Box store rescues - tags questionable

[lmartiny]

This particular Lowes has a great clearance section on plants. They are healthy and sometimes I wonder why they are on sale at all. We stop frequently on our way to our rural property and find bargains to plant there.
Well, while I loaded up on 3 gal azaelas (4.00) I had to take their four slightly battered orchids sitting there on clearance as well. I got four for 23.00. I'm not sure of the tags. Not trust worthy. They could just stick them back in somewhere. I looked in my book and maybe the Phal fits but I think the Onc with the Bllra tag is wrong(?) I did get two clay pots and a neat rectangle one in the deal as well. (hey, that is worth somehing) Also got about a pound of wet spag. They are all airing out tonight.
The larger Phal had a tag Dtps Minho Princess 'Flying' which I looked up and it is a Phal type. So that might be correct. But the other had a generic tag for Onc Dancing Lady but the tag says Bllra. Eurostar. That doesn't seem to compute. The other two are a mini (?) Phal and another one tagged Onc. Dancing Lady. One Onc fell into three pieces and it looks like they are rooted back bulbs. That was somewhat dissapointing. But they all have some new growth.
What you think?

[Plucky Purcell]

Bllra. is part of the oncidium alliance. Bllra. stands for Beallara (Brassia x Cochlioda x Miltonia x Odontoglossum) Check out this site for hybrid abbreviations. I find it very helpful. I hope it turns out as pretty as this pic I found. Nice color and shape, eh?

[tansyflower]

Great buying.. I love discount stands.

Also, there is something sort of intriguing about buying an orchid with no flowers and no tag (or a dodgy tag)...sort of like waiting for Christmas...

[flowerchild]

It is eggciting waiting for the easter bunny too, but having a no tag orchid is much more eggciting cause the present lasts a lot longer than the chocolate that the easter bunny brings, besides that an orchid doesn't sit on your hips after you look at it!!!!

[solay]

Sounds like we have some surprises awaiting us in the future. I think you got a good deal even if it's miss tagged.

[oncidiumlover]

Sounds fabulous, great finds! I can't wait to see the blooms!

[CharliesAngel51]

Good deal. I don't think our Loewes ever puts their orchids on sale. I have seen some in pretty bad condition and they are still regular price. I agree with Tansyflower, it will be like waiting for Christmas to see what the blooms look like.

[trinigirl]

Great buy, you'll have to post a pic when you pot the chids. And of course, we will be waiting for flowers!

[tangers40]

the dtps. will look like the flower in the banner of this site when it blooms. it was my very first orchid (given to me for my bday) and it came from lowe's as well.

i've only ever saved one orchid from the lowe's rescue rack, and it unfortunately was beyond saving. it had crown rot and literally fell apart in my hands the first time i tried to water it. i check quite frequently though. and is their carrying onc types a recent occurrance? mine only ever carries phals and the occasional den. never seen an onc there. good thing too, cuz then i'd be tempted to buy it.

[lmartiny]

It does depend on the Lowes but at this one I've seen blooming Catts and some other types as well. Today at the local one they had gobs on clearance and the Phals were dry as a bone. Such a shame. My husband was actually looking. The leaves were so leathered and dry I didn't think they were worth it as revival of existing leaves were iffy. Some big healthy dens but roots dry/done for. Walked away.
Then came home to tackle the ones I'd already gotten. Here they are potted or mounted. Nothing special. The picts are only fair. Sorry.
Onc noid. Dancing lady per picture lable

I potted two of the three pieces that were separate plants. None in this pot had good roots.

I mounted the third piece. Its an experiment.

Added the Phals to a mount with another. I had removed Dens from the two spots.



Middle Phal was also a rescue and has been on the mount for a few months. It is soon to bloom (so far so good) and I look forward to seeing what it looks like.



It was tricky work on that big mount with existing flower spike; trying to be careful. Felt like I needed at least three hands. Long term goal is the roots grab the mount, like they have in the slatted baskets.

[NancyH]

Your mounted Phals are inspiring. I'll have to try that.