Hello all!! As it is Valentine's Day, we know how grocery stores usually have some orchids out for sale. One of our local stores was like an orchid lover's fantasy this morning! I had to take pics so I could share with you guys. I ended up getting 2 for me (the pink one and the white/purple splotchy one). Even bought a friend of mine one of the white/purple splotchy ones. My orchid obsession is growing. lol

I wonder if the pinks were dyed?

It is a pretty show though. All Phalaenopsis? Nothing else?
I am willing to bet that there wasn't a single name tag.
Enjoy your new friends!!

BigBill said:I wonder if the pinks were dyed?

It is a pretty show though. All Phalaenopsis? Nothing else?
I am willing to bet that there wasn't a single name tag.
Enjoy your new friends!!

I kinda wonder too if the pink ones were dyed. I guess time will tell.
And yep, all phalaenopsis. And of course, no name tags.
It's funny (but kinda sad) that phals are the usual orchids in grocery stores, and no others. When I was younger (before the internet of course) this had me thinking that phals were the only orchid species. I honestly had no idea that there were any others, which is a shame. Now that I've really been getting into gardening, I'm excited to learn about others! I think next up for me will be a cattleya! 💕

Phalaenopsis are the easiest to grow.

They are shipped over here bare root by the tens of thousands!!

Wow, that's a lotta Phals!
Around here Trader Joe's had a nice selection of Phals this week too and people were buying!

My old Publix frequently had the Hawaiian Orchids (many different varieties) that were grown in HI just for Publix but here in Florida I have never seen anything but Phals at the three Publix stores I frequent.

BigBill said:Phalaenopsis are the easiest to grow.

Personally I find Cyms easier (as does my Mum). Various extended family members get given Phals every so often and I guarantee at least half of them don't survive (and I've only heard of one that ever bloomed again). I think the widespread availability of Phals has more to do with the ease of production, longevity of flowers and the plant size than anything else.

I used to be an "Accomplished Phalaenopsis Murderer"!!!! I was on Death Row for a number of years for killing dozens of them!
Then while in Florida I discovered how to grow them. I came up with my Oreo method and things grew great for 7 years!
When I moved I gave them all to my son here in Michigan. I can't fit then underlights. He has a large window area to grow them in. He just had one of mine in bloom from early last December through this December. The final flowers faded Christmas week!!!
He is using the "Oreo Method"!!!! Plastic pots, one third aliflor mix, one third sphagnum and one third aliflor mix. Works like a charm. He waters every Saturday.
Warmth and water, that is the ticket!!!

I also think neglect has a lot to do with it. Most serious orchid growers take great pains to care for their plants. Phals seem to thrive without much care. I know of one person who has about a dozen Phals and they are always in bloom, I know for a fact they rarely get watered and then it is usually just a quick splash. Recently she was away from home for a month and she just texted me that her orchids are doing well in spite of her absence. BTW, they are also in a bright sunny window.