Ode to phal kaleidescope

[quietmorning]

A new blog entry has been added:

Ode to phal kaleidescope

Why is it that when an orchid dies it's so much harder to take than when a . . . prayer plant dies. . .or a violet. . .or some other type of 'house' plant? I have no idea. **deep breath** Oh well. . . try again. I think orchids present a special kind of challenge - like owning a pet or something. Did I do this right? Did I do that right? Will it survive a year? OMG!! Look at that!!

[sunbirdx]

I am so sorry about the loss of your Phal! I first started keeping Phals in highschool, and it was a challenge in Arizona. The air was so dry, the sun so intense. I had three when I went to college, they all promptly died due to neglect and bad conditions in my dorm room. It really was sad. I had worked hard to keep them alive in highschool, only to murder them all when I got too busy.

Soon after, I bought a flowerless NOID at target, I still have it, 6 years later. It took a while to get the lighting right here in Seattle, but it is about the bloom for the second time for me!

I like to buy new orchids from my local Trader Joes. They run 7.99 - 13.99 here, so I feel less devastated if I kill one, that I I bought, say, a 30 dollar orchid at the local hardware store. To date, I haven't lost a single orchid I have purchased from TJ's....

They really are entrancing plants, and I LOVE the challenge. There is something about knowing your are making a fussy plant really happy that is so rewarding! Good luck to you on your next Phal!

[Louise]

Yes, i think you're right about that care inspired to us by orchids. In fact i feel the same and although have had some "other plants" in the past , I think I did not understand them or care for them the same way I do with orchids.
I even felt I had no green thumbs before having orchids...and just don't know why I can grow orchid quite easily now...
quite easily...but with loss sometimes...who never killed or lost an orchid?
Recently I put a zygo to the dustbin...
that one one weak when I got it (someone bought it for me in a gardening store) and I could never make it grow...I conclued that
1-it's better not to buy orchids that have been "mass cultivated" and rather buy from an orchid nursery
2- if i "have to" (=can't resist) to buy such a cultivated orchids, never buy such a weak and young one (only two bulbs)

I was sad about throwing it....but thought I had to, having nearly spend a year trying to keep it ...
But...ten days later I had some regret for not having tried longer to save it ...