Monday, December 1, 2008

Pretty picture: Paphiopedilum Supersuk 'Eureka' x Paph. Raisin Pie 'Hsinying' x Sib


I've seen better pictures of this plant elsewhere on-line, but it's not like I didn't try to get a good picture. The lighting was apparently problematic.

You get the basic idea anyway. This is the plant I mentioned last Friday, the Paphiopedilum that attacked me and wouldn't let me leave without it.

I've always liked the mottled Paphiopedilum leaves, and the flowers . . . well, I can't really complain about the flowers, I suppose. I've been looking around since I got it for information about Paphs and how difficult they are, and so far I haven't seen anything terribly conclusive: apparently, like Dendrobium spp., Paphiopedilum might be difficult, or it might be easy, and it all just depends on what particular plant you've bought. Can't say I like those odds, but oh well.

At least it wasn't outrageously expensive: I got this cheaper than I would have gotten it from work (even with the employee discount), and it's also a variety I've never seen come to work, from a hardware store. The customer side of me is thrilled that everybody, now, is apparently getting into the houseplant game: flower shops, grocery stores, hardware stores, home improvement stores. There's even a pet store in town that often has plants, though they're almost always really pathetic and I've never actually bought one there.


The employee side of me, on the other hand, is kinda scared, and I know I'm not the only one. My theory is that we might see sales of small plants increase, because in bad economic times people do like to buy themselves little presents, to cheer themselves up, but everything else, the bigger plants, may or may not go, depending on how people feel about the economy. Plants are not, technically, necessities (really! I was surprised too. . .), and if it's a choice between a new Cyclamen for your windowsill or buying your medicine . . . let's just say I'm not feeling the job security right now so much.


5 comments:

Hermes said...

I find buying from non-specialist stores costs a lot more in the end as the plants are just not cared for and need a lot of attention to keep them alive - poor things.

mr_subjunctive said...

One hopes you're right, but I don't know if the majority of the customers will see it that way.

Lance said...

I tend to buy more common items at various stores - especially the hardware stores if they are on sale for really cheap and I think I can save it. Otherwise, I got to specialty green houses for different or unusual plants. But I'm always looking for the weird or odd plants.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mr. Sub, this one is a beauty. My best orchids have come from specialty growers, we have an excellent one locally who sells to upscale grocery stores. When I see his tag, I know it is a well grown plant, often of his own breeding program. I do have another one with the greener side petals like suky suky suky suky suky suky Sue! Not sure if that is the correct number of sukys, Steppenwolf, sorry if not.
Frances

Anonymous said...

Continued...I found the tag, I do have, with a bud showing, Paph. Onyx 'Fancy Cherry' x Paph. sukhakuiii. Why three i*s at the end, I do not know.

Frances