Don't be fooled. These were discussed on the other forum, and someone who bought one from them a couple years ago now has it growing quite robustly in a 4" pot (I have one myself, Sogo Gotris, so we'll see how it develops). Maybe compact, but not mini. There seems to be a consensus on the other forum that these phals were treated with Bonzi or other gibberellin inhibitor that keeps them small. Once the chemical is metabolized and out of the system, the plant will begin to develop normally, meaning normal sized phal.

Gary, it's more than *either* bozo *or* snobbish. Big middle of the continuum where most of us hang out. Knowing that live orchids are thrown out to die is tough. However, my 40 indoor plants are crowded, and just one of those large big box Phals would push a couple off the shelf. Denninmi, for me, the most important thing is to enjoy our orchids, whatever their source or price. I'm glad the big box stores have Phals and other orchids at low prices. I might never have gotten into orchids had it not been for one of those stores. Before then, I thought orchids demanded hothouse conditions and didn't know commercial growers existed. The stores introduce loads of uninformed folks to orchids. Your question about quality... Masses of big box orchids, identified or not, come from Thailand. Others may know if quality is similar to those from US commercial growers, but *I* feel better buying from a grower whom I can contact to see if they have an orchid not listed in their catalog, get detailed info about a particular plant, could visit if in the area, whatever. Your question about what the availability of these plants at low prices to the general public means to more professional orchid growers... I wonder about that, too, if I'm understanding your question. Have big box sales had a detrimental effect on US professional, commercial growers? My understanding is countless plants come from factory farms in Thailand, where the weather's ideal; utility, labor, transportation, & other costs are low; and the mammoth greenhouse compounds are largely or completely automated. It seems impossible for US growers to compete, but perhaps the two markets largely draw different customers. Or maybe hobbyists continue to buy from US growers while shopping at big box stores for inexpensive, blooming orchids that aren't available from US growers at those prices anyway. There are bound to be other variables. And... just know - for $15-$25 plus shipping, you can get a blooming size Phal from a US commercial grower, or one of the multitude of other orchids that grow in Phal conditions. These plants aren't likely forced to bloom, as the big box orchids are. If you order during the orchid's natural blooming season, you'll receive a spiking plant. Otherwise, it will flower during its next season, as most of yours probably do now. Enjoy, WhiteCat8

Epi cordigerum is now Encyclia cordigera Catcylaelia (Ctyl.) = [Cattleya x Encyclia x Laelia] Psuedobulbs look like the the encyclia parent. Lc. Pixie is L. flava x C. Guatemalensis (aurantica x skinneri) I truly love this one John. i would have grabbed it up as well. Dayglow flowers on a small plant always gets my attention. I'm not sure if this cross has been named. WOW! Clint

I have had some that have rebloomed repeatedly for several years now . However I am not sure how many will survive the flood , I had to put them all out in the atrium and the took a beating from the sun . We shall see . For newbies having the clear plastic is a huge benefit because you are able to see the roots that is the most important thing , keeping those roots very healthy and hydrated . Never cut off the air roots and never cut off flower spikes unless they are totally brown and dried up. They will rebud over and over from the same spike . My neighbor nearly killed hers because she was cutting off everything including every air root . Orchids get a lot of moisture from the leaves and those wandering air roots they need them. Wipe down the leaves very regularly with a wet cloth. If you just put the pot in the sink turn the water to room temperature or slightly warm and just let the pot sit under the water for several minutes . I don't run it on the plant just into the pot and wet all the air roots . Letting water run through it that way is the best way to water . Then turn the water off and leave the pot in the sink an hour or so to drain . Do that every week or so . Those roots in the plastic pot will be pretty , plump , green and pink . No black or mushy if you get that you are watering too much and it's not draining . Best way to keep your plants happy is to put a saucer of pebbles and set the pot on top , keep water in the pebbles . This creates humidity around them. You don't want the pot sitting in water . I posted a few few pictures here some time ago showing healthy roots , yes they are fine cramped together , and what the new bud or mittens look like they may turn up in a search here . Good luck !