Got my orchid fix.

[Team Ferret]

So I think I have made it to the next stage of "orchid addiction". But hey, I can stop at anytime.

Last weekend I went to a show, and really wanted to buy. But I didn’t like most of what I saw and the A/C was broke in the building, so I didn’t stay long (nor did I buy). So on Thurs, I ordered some S/H stuff and a plant from Ray. But on Friday I couldn’t take it any longer, and on the way back from lunch my assistant asks, aren’t you in the wrong lane to turn? Nope, we are not going back to the shop, we are going orchid shopping!

So I headed to Tropic 1 to have a look around. It’s not like it was that far out of the way, we were there in five minutes. The crew at Tropic 1 was busy cleaning for a sale that started the next day. So we started looking at orchids, and the first thing we see are rows of vanda's, hundreds of them. Or before I go any further, it was 98 degrees outside and about 108 to 110 in the green houses.

I was there to look for brassias and other oncidiums. There were in the back hot house. So long story short, I tortured my assistant for about an hour and a half walking her down rows of plants with strange names in the sweltering and humid heat.

Since I am still new at growing orchids, I really didn’t want to get a $30+ plant and kill it in a month. I found a lot if nice plants that might be better off where they are, for the time being. But then I came upon the "bargain bin". It’s not like it had a sign on it that said so, but that is where I told the lady there I found them. It was just a couple rows of benches that had dried and shriveled, bare root orchids that many has new growth. Most of them were divisions, but there were a lot of seedling vandas and other stuff.

I ended up with 6 orchids for $7.50. One was a "no name" oncidium for $0.50, three Mtssa Dark Star " Darth Vader" bundled together for $2.00 and two Brassia Rex for $5.00. All have new growth and new root growth.

I soaked and potted them on Sat, and I think they are going to do well. Ill get some pics taken and start a new post for the potting story. Ill post it in the S/H forum in the next few days.

But, back to the topic of addiction. I no more than finished potting these up, looked at my wife and said, I want to go buy some more.

Dave

[khill]

It's a 12-Step program you know. First step, buy an orchid. Second step, buy two orchids.........

I have Mtssa. Dark Star " Darth Vader" currently in bloom. It's one of my favorites.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Team Ferret

and two Brassia Rex for $5.00. All have new growth and new root growth.

Dave

I can't believe it! This was worth the whole purchase! Brassia Rex! Great buy!

[Cookiemonster]

Wow what a deal, your lucky to live in florida and have places where you can buy orchids easily, my only option is online so yeah I just recently spent about $100 including shipping to get me a few plants, supplies, pots ect to tie me over for a few months or weeks at least.... Its a scary thought to kill them, but all you can do is try to keep them alive, wow I would have lost my mind had I seen the vandas haha...
I never would have thought orchids of all plants were so addicting! Enjoy your new plants...

[Team Ferret]

Yes, having growers near is nice. But what really liked about this grower is that their plants live in hot (over 100) temps. So my thinking is that with a good culture and nearly the same temp, they should thrive in my care. We will see.

Oh, I am very tempted to buy a vanda ot two. If I do, one will be in S/H and the other is going on an oak I have out front. Is there a vanda that you are looking for?

One of those brassia divisions was well worth the 7.50. I am hoping to find a brassia verucossa the next time I am there. The lady says she has one, just doesnt know where.

They did have some of the Mtssa Dark Star in bloom, and I liked them very much. I have been seeing several of those type Mtssa hybrids and I think they are way cool.

Dave

[cupcake]

That's what's known round here as a BILLY BARGAIN! can't wait to see the photos.

[Cookiemonster]

Hello Dave,
I think you should post pics of your find !!!
I think vandas are gorgeous orchids, but I live in arizona and have never dealt with them before, so I have one on its way for me...Im already thinking about how I'll pamper it its an ascda, not a pure vanda which I've heard is extremely difficult, so I'll do everything I can to take care of it...
You should definitely pick up a vanda, considering you live in fl and the conditions wont be that hard to replicate (heat,light,humidity)--- how much were they being sold for-- if you remember?
Im really wanting a princess mikasa sapphire but its too risky to pay over $45 for a plant that I might kill!

[Team Ferret]

I think the little vandas were something like $5 or $10, I cant really remember. The only reason I have shyed away from vandas so far is that I dont want something that I have to mist every day, or twice a day. But I am considering it in S/H. I figure I will try it and see how it goes. But, If I can get a vanda to grow in S/H, I dont see why you couldnt do the same in your state.

When I go on Fri I will look for a princess mikasa sapphire.

If I get home early enough today, and if my daughter isnt still cutting teeth, Ill take some pics (and get some sleep).

Dave

[cb977]

Way cool!

Being able to find orchids that are thriving in the same area you'll be growing them is a big plus!!! It takes away half of the stress...for you and the new 'chid

Looking forward to seeing pictures of your progress...with your chids AND with your addiction

[lindad3406]

Isn't it funny how we so quickly get addicted to orchids? I got my first one in May and I already have 10 with 3 more on the way.