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Orchids

haganah

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I don't know where to even start on this.

I want to purchase orchids for my mother. I want these things to live for a while so hopefully in a pot and not cut in a vase?

My mother is not a botanist, nor is she an expert on orchids. I am not looking for the equivalent of a Rubinacci of plants.

Can someone help me or at least give me an idea on what questions to ask a flower shop so I don't get taken since I've heard these things can cost a lot?

Thanks guys.
 

Gus

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Get a Phalaenopsis Orchid, the most common and hearty. You want it potted and with a few blossoms and buds that are about to blossom. If she waters it once a week and keeps it in indirect sunlight near a window, it should do very well. They are usually big white flowers but some variations have purple, yellow and other colors in the flower.
 

breakfasteatre

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I had an orchid for about 2 years. It had alot of flowers, probably 10 in total bloomed, and then the entire stem got brown, and i was advised to cut it off. I kept pretty good care of it, but it never did grow another stem. eventually, i transfered it into another room, which for one night was like 95 degrees, and it died.

I bought my girlfriend a similar orchid, and it seems to be doing well, but it has one flower left. After that last flower falls, off, can i expect the same thing to happen? Does a new stem ever grow back?
 

gdl203

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My wife says the key is to water them only once a week and with a very specific technique: put the plant in the sink or tub under the tap and run water through the soil and pot (should be a rather thin flow) for a couple minutes.
 

haganah

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Guys how much should I expect to pay for said potted orchid?

I'm seeing everything from 50 bucks to a couple grand.
 

Gus

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I get nice ones at Trader Joes or Whole Foods for as low as $14.00. The more exotic ones can be more expensive, but they are also more sensitive.

gdl203 is right about how to water it. Orchids use moist bark to retain water and not traditional potting soil. Therefor you need to get the bark fully saturated. If you do that, then once a week should be ideal.
 

mikej77

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Another good resource is www.orchids.com. I have used a couple of other sides to purchase orchids as gifts and this one is by far the best. They provide good info as well into the best orchids for the home and they always arrived on time and in perfect shape.
 

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