what to look for when buying orchids

When buying orchids, it’s essential to understand what separates a healthy, long-lasting plant from one that may struggle to thrive. With so many varieties and hybrids available, choosing the right orchid can feel overwhelming, especially for beginners. This guide will walk you through the key things to check, from assessing the leaves and roots to understanding the plant’s requirements. Whether you’re shopping at a local nursery, a garden centre, or an online store, these tips will help you confidently pick orchids that will flourish with proper care in your environment.

Key Tips for Buying Orchids

Types of Orchids Available: When exploring orchids, it’s essential to understand the differences between hybrids and species. Hybrids are bred for traits that make them more adaptable and resilient, often better suited for beginners who might be less familiar with orchid care. They tend to be more forgiving if environmental conditions aren’t perfect. Species orchids, on the other hand, are natural, unmodified plants that can be more demanding, often needing specific light, temperature, and humidity levels. For new growers, hybrids can offer a rewarding start, while species are ideal for those looking for a challenge.

Where to Buy: Knowing where to buy orchids can make a big difference. Specialized nurseries are excellent for finding a wide variety and often have knowledgeable staff to guide you. Garden centers can be convenient and might have a few popular orchid types, though the selection may be limited. Online stores are another great option, offering access to rare or hard-to-find orchids. However, purchasing online means you can’t inspect the plant in person, which may lead to surprises when it arrives. Weighing these pros and cons can help you decide the best place for your purchase.

Pricing Factors: Orchid prices vary greatly depending on several factors. Larger orchids or those from rare species tend to be pricier, as are those that are currently in bloom. Other elements, such as whether the plant has multiple flower spikes or is grown from a seedling, also affect cost. Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations and ensures you’re making an informed choice about where your budget goes.

Condition of Leaves and Pseudobulbs: Leaves and pseudobulbs give you a quick insight into the plant’s health. Look for vibrant green, firm leaves without spots or discoloration. Healthy pseudobulbs should be plump and smooth, indicating the orchid has been well-watered and cared for. Wrinkled or shriveled pseudobulbs may suggest dehydration or improper care.

Root Health: The roots of an orchid are essential for water and nutrient absorption, making them a crucial factor to inspect. Healthy roots are firm, white, or green, depending on moisture levels. Avoid orchids with soft, mushy, or brown roots, as these are often signs of overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Roots that appear dried out or brittle might suggest the plant has been underwatered.

Compost Quality: The compost or potting medium an orchid is planted in significantly impacts its health. Quality compost is usually bark or sphagnum moss, offering good aeration and drainage. Avoid orchids with decomposing or overly compacted compost, as this can prevent the roots from breathing, leading to rot.

Flower Condition: Orchids with flowers in good condition show the plant has been cared for and isn’t nearing the end of its flowering cycle. If the blooms are fading or wilting, it may mean the plant will soon enter a rest period. This can be an opportunity to get a discount, but make sure the rest of the plant is healthy.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Suitability: Some orchids are better suited to indoor environments, where temperatures and humidity levels are stable, while others flourish outdoors, enjoying natural sunlight and ventilation. Understanding this can help prevent issues with light exposure and temperature changes that some orchid types may be sensitive to.

Fragrant Orchids: Orchids are known for their beauty, but some varieties also offer lovely fragrances. For those interested in scent, consider orchids like Oncidium Sharry Baby, known for a chocolate-like fragrance, or certain Cymbidiums with their sweet scent. These can add an aromatic experience in addition to visual appeal.

Checking for Pests: Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are common in orchids. Inspect leaves, stems, and under the pot for signs of pests, which could lead to infestations if brought home. If pests are found, weigh the risks and consider whether the plant is worth taking, or prepare for pest control efforts.

Quarantine for New Plants: Orchids from different environments can sometimes bring pests that may infect other plants. A quarantine period for new orchids, typically two weeks, helps ensure no pests spread to your existing plants, giving time to observe any hidden issues.

Look for Discounts: Many sellers discount orchids that aren’t in bloom, and these plants can still be perfectly healthy. If blooms aren’t a priority, you can get a healthy orchid at a lower price by focusing on non-blooming plants.

Consider Maintenance Requirements: Hybrids tend to be hardier and more adaptable, often requiring less specific care than species orchids. This makes hybrids suitable for beginners or those with less time for plant care, while species orchids may need more precise conditions.

Assessing Light Requirements: Different orchids have varying light needs. Some thrive in bright, indirect light, while others prefer lower light levels. Before buying, consider where the orchid will be placed and how much natural light is available to ensure compatibility.

Humidity Needs: Orchids generally prefer higher humidity, but some varieties are more tolerant of lower humidity levels. Choose orchids that match your home’s conditions or be prepared to adjust humidity with misting, humidity trays, or a humidifier.

Varieties for Beginners: Certain orchids are known for being beginner-friendly, such as Phalaenopsis (the moth orchid) and Dendrobium. These orchids are resilient and adapt well to indoor conditions, making them a great choice for new growers.

Flowering Duration: If you want orchids with long-lasting blooms, look for varieties like Phalaenopsis, which can bloom for several months. Longer blooming periods add extended beauty to your home and make orchid care even more rewarding.

Nursery or Garden Center Reputation: Buying orchids from a reputable source ensures you’re getting quality plants and accurate care information. Look for nurseries or garden centers with knowledgeable staff who can offer advice and answer questions.

Signs of Underwatering or Overwatering: Learning to recognize the signs of dehydration or overwatering in orchids helps prevent issues. Underwatered orchids may have wrinkled leaves or shriveled pseudobulbs, while overwatered orchids often show yellowing, soft leaves or mushy roots.

Orchid Adaptability: Some orchid hybrids are bred for adaptability, making them well-suited to a variety of home environments. These orchids are more forgiving of temperature and humidity fluctuations, providing a versatile option for many growers.

WHAT CHARGES WILL YOU PAY?

This largely relies on whether the plant is a species, a hybrid, a specimen, or an unidentified hybrid.
The unidentified hybrids of the well-known genera of Phalaenopsis, cymbidium, Dendrobium, or Oncidium will be the plants for sale in the garden centre.

The same will apply to the orchid nurseries.

but they will also have named hybrids and a great number of other genera. The orchid nurseries will moreover have a wide range of species.

The species from the nursery will cost more to purchase than the named hybrid and unnamed hybrids from the garden centre. Additionally, a larger flowering plant will cost more.

await them to arrive. It goes without saying that a plant’s price rises with its size. There are frequently special bargains available at nurseries, so keep an eye out for them. Join the nursery’s mailing list today because deals sell out quickly.

HYBRIDS or SPECIES?

How you can accommodate different cultural norms will actually determine this. Being a native plant, species has higher environmental requirements than a hybrid. It is more likely to suffer if these conditions are not met. Therefore, it is more likely that most species will be kept in greenhouses where the ideal conditions may be created. The hybrid is a plant that has been breed or crossed with another plant, frequently with an eye on the indoor plant industry.
In the world of plants, hybrids are valued for their

Hybrid orchids are easy to care for because they are man-made.

And non-hybrids are difficult to care for because you should provide their natural habitat.

Many hybrids, especially popular ones like Phalaenopsis, are known for being relatively easy to care for. They often inherit desirable traits from different species, making them more adaptable to various conditions. Their hardiness can be advantageous for beginners, providing a rewarding orchid-growing experience.

Flowers sold in stores typically last for weeks or even months in certain circumstances. When they are in bloom, they look lovely in your home, but perhaps the naked plant doesn’t give much in the way of décor. You could choose to concel them with other indoor plants or perhaps relocate them outsides

Additionally, the most specialised orchids from nurseries might only have three or four days of splendour in bloom throughout the entire year, making them unsuitable for use as house plants. When making purchases for your home, choose carefully what you want to buy.

with a plan for placement for when it’s not in bloom. The good news is that many of the orchids that can be grown indoors, like Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis, have interesting mottled foliage. There is even a cymbidium with variegated leaves. By doing this, one can enjoy home plants longer even when they are not in bloom.

For orchids with fragrances that are relatively easy to care for, consider the following:

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids): Many hybrids have a delightful fragrance and are beginner-friendly.

Dendrobium nobile hybrids: These orchids often produce fragrant flowers and are generally easy to care for.

Cattleya Hybrids: Known for their exquisite fragrance, some Cattleya hybrids are suitable for beginners.

Remember to provide proper light, water, and humidity for these orchids, and enjoy the added bonus of their lovely scents.

Indoor Orchid Varieties:

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids): Adaptable to indoor conditions, they thrive in moderate light.

Paphiopedilum (Lady’s Slipper Orchids): prefers lower light levels and can do well indoors.

Dendrobium nobile: Many varieties can be grown indoors and bloom with proper care.

Outdoor Orchid Varieties

Cymbidium: These orchids thrive in outdoor conditions with filtered sunlight and cooler temperatures.

  Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchids): Some Oncidium varieties can be grown outdoors, enjoying bright but indirect light.

    Cattleya: While some types can be grown indoors, many benefit from outdoor conditions with bright light.

Always consider your specific climate and growing conditions when choosing orchids for indoor or outdoor cultivation.

WHAT TO CHECK WHEN PURCHASING AN ORCHID

Take a close look at the plant, the roots, and the compost, and bear the following things in mind: Are the leaves in decent shape? Are the pseudobulbs wrinkle-free and solid? The blossoms appear to be vibrant and unfading. Is the communication post soaked, just damp, or both? the plant steady in the pot? Is the plant damaged? We can consider these questions in more detail and illustrate what to look for in a good plant.

Are the leaves of the plant in good shape?

If the leaves are mottled, the condition is that they should be nice and green otherwise. In that case, the colour should be appropriate. The leaves should feel firm and in no way squashy. Phalaen opsis leaves shouldn’t be wrinkled or otherwise damaged by insects or physical forces.

The Pseudobulbs: Are They Solid?

The pseudobulbs on orchids should be firm; this is an indication of a healthy plant that has received adequate water and nutrition. If the “bulb” is sensitive to pressure applied with a finger and thumb, the roots may have become dead from overwatering and no longer absorb water.

Perhaps the roots are perished from

Are the Faux-Light Bulbs Solid?

Orchid pseudobulbs should be solid; this is a sign of a plant that has received adequate water and nutrition as well as a sign of a healthy plant. If the “bulb” is sensitive to pressure applied with a finger and thumb, it may have been overwatered, the roots may have died, and no more water is being absorbed.

Do the bulbs have wrinkles?

The plant may be depleting its reserves and underwatering as a result. The plant should be alright after restarting regular watering because the wrinkling might not be a major issue.

How well-preserved are the flowers?

At the event that they are not, the plant has likely been in the nursery or store for some time and theThe flowering cycle has ended, yet this does not indicate ill health. If you study that plant carefully while keeping in mind the other inquiries on this list, you might be able to negotiate a reduction. You might be able to find an excellent plant for less money.

Is the condition of the compost good?

The condition of the roots and the compost are crucial

Gently remove the plant from the pot to examine the roots.

When you find healthy, white roots in wet compost

The plant will be valuable and everything will be OK.

Typically, transparent pots are used to sell phalaenopsis

these days since you can see their condition through the pot and they photosynthesize through their roots. In contrast, if the compost is moist, the plant is unsteady in the pot, and there are no indications of strong roots, the plant has likely been overwatered, and it is generally better to leave it alone. Examine the plant if the compost appears to have recently been irrigated if it is very damp.

The likelihood that a plant is sick increases if the environment is extremely dry and the plant appears sickly, wilted, and limp. Pseudobulbs are better for plants. designed to resist some hardship, and if the pot is dry, rewatering the plants should suffice. If the compost is really dry, plants like Pha laenopsis or Paphiopedilum may not be the best purchases because they lack pseudobulbs and cannot endure prolonged periods of dry weather.

Does the Plant Have Damage?

Not every physical harm is an issue. Only the leaves need be removed if that is the case. If the bulb is damaged, a disease may also be on the horizon, therefore I would let it alone. You should be on the lookout for pests or pest damage to ensure that you are purchasing a healthy plant in a nursery or store, however it shouldn’t be a problem.

GENERAL POINTS

You should always inspect any plant before you buy it, and always consider the points above. You may see plants on the discounted shelf, and these are always worth a look

The reason for their being there may simply be they have finished flowering and a garden centre cannot easily sell plants that are not in flower. Depending on the genus, even if the plant has been allowed to dry out you may be able to bring it back to health. Those with pseudob ulbs will withstand a short drought, rather than being too wet. Those without pseudobulbs may not survive excessively dry periods, and you will not know how long the plants have been on the shelf.

It would be a bad idea to purchase the plant in that pot if the compost has shrunk away from the pot side, indicating that it has been dry for some time.

Plants from unidentified sources can occasionally cause concern because you have no idea how they have been maintained. Any new plant should be placed in quarantine for a couple of weeks. This should give any pest eggs enough time to hatch so you can deal with them individually without having to worry about infecting the entire greenhouse.

It is usually advisable to get your orchids from reputable vendors, such as certified orchid nurseries, and from people who are knowledgeable about taking care of them. I don’t want to be critical of garden centres, but their personnel could not know how to care for orchids and water them the same way they

water the other plants, leading to overwatered orchids. Similarly, although many do, garden centres at DIY stores do not always properly care for their plants, so inspect any orchid before you buy it. They may have become less expensive over time, but they are still not inexpensive. When you take the time to shop around, you.happy orchids

FAQs