Hi, Rob: You immediately hit on the biggest problems (compatibility &
accurate labels) with the multi-plant deals as a concept; the H.D. near me
can't even tell Dens from Oncids -- picture a shelf full of Onc. Gower
Ramsey sporting labels that read "Den. Earsakul," across the aisle from a
shelf of Den. Bom Jo 'Earsakul' all tagged Onc. Gower Ramsey ... Anyway, I
can't imagine that the idea of multiple plants in a pot could be patented,
so go for it G.

To me, the biggest problem with Danielle's purchase is that it was
intentionally packaged in a misleading way. Yes, most of us who post here
would have known to look for the plastic pot inside the clay, at a place
like that, but Danielle obviously didn't, and I doubt she's the only one
who's been surprised after getting home with such a purchase. Those clay
pots aren't intended to attract the throw-away customer, who will almost
certainly put the plant into something more decorative anyway. They are
purposely aimed at folks who've troubled themselves to learn at least a
little bit, because they're buying a _plant_, something they hope to enjoy
for years, not just flowers for temporary decoration.

Kenni

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
Oh, I don't know if it actually offends me. As long as the plants are
compatible and properly labelled. Two phals in one pot sounds like a
great idea, if they are the same clone. They probably grow better that
way (for the same reason we grow seedlings in compots).

For the mass market, it sounds like a darn good marketing strategy.
Wish I had thought of it. People pay good premiums for planters with a
mix of annuals that they can just put on their doorstep. Don't see any
reason that a properly designed mix of orchids in one pot would be a bad
thing. Remember, most of these people are throwing the plants away
after the flowers fall. With a good mix of plants in various stages of
bloom, they actually get more for their money.

I don't think it is something that a boutique grower (orchid
specialist) could get away with. Different market.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://littlefrogfarm.com
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a) See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to obtain more
orchids, obtain more credit