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The thread "Our Orchid blooms in June 2022 🪺" in Orchids forum

Today is July 1 and we start the new thread for the month.
My beautiful V. Sansai Blue is now fully open

And another blue Vanda opens in the cage, V. Pachara Delight 'Blue'

The blooms on this smallish plant are nice and large - Bc Fuchs Star, a hybrid of Brassavola nodosa and C maxima.


and the Schomburgkia tibicinis keeps on opening a nice spike


Please all join in and share your pictures and stories!

Oh Ursula, what a stunning display.

Thank you Abigail!

Some questions…

Do you all think it would be fine if I were to buy an orchid from a regular store, say Walmart or Safeway? Their orchids wouldn't be unhealthy and die more easily, would they? I'm sorry if you guys already answered this question in other threads.

I don't see a problem if the Orchid looks healthy and is a nice one you really like!
These big stores have their professional suppliers. I have bought from Trader Joe's some years ago, picked up a nice nobile type Dendrobium that time.

For the response, Ursula! I saw a really pretty purple one in Family Fare, but was unsure if I should grab it.

I agree with Ursula.
Abigail, the orchids at Safeway or Walmart, do not know where they are being sold. They would know that they are some how unhealthy.
BUT, what you must look at, and look for, is a plant that may have sat anywhere for too long. If it sits too long, the roots may really dry out and suffer.
Remember that if you buy from an orchid vendor, presumably they take care of their plants.
Compare that to Safeway, Walmart, or Home Depot who offer plants on consignment. Do these people at these stores, including Trader Joe's, water the orchids correctly. Do they water on time or correctly??
If the plants are fresh, meaning that they have not sat there too long, they should be fine.

Abigail, Abigail, what you can't do is buy an orchid on impulse because you love the color!!
Those Vandas of Ursula's will not be easy for you to grow where you live. They require 6 hours of sun pretty much year round. Good sun!! They like lots of water, WARMTH and fertilizer. Read how to grow them first. See if you can provide those conditions. And if you can try one.

Ok, thanks for the advice Bill. I will definitely research the orchid before I end up buying any.

Don't forget us Abigail! There is a load of knowledge here!!!

That's true!! I know I can rely on you all

Abigail, if you're unsure what type of orchid it is that you like, take a picture with your phone and post it here. We can ID it for you and advise you at the same time. We'd need to see the whole plant, not just the flowers.

My problem with buying orchids at grocery and box stores is that quite often they're sold indoors - in the a/c. Air conditioning is bad for orchids because the air is cold and dry, and most orchids like it warm and humid. I'd say if you can buy one from somewhere they're being sold outdoors, you have a better chance of getting a healthy one. My Trader Joe's sells their orchids in the entryway, where the outside air is predominant over the a/c.

Ok, thank you, Elaine! Yes, it was all the way in the back of the store along with other plants. The air was definitely a/c. Maybe next time I go to the nursery I'll check the orchids out there.

And here I thought my Asctm christensonianum had just a tiny late spike, but happily there is more in the works. Normally hanging high up in the cage in full sun.

Happy Independence Day, everyone!

is not celebrating

Really! 😄😄

I'm Sorry, Glenn. I'm confused.

Abigail, that's a picture of Queen Elizabeth, looking very grumpy indeed. The US having declared independence from Great Britain on this day in 1776.

It appears that the Queen has detected something foul on the breeze in Britain!!

Is it Charles? Or maybe Andrew? Or Harry and Megan?
Or has the sewage backed up at Buckingham Palace!!!