As you can see, your bargain orchid has been through a lot before you happen to walk by it in the store. Have you ever-watched corner flower peddlers selling roses on the street? If so, you may observe them peeling petals off the roses every hour or so to keep them looking fresh. By day’s end, the once big plump beautiful red roses are now little tiny buds... but they DO look fresh.
Believe it or not, you would expect to at least get a break on the price considering the plant may not last a week, but the prices you may pay in the discount stores is often much higher than you would pay from a grower for an equivalent plant! Now don't get me wrong, there are some beautiful plants available and if you are careful, and know what to look for, you CAN find good prices and plants. But you need to be aware of what to look for.
- Check and see how firm the plant is in the pot, if it is shaky and not firm then chances are it is either been recently repotted or it has a bad root system. If it has been recently repotted check the mix, you may want to replace it for something more suitable for orchids, even thou the plant is in bloom. Sphagnum moss is often used to pot the orchids in for shipping and if it it packed to tightly in the pot it can cause problems. Some times the mix can rot your roots very quickly since it does not dry out.
- The pseudobulbs should be fat and plump. Beware of the shriveled pseudobulbs
- The leaves should be firm. Leaves that are limp or crinkled like an according are indications that the plant may have been exposed to excessively cold temperatures or lack of water due to no root system or just not being watered correctly. Are the leaves brown or have spots? This is an indication of exposure to excessive sunlight or high temperatures. On many of the orchids make sure the center leaf is still growing and there is not damage to the crown of the orchid. This damage can result in crown rot and the orchid will die.
