I have quite a few mystery plants but this one is especially mysterious. I saw it at the local grocery last fall and walked around the store 3 times before deciding to invest $25 on a "no name grocery store orchid". When I got to the check stand, the checker explained to me how to care for my new orchid and in what bad shape it was and she couldn't possibly let me pay $25 for it. But she had to charge me something, she was so sorry about that....

I listened politely (I might have taken a nap in the middle someplace). When I got out the door, I said to my daughter: Did she really charge me $1.50 for this plant? Yes she did!

Has anyone any idea what it is? I have thought Oncidium. Then I went on to Odontoglossum. Now I'm thinking Odontocidium (maybe because I just like the word). But have not found anything that resembles this flower.

Thoughts?

Daisy

Welcome to the orchid forum, you have been quite busy posting today so i didn't get a good feel on where orchids are on your list of favorites. Just to acquaint you to the orchid forum, we have 3 main threads all are 2016 and current. They can accommodate most anything pertaining to orchids. Let us get to know you especially your favs and growing conditions. So good to meet ya. Your plant is a z. . . ., spelling on an IPad is a problem!

Bert

Zygopetalum?

Yes, it looks like a Zygopetalum to me. It is in the Oncidium Alliance.

Jim

Looks very similar to Zygopetalum cynosure 'blue bird'

Thank you for the ID. I think you are right.

Sorry to tromp on toes. I obviously don't know the rules yet.

Daisy, don't worry! You obviously have a lot to add to this forum, so hopefully we get to see more of you!
I am trying to encourage people to add their post to existing threads, unless the subject is simply not a good match, but heh, no harm done here!

And what a pretty Zygo you got for a true bargain price! Way to go. It doesn't look like it's in too much distress to me either. I've rescued orchids off the death rack at Lowe's that looked a lot worse than that, and paid at least $3 for them!

I generally don't buy grocery store orchids here, (other than at Trader Joe's) mainly because they've been suffering the cold dry air of an air-conditioned store for who knows how long, and the transition to growing outdoors in Florida humidity and heat is really a shock to them. But where you are, and growing indoors, probably not too bad.

I'd keep an eye out at that grocery store, and definitely check out with that cashier whenever you find something . ..

It was a little wilted and the flowers were worse for ware but water perked it right up. I would rather find an orchid that has been underwatered than overwatered (my experience with Lowes sale table rescues). I stuck it behind a giant bird's nest fern and it has been very happy there. I moved it out yesterday - lots of new bulbs forming.

Daisy