10 Tips In Selecting Your New Orchid

If you happen to be one of those people that just have to buy the "orphans" at bargain sales that are laying around half dead, please understand what you are doing.

The plant has undergone a lot - over-watering, under- watering, too much heat, too much cold, and heavens knows what else.

Saving these "orphans" can sometimes be done, but taking them to a dry home and expecting miracles is not reality. Most often it will require the intensive care environment of a well-controlled greenhouse to save the plant.

It can take years for a plant to recover to the point of producing new flowers or even new growth.

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.
Is the foliage damaged? Look under the paper wrapper if it is covering any part of the plant.
Are the plants water logged or swimming in water inside of the paper wrapper? The pretty paper does not have drainage holes. Remove this immediately after you get your orchid home.
Is there a sticky substance on the leaves? The plant has bugs! Avoid bug-infested plants.
Are the flowers limp or the buds turning yellow? Are there buds missing? The plant has been stressed too much and will most likely drop all its flowers and buds within a few days no matter what you do for the plant.
Does the plant have a correct label? The label should say more than just "ORCHID PLANT."

To learn what should be on a proper name tag, see my other article A name is just a name
Ask how long the plants have been at the store?
Does the sales person know anything about the orchids and can they give you some information about caring for it?

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.

Some of the common plants you will find are all Oncidiinae hybrids:

Oncidiums: Gower Ramsey shown at left with its bright yellow dancing ladies and Sharry Baby with its reddish brown flowers and strong fragrance.
Phalaenopsis: Also known as "Moth orchids" with their graceful arches of blooms.
Dendrobium nobile and Dendrobium phalaenopsis type hybrids: the nobiles will have flowers growing right out of the pseudobulb (stock) and D. phalaenopsis have long, in certain cases even branching inflorescences.
Colmanara Wildcat hybrids: This newcomer has beautiful exotic patterns on the flowers of red, browns, white and yellows.
Cattleya, and Cymbidums: Seen at different times of the year.
Vandas and Ascofinetia: These hybrids are the orchids with the bright purple, red, and orange blooms

No, you can not fatten up old shriveled pseudobulbs or take the wrinkles out of leaves.

Many times the effort and energy spent are just not worth the results. It would be better to bypass these orphans and spend your money on a healthy plant.
Especially if you are a beginner and this is your first orchid. Some times the plant will make it but often they don't.

One of the problems you should be aware of is very shriveled pseudobulbs like the ones on this Oncidium.
This condition is caused by a lack of moisture.

No, they will never be "plump" again no matter how much you water the plant. However, with some luck, you may still save the plant.
Do not discard these old pseudobulbs because although shriveled, they may still produce new growth.

This Dendrobium has burned leaves from too much light.
The leaves have brown edges and are yellowing.

Once damaged in this manner, they will soon drop off. Although it is natural for Dendrobiums to loose leaves, these will be lost due to damage from direct exposure of the hot sun on them.

Because of the localized damage, the plant was probably exposed to the sun when wet after watering.

Some make it and some don't!

These are two plants of Colmanara Wildcat hybrids that I rescued.
The one at left had a terminal case of fungal rot which attacked the pseudobulb and I was unable to save it.
The other grew and bloomed on the new growth.

Never cut back the flower spikes on sick orchids to promote more blooms.
The orchid needs all the energy it can make to even survive.
Producing flowers is very taxing on any plant.

Let's repeat here that when shopping, remember that a bargain is not always a bargain.
Orchids are not like your common houseplant and should never be considered to be in the same category.

If you want to be sure of what you are purchasing, and to have years of satisfaction from your orchid, I would strongly suggest you purchase your orchids from reputable orchid growers.

Not only do they know how to grow and ship orchids; they can also give you help in choosing the right orchid for your environment.

You may find further, related interesting and useful bits in my companion articles titled
Bargain orchids? Beware!

Six Care Tips For Your New Orchid

and in the
F.A.Q.
pages

In the middle of February 2007 my new Orchid Agora forum has been launched.

Come and join this developing community of orchid enthusiast friends!