Some advice on buying orchids please?

[iammadeofdreams]

Since I only have one orchid right now, I have decided that he is lonely and must have a friend (or several). Also, it just so happens that there is a home & garden show in town this weekend; which to me sounds like a perfect excuse to find a friend for Floyd since the local orchid society will have a table there.

The thing is, I have no experience buying orchids outside of grocery stores. I have done a ton of research on here and other websites, and I'm sure the OS people will be helpful, but I am still kind of nervous about it all. Other than checking for healthy roots I'm not sure what to look for or what to ask to make sure I get a good plant that will work out well for me.

[cbuchman]

If you're buying from an orchid vendor you can ask quite a few questions to ensure that, in addition to a healthy plant, you get one that will thrive in your environment. Of course, in order to ask those questions, you need to know your environment!

Are your growing on a windowsill? What are the light, humidity, temps (day & night)? Will you grow outside in the summer? How hot will it get?

For example, when I visit vendors, I know that I need something that is temp tolerant and that doesn't require too high a level of light. I then hear their recommendations and have gotten some really good purchases that I've managed to re-bloom and grow successfully. Also be sure to tell them what price range you can manage too!

The nice thing about grocery store purchases is that the loss of the plant isn't a financial hardship. So it's a great way to learn!

Above all, pick something you love and that will delight you for years to come.

[goodgollymissmolly]

Look at New Vision Orchids. Not too far from you near Muncie. Russ Vernon has great plants and can give you a lot of help.

[Leafmite]

Some questions to ask at the orchid society table:
Is this blooming size?
What light does this need?
Will it need repotted and how much moisture will it need?
What temperature range?
How large does this get?
Does it need a rest period?
How do I join your Orchid Society?
Look for plants/flowers that don't have unexpected markings (Oncidiums have those annoying spots on their leaves...it is normal). Make certain that the plant has a lable with a full name so you can research it.
Good luck & have fun!

[iammadeofdreams]

Thanks so much! I think am going to get a notebook to take with me. That way I make myself a litle checklist so I don't forget anything while I'm staring at the pretty plants. Also, I can take notes about what I get and anything I want but can't buy.

I am definitely planning on looking into joining the local Orchid Society. I can't see what's not to like about getting together with a bunch of people once a month to hang out and talk about orchids.

Another question, do I need to take anything special to transport my purchases? The ride home is only going to be a few minutes and the walk to the car the same. However, it is supposed to snow a bit. If I put a grocery bag over them will that keep them snug enough for the short journey home?

[NYCorchidman]

As Carrie pointed out, you definitely want to make sure plants you want to buy do not have some very picky and particular culture requirements.

Another important thing to remember is the health of plants. Examine leaves and entire plant parts carefully for bugs, or irregular spots or damages.
Dark spots or marks can be just scar or physiological, but very often they are signs of disease of some sort and unfortunately many vendors don't feel comfortable with questions about them and even lie.
So try and avoid plants exhibiting any marks or spots even if flowers are nice.

Exposing delicate ones like phalaenopsis in extreme cold even for just a few minites can cause lots of problems to flowers and leaves and these do not appear right away.
So I would cover up the entire plants with double (or more) plastic bags even during short walks between stores and your car to make sure your plant is safe and you don't lose any buds and flowers if they are present.

[Leafmite]

You could always bring a box, newspaper and tape. Wrap each orchid well in a few layers of newspaper and tape the newspaper, then set them in the box to carry. Newspaper is a good insulator. I will probably be doing this for the show I am attending this weekend.

[The Orchid Kid]

Grab a good orchid book from the library or buy one. They will give you a good lowdown on different types.

I am also expanding my collection, but my tactic is to assess what space they will be going into in the house and then buy the right plant for the right place. Having monitored light, max/min temp and humidity around the house it is apparent it can differ hugely from room to room and windowsill to windowsill. So I am matching specific species to the right environment.

For example I am restricting my Phals to the two rooms that have less light, but are also the warmest as these require no direct sun, but generally constant warmth. Conversely my hall windowsill is perfect for those that need a 12C temp in the night.

A bit of pre planning will make sure you don't get too excited (like I do!) and come home with a bunch of plants that are lovely, but will not thrive should you lack the ideal place for them.

If you live in a massive mansion with a conservatory, this is possibly all a moot point as you will have most environments available, but if like me your place is quite small it will really help.

[iammadeofdreams]

Well I think I did well at the show. I bought three orchids, and made plans to join the Orchid Society. I also talked to someone from a local greenhouse that didn't bring any orchids to the show, but said they had some great ones at the shop. So, plans to buy more in the works.

I got a Phal Dimension, a Paph Gratrixianium x Paph Winstear Marie, and a Paph Raisin Pie 'Hsinying'. The Raisin Pie is just in bud, but it will be nice to have a flower for a long time. I think I made pretty good choices and hopefully didn't make anyone too crazy with questions. Though I am pretty sure I made my friend nuts with fussing over the plants on the way home.

[Leafmite]

Those are great choices!
Joining an orchid society is fun, too.