New member, new to orchids, first post, confessional

[nofickenway]

Hi! I have wanted to get into orchids for quite a while, though my wife (of all people) heavily discouraged me...well, a coworker was about to throw away a phal. BUT IT HAD READY-TO-FLOWER BUDS ON IT! So I rescued it about a month ago...that was the gateway.

Anyway, I bought a terrarium for it (modified it for air circ) humidifier, dyna gro, etc etc...then I bought a fal and it has it's own terrarium (we have plant eating cats) - now, I have convinced my wife to let me have an 'orchid room' in our basement - victory!

Anyway, so I was at Home Depot tonight...they had 12-15 orchid - all on death's door, literally...I asked if I could get a 'deal' on these near-dead poor souls but was told there is a seperate company that owns them, takes care of them and decides prices, so they could not reduce the price (between 16 and 30 bucks each!!!).. I pleasantly thanked her...then...I went back and snapped off the two keikis that these poor dying plants sent forth as a last ditch effort (all were phals, of course) and slipped them in my pocket...am I evil? I figured that, since these had LITERALLY not been watered in weeks (none had blooms, most leaves were brown or limp) that they would otherwise (but when?) just end up in the dumpster or, at best, clearance rack.

I feel bad, kind of...but I am going to call tomorrow to ask who that vendor is and offer them to take all the phals at that Home Depot off their hands at a reduced price..can't hurt to ask...

I see it as I rescued two keikis...but still feel guilty...

BTW, thanks to all for the great advice on this forum...

[GluttonousSolarWrasse]

I don't think stealing keikis is such a big deal. Maybe the first mercy anyone has shown those poor plants LOL. Welcome to the site. I too am very new to the site, but not new to orchid culture or plants in general. I've found this to be a site filled with a large amount of knowledge-I finally joined up when all my information google searches would lead me back to this site.

[OCRC_Dir_China]

Welcome to the Orchid Board from the OCRC in China. I have seen Home Depot put sick orchid in the trash compactor many times.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

Good luck with them, and hope you manage to get the others/parents as well from the vendor.

Just be aware that already sick plants can be hard and frustrating to try and rescue but if that's what you enjoy then go for it. I never like to throw any out so always try and rescue a plant long after many people would have chucked it. I've had some good successes as well which make it worth it

[WhiteRabbit]

[nofickenway]

thank you for the warm welcome from all of you - and for not demonizing me for orchid theft...

I have spent most of my lunch hour on the phone and, long story short, I am going to go by the Home Depot tonight after talking with the asst manager who said to mention his name and I could take a few of the orchids at 1/2 off..I'm gonna give it a go. I am sure it will be lots of work with high risk of loss, but - hey, I figure they will have a better shot with me than in the dumpster - plus, I'll get to learn and maybe have gained some mature Phals with a story behind them...

will post pictures here when I get them in my hands!

[trdyl]

Welcome to OB!

Good luck with them. Just remember do not ever hesitate to ask questions here.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Welcome to the forum! While rescuing plants like that, it can be really frustrating (and even $5 is expensive for an almost dead plant!) especially for someone just starting out! I definitely would recommend saving the money and using it to get some healthy plants from a quality nursery!

[SHag42]

Hello,
And welcome to the board and the great wide world of orchids. I too can not stand to pass up a pitiful orchid. And have been able to rescue some of them thanks to all the wonderful help I found on here.
I am not sure why it is but my home depot is the same way. They do not reduce there orchids and just dump them in trash. Such a waste. Lowes on the other hand are pretty good about putting them at half price and this is where I have picked up a lot of mine. Another good option is Walmart after Valentines Day. I bought some there last year for $2.50 each and about 2/3 are still alive but it is slow going. Good luck with your orchids and be aware that it is a very addictive hobby. They are smart and will jump in your buggy when you are not looking.

SHag

[Cactuseed]

Thanks for admitting it is shoplifting - HD can throw the plant in the trash if they want; after all It belongs to them. Shame on the board for encouraging this - they love to crap on L's & HD
Better to research and find an orchid you are interested in and support any one of many orchid nurseries online or in your neighborhood. Should HD not sell orchids or maybe they should give them to us for free?
Welcome to the board