April, 2019
In Appreciation: No-Name Orchids:
The orchids sold at grocery stores and home improvement centers frequently lack labels. As orchid hobbyists, we like to collect orchids that are properly identified, if for no other reason than that proper orchid identification is required to win awards! Beyond the vanity aspect, a proper label helps us figure out what the plant needs for best growth and flowering, and we can use the label to work out the story of the plant itself: where it came from, who grew it, and how it got to us.Nevertheless, some of these nameless plants are remarkable for their stamina and vigor! There's nothing wrong with keeping them in your collection if the flowers give you pleasure!
Here's a nameless Oncidium, very likely a species, that was sold at Trader Joe's about 20 years ago. We're still working out what it needs to flower reliably (misplacing it behind other plants doesn't seem to be what it wants). It's not spectacular as Oncidiums go, but still very nice.
Some of the Cymbidiums that turn up at Home Depot are amazing. There are a handful of clones in clear, bright colors, with strong, upright spikes (well suited for traveling around in a big truck). The flowers are well-arranged and last for weeks. The price is usually around $20. Here's a green one with a nice contrasting lip, which has remained vigorous for at least 15 years.
Both of these plants have survived all sorts of neglect, bad weather, attacks by bugs and critters, etc. They come back strong every year. They surprise us each time with cheerful flowers when we need them most. Yes, we're going to keep them!