Back in May I picked up five orchids at an auction. Three are in good shape and doing well, as far as I can judge. However, one turned out to be infested with mealy bug, and another promptly lost most of its roots; i.e., 40% of my purchases had problems. That is not satisfactory. (I think I managed to salvage the ailing pair, but it will probably be a year or more before they’re presentable again.)
Perhaps I might have better luck buying plants online. I recently ordered a few from Orchids by Hausermann. The box arrived this past weekend. Let’s open it up.
Shredded paper.
Individually wrapped in The Chicago Tribune. (I washed my hands when I was done.)
Partly unwrapped, showing the shredded paper protecting the plant held in place with masking tape.
The first plant unwrapped is Macradenia multiflora, in a 2.25″ pot.
The largest plant, Prosthechea cochleata (or Encyclia cochleata).
Front, left to right: Angraecum didieri, Cattleytonia “Jamaica Red,” Brassavola nodosa; back: Macradenia multiflora, Prosthechea cochleata.
All are potted in bark chips and look healthy to my non-expert eyes. Note the abundant roots of the Brassavola; I have high hopes for that one. Most of these are “beginner” orchids, which means that they might survive my care and perhaps even thrive. Cross your fingers.
You have introduced to me two concepts I did not know existed: “beginner” orchids, and ordering orchids online for delivery by people who do not specialize in organic items delivery. So it’s a good day.