I fail to see where the fuss is centered. If you buy a Phalaenopsis in bloom and place it in your home or office away from an outside light source and fail to water it, the plant will last in beautiful bloom for at least a month. The buyer is still getting at least 21 days more flower life than with a bunch of cut fresh flowers and at no more money. For those of us who actually face reality, more than 50% of the blooming orchid plants sold in the USA are thrown out when the flowers have died. For a generic Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium, who cares? It is hypocritical for a grower supplying the potplant trade to try and make a big issue about this.
Thanks to Stephen Manza for answering Kathy Barrett's question. It is obvious that Holttum was no physiologist and also that he was dead wrong. All sorts of research and common sense growing experience as mentioned by Ray, will refute his observation though I must add, Vandas will be taking up nutrients through their foliage also.
Finally Lee, my advice to you would be to buy any book panned by Iris. She has all the wisdom and experience of a typical "under lights" Northern grower. I don't believe she has had one cultural award from the AOS in her life, maybe that's why she hates the organization so vehemently or is it because they won't publish her nonsense in Orchids magazine?
Andy Easton
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