What the heck?? I don't understand their response.

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by rogerman

As to 6 million plants a year, 1. they won't grow them
2. I doubt that VERY much

Rogerman, they do it... it is impressive to see those 'Plants factories' - at least in the Netherlands - and tehy are the reason why you can buy Phalaenopsis NOIDs in almost every super market in Europe for just a few euros... The Netehrlands have especialized in mass plants/flowers production, and this is a large part of the incomes of this country.

I have a friend who works in the garden section of one IKEA fillial in Germany. From him, I know that they sell on average 100 - 150 Phalaenopsis per day, if you multiply by 300 days (take off sundays and holidays) you have 30 - 45 000 plants per year... and that ONLY in one Ikea...

[Swamper]

Im not 100% sure but close to 99.99 sure that the Home Depots around here do have an ID tag. The wholesalers name is on there too along with a care tag.
If you call them they are very nice about speaking to you and answering your questions.
My only problem is that since I don't go there for orchids but usually pass and look, they tend to have been there for many days and usually the roots look really bad, usually overwatered and handled rather roughly .

[priz_m]

Originally Posted by Swamper

Im not 100% sure but close to 99.99 sure that the Home Depots around here do have an ID tag. The wholesalers name is on there too along with a care tag.
If you call them they are very nice about speaking to you and answering your questions.
My only problem is that since I don't go there for orchids but usually pass and look, they tend to have been there for many days and usually the roots look really bad, usually overwatered and handled rather roughly .

I agree, I have seen a tag one or twice on orchids at HD and Lowe's but I guess they get them locally or from different vendors, so it must be a case-to-case basis. And don't give me started on the lack of care! I was sooo ofended when I took a couple phals to customer service one dry to the bone with no media and the other with a very evident case of crown rot and told them they needed immediate attention, they were 50% off the next day still 18 dlls each! the madness! one lady said they are selling the ceramic pot they come in not the orchid itself... so sad

I actually contacted Gubler (HD orchid vendor) myself because I wanted to "buy direct" and I laughed so hard when their representative emailed me back, they referred to their plant as "6" Exotics" HILARIOUS! and they priced them just as high as HD so I did not buy anything after all.

[cirillonb]

I think, the bottom line in this argument is, who is the intended customer of the large retailers and, around here, grocery outlets, it is surely not the hobbyist. At a local, higher class grocery outlet you can get a beautiful phal. for less than a bunch of cut flowers. Many people consider orchids at these prices disposable and could care less about the species or hybrid name. The do like the care tag which is on the plant or available.
If orchids had not become a commodity, we collector/growers would never be able to afford the hobby and it would have remained the joy of rich old men with their stone and glass conservatories. I just don't buy NoIDs as a matter of principle.

Nick

[isurus79]

I think HD NOIDs are great for getting people into the hobby because, let face it, most of us got started with one of these nameless creatures at some point or the other! However, after you get your first taste of "orchid delerium" most people begin to shun the NOIDs in favor of good quality orchids from local growers (or non local growers too now!) that can take the time and effort to actually help a person out with their questions. Im with Nick though, I dont buy NOIDs either.

[Ethan]

Not too long ago I was of the opinion that NOIDs should not be purchased. A couple of things have changed my mind, though:

First, the orchid board - this place makes it a lot easier to identify a NOID. In the last month I have been able to identify 2-3 of my NOIDs thanks to you guys. I realize that a NOID cannot be 100% identifiable w/out genetic testing, but it helps.

Second, I realize that I'm just a hobbyist. I have no intention of breeding in the NEAR future, so why shun a beautiful NOID when I can get so much joy out of it? If I ever start breeding, I will only breed those with id's.

As far as the vendors, it all comes down to, I think two categories - those that care about the industry, the orchid hobbyist, and orchid conservation; and those that are just out to make money as cheaply as possible in today's economy. I guess it's up to us to decide which vendor we buy from. Thanks to orchid board, we can make a more informed decision.

[Bird Song Farm]

Great post Ethan, I whole heartedly agree.

Al

[rogerman]

yes i'd agree with that totally myself

[tuvoc]

Very well said, Ethan. I have some really lovely noids, and will buy more, if they strike my fancy.

Kim

[Phantasm]

This trend is something that has been encouraged by the closure of the large orchid houses that caterered to orchid nuts and also the expansion of big pot plant nurseries that sell disposable orchids.

You get what you pay for, but for beginners this is worthwhile as you can cheaply purchase plant while you learn how to grow (and kill) them. Hopefully, in the future there will still be some commercial viability for traditional orchid nurseries. The present economy certainly doesn't help!