Remarkable Run In With A Blunt and Inaccurate Bore

[MattWoelfsen]

On another website a member asked for suggestions of bean leaf Neofinetia. He asked for pictures too. Since no one nominated Yodo-No-Matsu, I posted my plant and opined that it was a very easy plant to grow and to flower. I further stated it was a larger bean leaf.

The next posting was from a person who easily expresses opinions on the forum, here is what she wrote: "Matt, what you have pictured, to me is not a bean leaf. It is not "short and chubby" enough."

Ironically, I have two Yodo-No-Matsu plants, one from Seed Engei and the other came from OrchidWeb. Two plants, two different sources, and they both have the same presentation.

So I deleted my post...which left that person's mean thread without a reference. But another member, asked what that person meant. So I explained that since I was accused of posting a plant that was not a Yodo-No-Matsu, I did not wish to continue such unwarranted speculation in my plant's pedigree.

Then the accuser replied back stating she meant no offense, explaining that no matter the type of plant, there were variations. And that she did not question my plant's pedigree, blah blah blah.

Her next post expressed anger as to why we were basically ganging up on her. And that she "was done".

You cannot express opinions without expecting push back if your statement is rude or inaccurate. I expect I would encounter another opinion if I mis-stated something that was not factual. That is part of the process of discourse.

I would certainly not accuse someone else for mis-stating or trying to pass off a plant that was another variety. Especially when the plant came from a reliable and valued vendor.

Lesson learned? Be careful what you post. Get your facts straight. Take care that you don't impinge on some one else's right to express themselves. If you offer to correct someone, do it in a kind way, don't be patronizing. And above all, don't get upset when someone calls "foul" when you over stepped.

Here is my Yodo-No-Matsu.

[AnonYMouse]

Don't mind the other person. There will always be ignorant know-it-alls and they hide behind the anonymity of the internet.

[Ray]

...and what that person apparently failed to consider is that while genetics will be a significant factor in what a plant looks like, its culture also plays a role. Two identical clones can be grown under different conditions and look different from each other.

[MattWoelfsen]

Thank you both for your valued comments. Sometimes I do buy orchids of the same variety from different sources, just to see if either plant will follow a different set of DNA instructions and develop different features.

You can tell my sisters and I are from the same batch, but one sister has reddish-blonde hair and the rest of us have brunette hair, although, I'm <alas> getting gray.

[mollycart1]

I saw the comments and thought it was extremely rude. When she was corrected, she defended herself by pointing a finger at someone.

[Leafmite]

Aw, that is a cute one! The form is just so pleasing. I really like it!

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

Thank you both for your valued comments. Sometimes I do buy orchids of the same variety from different sources, just to see if either plant will follow a different set of DNA instructions and develop different features.

You can tell my sisters and I are from the same batch, but one sister has reddish-blonde hair and the rest of us have brunette hair, although, I'm <alas> getting gray.

That neo is very cute with shorter leaf span than most. I want to get a bean leaf. This is cuter than the "typical" bean leaf neo to my eyes.

Anways, I also buy orchids or other plants of the same variety over and over to see any differences that I might find attractive. I think seed grown plants can show quite a bit of variations and it's all very interesting to witness those.

[rangiku]

Matt, that is sooo not Yodo-no-Matsu... Agree with leafmite that yours is so cute. Kawaii Yodo-no-Matsu desu!!!

Given the title, I thought you had a run-in with a bad hand tool.

[MattWoelfsen]

LOL Adrienne! That was funny. I am over it now. I did not realize how personal I took that person's comments. I know better now--I'm too invested in my plants!!

[RJSquirrel]

I think I left another orchid site I wont name bec everyone there was just as you described in the title. Just didn't have one though, had a culture of them.