Gifting a Phalaenopsis

[jwpotter]

I am very much a novice in growing orchids, but in the last year I have learned so much at our society meetings and on the Internet. I have found the Orchid Board especially helpful with my "beginner questions".

During the year I have heard so many friends say they received an orchid for a gift and it died on them, but the do make nice gifts.

Yesterday I purchased a Phalaenopsis from TJ for a friend. However, rather then just handing it over, I unwrapped it and checked it. The roots were soaked and there weren't even any holes in the plastic pot for the water to drain. So, I cut the plastic pot off and re-potted it in the ceramic pot it which the plastic pot came in so the roots have a chance.. I also enclosed a copy of "Phalaenopsis for Beginners" from the AOS website, and enclosed a note that after it finished blooming to call me and I would re-pot it a bit better for her.

Do you think I was being a bit "OCD"?

[Cntry]

Nope not at all. I think you gave her or him a beautiful gift with instructions on how to care for it. I would of loved the instructions when I first got my first Phal.

[estación seca]

I think that shows you really care about long-term rather than a brief gesture.

[gerneveyn]

I have done the same. The extra effort ensures the plant's survival and shows that you care.

[Cym Ladye]

Usually the plastic pots those phals come in have one hole in the bottom and the ceramic pot or cachepot, has no holes. As long as your ceramic pot had drainage holes, you did the right thing.

[Leafmite]

I always exchange the bark/moss for red lava rock or LECA and, yes, I write down a short list of dos and don'ts. The people have these orchids many years later and get them to rebloom (except the one that was eaten by a child...the child was fine but the orchid didn't make it).
I try to make the directions very simple and easy (don't get water on the leaves, bright but not direct light, water from below, then drain the water, use a little fertilizer now and then, etc). Most of the people that are gifted the Phals have never had a houseplant before and it remains the only one to this day. So much for me getting people hooked on the hobby. :|

[wintergirl]

I think you were being thoughtful and helpful. I had a neighbor who bought 4 phals at Lowes. I told her about care, gave her links to videos ect. even offered to help in anyway. She did repot. Never asked for any help and killed all 4. Not sure what went wrong, never saw the plants. I thought she would do well, I was very surprised.

[estación seca]

When we plant people walk into an office, mall or residence, we notice at once, out of the corner of our eye and without even looking directly at the plants, which plants are in trouble. Non-gardeners have no clue at all. I know people who didn't even notice their cactus were long dead. It's really hard to teach non-gardeners proper watering of almost any plant.

[wintergirl]

The thing is, the woman that killed her 4 phals IS a gardener, that is why I was so surprised.

[DeaC]

It was good that you did what you did.Anytime we can woo someone to the orchid world with good info and a pretty plant,the cult will gain more popularity. An orchid either on a tv show or movie will always catch my eye. Now I need to inform Ellen DeGeneress that there are more choices than just white Phals!