-2012, 03:00 PM

Yeah, I know. I read on the BLO forum that Hilo Lip is one of the most inbred hybrids there is which is why it isn't as vigorous. I'm not sure that it is a Hilo Lip, but whatever it is, it's similar enough to make me buy it.

Since I've no idea when the shop opens (there was no sign indicating the opening hours) I'll go down there tomorrow armed with a book in case I'll have to wait. Some people camp outside movie theaters while other camp outside florist's shops.

I expect to come home with maybe two of this hybrid (in case my friend wants one too) and a cold butt.

isurus79 · #4 04-16-2012, 10:49 PM

I enjoyed my Hilo Lip quite a bit before I had to sell it!! It liked a bit higher light than most Phals, which may account for slower growth seen by people who may grow it too dark. Absolutely gorgeous flowers though!!

WhiteRabbit · #5 04-16-2012, 11:30 PM

awesome - I hope you will post a pic ?

I once had the very good fortune of finding a very large Neofinetia (TEN fans! and I suppose Amami Island variety, which is larger than standard) at a retail nursery that sells orchids. Was already an awesome price for such a large, well grown Neo (especially compared to their prices for other orchids, especially the noid Phals and Dens), and because it had finished blooming they gave me a discount as well!

And since I had rode my bike there (figured I was safe from buying orchids that way), being a Neo, I was able to easily get it home anyway

quiltergal · #6 04-17-2012, 02:34 AM

I love my Hilo Lip but it is very slow growing. I'll try your tip Steve and move it to a brighter location on the shelf. Thanks!

The Mutant · #7 04-17-2012, 05:27 AM

It's now home and it's gorgeous!

ElenaMarie · #8 04-17-2012, 10:16 AM

Gorgeous!!!!!

I couldn't have resisted it either.

I found a local orchid dealer who has freaking HUGE milts and phals out the wazoo and lots more. It's a good thing I didn't have the credit card or check book when I went in there!