Most likely!

Aflowerchild

Welcome Gleni! Would you like to tell us about yourself?

I think Annette, not Gleni.

Thank you Ursula. That is very kind. I have a big orchid collection. But lately I have concentrated on vegetables and fruit and daylilies. Also, unfortunately, I have misplaced the book that tells me the identity of the numbers on my orchid baskets or pots. I think I will just have to pull the house apart to find it. I have a few orchids in flower at the moment and one of my native terrestrials is reflowering.

I have avoided the orchid threads to now because the ones I already follow are many. But I was attracted by the substance of the thread, and I assumed your "Lowes" was equivalent to our "Bunnings". They have the cheap Catalayas, Phalaenopsis and Cymbidiums near where you check out - and all with full glorious blooms. Needless to say I have bought many and all have never flowered again and most have kicked the bucket usually rotting from the ground up. I have always wondered why.

Now you know the probable reason, Gleni.

Perhaps we have two "Newbies", Annette and Gleni.

My dream, the top of my bucket-list, is to one day visit Australia and New Zealand.

Gleni, don't hesitate to show us your beauties in bloom ( perhaps "non-bunnies"…. ), just check out our monthly threads.

Thanks for the warm welcome! I can already see that there is a lot to be learned here.
My interest in flowers started as a young child, in nearly every picture there is a flower in my hand. Thus the user name of AFlowerChild.
I practically grew up in our modest family owned greenhouse and flower shop in New Carlisle, Ohio. I have been involved in the flower business on and off, for most of my life. My mother has been a professional florist for 50 years, so I guess it's genetic. I LOVE FLOWERS!!! All Kinds, some a little more than others. Orchids, Roses, Citrus, Bananas, Perennials , Annuals, so many I can't list them all. I have a little of everything!
So growing things is not new to me, but Orchids are a little different. I hope to learn how the experts get such spectacular results with their plants. Thanks to drdawg aka Ken Ramsey, who suggested that I check this site out. He gave high praise for the friendly, knowledgeable members here at ATP. So I am looking forward to getting to know everyone here!
Annette

Ken! For recommending ATP!

To the OP - you purchased 7 or 8 plants in questionable health when you could probably have purchased 1 or 2 healthy orchids without the fancy containers. There is nothing wrong with the plants at Lowe's, I have several lovely orchids from them which came from reputable growers. I see several things wrong with purchasing "sale" plants. You could be bringing home diseased plants, even though you may not see it, and expose your other plants, there is a reason the store chose to isolate them. Those plants could contain insects - some are not readily visible. The plants did not "need" you. I would agree with what has been said earlier - repot the orchids that are not in flower into a good orchid mix (preferably bark). When you repot, use a sterilized knife or shears and remove the dead roots and tissue (anything that looks mushy or black) before repotting - if you plan to use the same pots, wash them and disinfect them with bleach or use a new pot with good bottom drainage. If you are careful with water and feeding and provide good light for your plants, they should re-bloom but it could take several months, don't give up but don't expect instant gratification. Some of them may not bloom in the first season but that's how it is with Phals. Please do not, under any circumstances, water your plants with ice cubes! I can only equate that to having someone drag me out of a warm bed and throw ice cubes on me! Phalaenopsis are tropical plants, are used to warm rain water and do not encounter freezing conditions in their natural habitat. To properly water, let the potting medium dry out, then thoroughly water in the sink with room temperature water, letting it run completely through. When your orchid finishes blooming, you can cut the stalk back to the first or second node to encourage additional blooming but it does not always work. I recommend the American Orchid Society website for cultural information or a visit to your local library. Good luck!

cmmcd0472

All good information but I doubt the workers at Lowe's or any other big-box store were knowledgeable enough to know whether orchids (or most any other plant for that matter) are diseased or have pests. The half-off/clearance/reduced-price racks are not an "isolation" area. The store just wants to get rid of plants to make room for more.

I hope you will continue to post. It sounds like you have lots of information that can be shared with others. Again, welcome to ATP.

By the way (keep in mind that I'm old), what does "OP" mean?

I extend my as well, cmmcd0472! Very good information...

Ken, I think that the OP is short for original poster? (I'm not a spring chicken either) So I'm guessing that's you...?

Welcome Cmmcd! I do hope we see more from you here on the Orchid Forum!

......and yes, OP is indeed the Original Poster.

My goodness, that original post was six weeks ago. Thanks for the "OP" meaning. I never would have guessed. Not only old but dumb!

to ATP cmmcd0472.

Hello cmmcd, I don't know your name yet but we would like to get to know you better. Like a short bio and how, where you grow your orchids. Very good and clear info you gave and I believe you would be a valuable resource, so WELCOME.

I never though I would get into orchids but my wonderful son bought me a beauty from the grocery store for Mother's Day. It is so beautiful. A friend yesterday told me it is a phal something.

I think I will be on this thread a lot for help in NOT killing it!

Oops, this is Leda again. I have a north or south window available. The north window is crowded but I could make some room by shifting some things. I am sure I will have more questions as the blossoms die.

Northern exposure is marginal and you probably won't ever see it bloom again. Use that southern exposure.

You may or may not know that your plant's flowers were dyed. This blue color does not exist. But that's OK, you do have beautiful flowers. When it re-blooms next winter, the flowers will likely be fuchsia or white, their natural color. That one terminal bloom may be the "real" color. That last-to-form flower may not have budded yet, thus would not have taken up the dye.