Chris,

Unfortunately I don't know a thing about Dendrobiums nor about Home Depot.

BUT I can understand your idea: My first orchid was a No ID Phal that I got
from my father. A few weeks (or even days) after I got it, I accidentally
decapitated the spike with the window blinds and scarred the leaves
seriously. So I decided to go out and buy one just like it, so that I could
tell my father that the orchid was doing beautifully if he asked. In my case
the first orchid did not die, but got over the accident, and reflowered two
years later. But the sentiment of buying another one just like it was
definitely the same for me at the time.

Here are a few thoughts for you:

- You could just go an look at Dendrobiums that are sold in bloom, and if it
looks similar enough to your eye, chances are it will fool your father in
law.

- You might consider not buying your plant at Home Depot, but buying it at a
more reliable vendor though, if you think that the quality of the plant was
to blame for its early demise.

- Before you go out and buy another Dendrobium just like it, consider
carefully whether the conditions that you have and your habits of taking
care of your orchids are compatible with Dendrobiums. After all if one died
on you, you might think about whether another one just like it would have
better chances of survival, before you go out and buy one just like it.

- Finally, are you sure that your father-in-law would care enough? It might
be that getting a Dendrobium just like it is not really necessary,
especially if you feel like buying another orchid or two instead. I finally
did admit to my father about the accident that the first orchid had, and I
got the impression from his reaction, that he did not care as much about
this as I did. Of course in my case, I am glad I did it because that really
started a wonderful hobby, and I think the guilt over that first plant
helped me in paying more attention to orchids.

Joanna

"Christopher J Barown" wrote in message
...
I have determined that the Den can't be saved.
Anyone have any idea what hybrids they typically
sell in places like Home Depot? The one I had
was purple. I would like to try and find a
replacement that is similar so I don't have to
tell my father-in-law that the one he gave me
was a piece of junk.


Thanks,
Chris