Buying orchids – What to consider when buying orchids?

 

 

 

A newly purchased orchid, which was still magnificent and beautiful in the flower store, can become sickly or even die at home after just a few weeks. The frustration is great, but it is not necessarily the new owner’s lack of green fingers that is causing the plant to suffer.

Some specimens are already in poor condition when they are purchased and have little chance of regaining their strength with their new owner.

Moving from the store to your home is also stressful for any orchid. If it is not in good condition, it will react particularly sensitively to the change of location.

It all depends on the origin

To avoid this frustration, it is advisable to buy the orchid directly from the grower, as they are very familiar with the requirements of each orchid species they offer. This gives you the best chance of acquiring a plant that not only looks beautiful, but is also healthy and long-lasting. In the supermarket, on the other hand, exotic plants sometimes suffer from poor growing conditions and improper care.

Another advantage of the specialist: the plant is professionally packaged for transportation home so that it does not suffer any initially invisible damage due to cold or mechanical impact – a factor that naturally also plays a central role when buying plants online. Here, customer reviews provide an important indication of the retailer’s expertise.

How to make the right choice

If you buy an orchid on the spot, you should always take the opportunity totake a close look at some of its characteristics.

First look at the leaves, they should be fleshy and rich green. However, a few yellowish leaves or individual brown spots are quite normal. Also take time to inspect the roots, as their condition is decisive for the vitality of the whole plant. Healthy roots have a light green color, only those of lady’s slipper and cymbidium are brown with a light tip when healthy. Also check the condition of the roots, they must be plump and strong. You will not enjoy a plant with muddy or dried out roots for long. Nor should the substrate be boggy or rotten. Check that the plant sits firmly in the pot, this is also a sign of quality.

An orchid in full bloom is beautiful and sells quickly. However, it has probably already had its longest flowering period. Plants with a few buds are the better choice.

It is not uncommon for a new houseplant to bring in pests that only become a problem at home. They quickly spread to surrounding plants and, in the worst case, can cost your orchid its life. To prevent these annoying beasts from entering your home in the first place, you should check the leaves, flowers, roots and, as far as possible, the substrate for mealybugs, fungus gnats, thrips or spider mite webs before buying. Don’t forget to also check the underside of the leaves to detect a possible scale or aphid infestation.

Once you have made your choice, ask the orchid dealer for tips on acclimatizing to the new location. If the transition phase is stress-free, your new orchid will remain as vital and magnificent as you could wish for.