Recused another Lowes' Better Gro orchid in a bag...

[Tetra73]

I really need to stop buying orchids at Lowes..LOLOLOLOLOL.. The ones that interest me are those from the Better Gro orchid in a bag. I went to Lowes to check to see if they have anything new. To my surprise, I was already a bit late. Half of the Better Gro orchid selections were gone.

I picked up another Cattleya, Chai Lin New city. It has 4 pseudobulbs. The newer one is very shinny and plumped. A 5th one is growing on it too and is quite large for a young pseudobulb. The other 3 are OK but one of the older pseudobulbs has been damaged and is by the base. So, it couldn't erect firmly and almost like it is about to break off. I tied it to another healthy pseudobulb and hoping that it would repair itself.....somehow. It appears this damaged pseudobulb could still absorb water and nutrients..maybe there is hope to repair this one.

The root system is meh.....About 70% of the root system from the older bulbs are damaged with the spongy layer gone...the actual roots are themselves are OK and still intact. From my past experiences, these roots can still absorb water and nutrients as long as the medium is wet.

With the root system on the 2 newer bulbs are great and very robust.

In the selection, I saw what is called the Latouria Dendrobium, one is white and the other is green. I saw a brassavola orchid hybrid. I wasn't sure if it was healthy or not because I didn't see any pseudobulbs. Wasn't sure if there should be any. It looks healthy but the leaves are very needle like and small. I saw a Nodosa Hybrid too.

Something tells me I would go back there again tomorrow...LOL LOL.....hmmmm

[Jeff214]

If you want to see their fresh shipments, you could try contacting the gardening/landscaping department at Lowe's when the next shipment will arrive. I've done that with my local Lowe's and they seem happy to help.

Some Lowe's in my area replenish them every few weeks, while some don't for two months or more. In any case, the fresh shipments are generally great quality - plump p-bulbs, active roots, etc. The leftovers are often shrived and rotting...

It also helps to get to know the gardening manager at Lowe's. Since they know me as the frequent dying plant scrounger... they give me a heavier discount on plants (when the manager is around). Or just finding out when the next shipment will be.

Anyway, congrats on your great finds - and not to push you, but I think you should get those Latouria Dendrobiums.

[Joseia]

When I first got hooked on orchids, I was stopping at every Lowes within 20 miles of my home every few weeks. I bought a lot of them. A lot of them were not very healthy and I quickly learned that timing was important - you really have to get them right after they arrive in the store. But you can't beat the price and I learned a lot and didn't cry too hard when a few died. I eventually stopped buying them because the majority of the orchids for sale around here were standard size cattleyas, which take up too much space in my small condo. The ones that survived my beginner mistakes are now in my office, except for a B. nodosa "Little Stars", which is one of my best growers and most reliable bloomers. And the fragrance at night is the best.

But you mentioned that you saw a couple of Latouria dendrobium bag babies, which are my favorite type of orchid to grow, so I may have to start making the rounds again!

[Tetra73]

Originally Posted by Joseia

When I first got hooked on orchids, I was stopping at every Lowes within 20 miles of my home every few weeks. I bought a lot of them. A lot of them were not very healthy and I quickly learned that timing was important - you really have to get them right after they arrive in the store. But you can't beat the price and I learned a lot and didn't cry too hard when a few died. I eventually stopped buying them because the majority of the orchids for sale around here were standard size cattleyas, which take up too much space in my small condo. The ones that survived my beginner mistakes are now in my office, except for a B. nodosa "Little Stars", which is one of my best growers and most reliable bloomers. And the fragrance at night is the best.

But you mentioned that you saw a couple of Latouria dendrobium bag babies, which are my favorite type of orchid to grow, so I may have to start making the rounds again!

I will go visit my local lowes every week just to check. Is only one around here. I went back yesterday but couldn't get myself to pay $14 tax included for a so-so quality Latouria dendrobium. Someone bought the green one. They have the white one but the pseudosbulb are really small and somewhat dehydrated.

Yeah, the Latouria dendrobium is somewhat easier to care for and they can bloom twice in a year too. I really want a green one now.

[Tiarella]

I look through the Lowe's selection if I can get there early enough to have a choice and I usually leave with at least one! Many of them are repeats of what I have and my preferred method of purchase is at orchid shows and growers that I know. Join a club or society and get a chance to learn and get starter plants.