Do you choose orchids wisely?

[pavel]

We all know that when choosing an orchid, the conventional wisdom says to pick one that will like the growing conditions we can provide -- afterall, an unhappy plant is unlikely to bloom.

Over the years, however, I have found that from time to time temptation or ignorance has led me to try plants I have little chance of blooming and sometimes not even good odds of keeping alive. For example, this lil fella that I aquired via a trade -- will I be able to bloom it? I'm not even sure I'll be able to keep it alive. But the lil devil was just so cute!....



So here's the question ... how much do you like to "push the envelope"?

Hmmm, sorry folks -- looks like I confused the issue when I wrote the poll statements. The "No's" should be "Yes's" and vice versa.

[Ania]

Pavel,
Well, even if it doesn't live it didn't cost you much. However, might be frustrating to keep it alive. This one looks like it belongs in place with strong light, high wind, frequent rain and 30 deg of temperature difference between day and night. He, he, he. J/K

[Gin]

That is cute ,it does look like little pickles
I take a walk on the wild side off and on sometimes a nice surprise... some times not Gin

[Ron-NY]

When I began growing, I bought things that I could grow in my conditions. Now that I have experience, a challenge is always welcome.

I also couldn't resist Dockrillia cucumerina ,,,one day I WILL bloom it. I think it should have been named D. gherkinea

[bench72]

this aussie native is such a cutie... u call it to-ma-to, we say to-may-toe (or in this case gherkin vs cucumber)

I love my Paphs, but every so often those Masdevallias or some hot growing plant rears it's pretty flower and bam... i'm trying something which will not bloom ever... oh well...

[smwboxer]

Hey, you never know if you don't try!!! Currently giving a Dracula a spin. I love the blooms on these guys so I figured I might as well try and see what happens.

[zainal abidin]

Well I will try who guess it will bloom just a matter of time, of course some of them really can thrive very well but reluctant to bloom, definitely I don't want to take species, those origin from temperate country unless I have GH.

[Redhead59]

Well, If I really want a plant I do a little research before I spend too much, but if it's something I must have,and since I have a little more understanding of the plants needs, I'm getting alot braver. BTW that is a neat little plant, I bought one last fall and it has put on a new pickle. lol

[padams2359]

Two years ago, I purchased 7 bag babies at the end of the season, and they were looking pretty bad. The only one I lost was one of the Vanda that I purchased. Several of them were Mini Cats, as I am sure any of you that have looked at these in stores know comprise 90% of all bag babies offered. They are huge now, and starting to bloom. I was told when I first joined this site that they would probable take two years to bloom, especially with their weakened condition. So, yes I do rescue them, and have been pretty successful with them.

[Olin]

My risky bloomers have usually been box store rescues. Their chances are certainly slim.

Olin