New Orchids from Home Depot

[Kethry1313]

Okay, so my mom has wanted an orchid for her desk at work for a very long time. I was at Home Depot yesterday to get some stuff for my garden and I saw that they had these cute little mini phals. Not thinking about it, I went home. Last night I figured it would be great for mom's desk, so I went back and got this little guy today:

I stuck it next to a gallon of milk to show the size.

So I'm pretty sure mom's gonna love it and even better there's two plants in the pot so when I repot it out of the moss I'm going to keep one of the plants. Only one there that had two plants in the pot. But being so small should I repot it with a fine bark mixture?

Anyway, walking towards the checkout, I heard something calling me. It was this one:



I couldn't resist and it came home with me. It's tag only says that it's a Cymbidium orchid. So I'm guessing it's a hybrid and not identifiable. It has a lovely almost citrus smell. Now I just have to figure out where it's going to live and the proper way to care for it.

[Ross]

Really nice purchases, Kim. I'm sure you'll do well with the Cym. I don't grow them so have no words of wisdom. But lots of folks here do and I'm sure you'll get answers to any questions you have.

[Kethry1313]

Thanks, Ross. I'm calling the Cymbidium a late Valentines present to myself.

[Grandma M]

Enjoy your gift. Isn't it fun when an orchids calls your name? You can't refuse it, can you?

[Tommyr]

Oooh! I LOVE the Cym! I just bought one that looks like a Mighty Mouse 'Minnie'! I kill Phals....

[FL_GROWER82]

VERY NICE PURCHASES!

[mrobert]

My cyms hated being inside during the winter when I was in Alexandria VA. If it isn't freezing outside and you have a semi-sheltered area that gets light I'd put it out there.

[cupcake]

G*d I wish we could find these in the UK! The cym looks fab! and I bet your mom will love the phal! Judi xxx

[Kethry1313]

Thanks guys. Mom loves her Phal. She can't wait to take it to work and I've found the perfect place for the Cym. It looks so beautiful.

Mrobert, thanks for the advice. I'll definitely be doing that. I even know the perfect place for it outside.

Judi, I'm so sorry to hear that you can't find them in the UK. Here's hoping that changes soon.

[Singingirl96]

I bought a cym like yours at HD as well. I bought mine back in the beginning of December and it is still flowering. I did have a little bug problem in which I had to cut the root ball to remove all of the potting medium while it was blooming, so I lost one spike, but overall these are healthy plants. My roots were very healthy. I think yours is from the same grower because mine was potted in the same type pot.
I had mine indoors during the winter, but as soon as it warms up a bit (it is still in the 30's here), I'll be putting it outside. I hear they like it outside instead of inside. They should stay outside until right before the first frost. They like it cold. In fact they need it to be cold in order to spike again.

As far as your phal, make sure you repot it with phal mix (lowes has a great mix) in a pot with holes in it. I like the terracotta orchid pots. That moss stays too moist too long. I don't like it.

Good luck.