Buying Orchids by Mail

[clare]

Well, I had planned on buying my first phalaenopsis at the grocery store yesterday (our only local source for orchids in this part of Alaska!) but they all looked so ratty that I didn't want to shuck out $35. for one. I would like to hear about the experiences of others on buying orchids through the mail. What should I expect to pay? Are they in good shape? thanks for your ideas!

[made4engineering]

Generally, mail order orchids is a good process. All my orchids are from mail order... because I live nowhere near any orchid growers. Take a look at the "Orchid Mall" its a web site with a long list of growers, the vast majority of which will ship to you. Here is a list of all the growers I have bought from recently (I was quite satisfied with what I got from each of these places):
Oak Hill Gardens
Andy's Orchids
Cal-Orchid
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate

[articuno75]

Over 95% of my orchids come through the mail. I have had only a couple of orchids that were not up to par, but for the most part, all of my orchids were wonderful. Look for vendors that have good repore, and good shipping. Oakhill Gardens is one. They have a lot of good plants at great prices. Our own member Jerry also has awesome plants.

[exasperatus2002]

I've ordered from growers in Florida & hawaii and someone from ebay (forgot where they were from), I've been fortunate and not had a problem with any of them. When I started with orchids and got rescues from home depot that I had my problems. Lost a O. Sugar Baby, and a Dendrobium noid due to disease &/or their neglect.

[janet_a]

i don't do mail order but i know ppl who do; the general gist seems to be: if the grower is reputable, you shouldn't have a problem. the big houses do a lot of mail order and they seem to know what they're doing.

An orchid prepped for shipping

[clare]

Thanks to everyone! I just ordered two phals from Oak Hill, and including shipping, I still spent $10 less than I would have at my grocery store!

[psyc1210]

I've ordered most of mine as well. I love Komoda Orchids, and I bought a few from Carter & Holmes...only 1 out of that few looked ehh...not so good. I also like Orchid Gallery as well.

Which ones did you order?

[clare]

I got phalaenopsis leucorrhoda and phal. schilleriana. They look gorgeous in the pictures! I have my fingers crossed!

[solay]

I also buy a lot online just because I don't have time to go shopping. There are plenty of places here that sells orchids but I think I better stick to the web. I wouldn't be able to resist not buying everything if I saw them in person. I sometimes get a few bad ones in with the good buying online. Overall I think it's not a bad way to obtain orchids. I hope your Phals. arrive in wonderful shape.

[mehitabel]

For $35 you get a gorgeous, honking big, in spike orchid from Odom's, in spike decent size often very special varieties from Norman's.

For $25 nearly anywhere you get good blooming size plants, often in spike (as from Oak Hill).

For $5-$10 you can get nice size babies in 2-3" pots from Byrd's Orchids, Carter & Holmes, Oak Hill and other places.

Carmela's in HI offers nice big blooming size plants (often awarded varieties) for $17.50 that usually bloom the very next season.

I've bought online for about five years from big and small vendors, boutique breeders as well as generalist vendors. There are lots of good vendors online that offer really fine plants, too many to mention them all. They pack carefully, ship at the right time for your weather, just great service.

Don't settle for poor plants from a local vendor, especially for $35. That price should command something really nice.

Shipping to Alaska may cost a little more, don't know. Still worth it for the variety of cultivars available online.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by clare

I would like to hear about the experiences of others on buying orchids through the mail.

I have bought literally thousands of orchids through the mail and have had overwhelmingly positive results. But here's a few tips before buying your first mail-order orchid:

Before you do any looking know what kind of growing conditions you have. Does your space have low, medium, or high light? Are the temps cool, intermediate, or warm? Is your humidity low medium or high? Are you able to water your orchids frequently or no? Choosing an orchid that will grow well inthe conditions you already have will set the stage for success and flowers!

1) Buy from a recommended source. Lots of forum members here buy through the mail and they will be able to tell you the places they have had the best experiences with. Oak Hill Nurseries is one such place. They specialize in species but have some hybrids too. they're customer service is first rate and their prices are good. There will be lots of other highly recommended sources as well.

2) Compare prices and plant sizes. Know what price you're paying for what size plant. Some places are orchid connoisseurs and sell orchids with awarded pedigrees. These places will be expensive. Other places sell less "elite" orchids and sell them in high volume so their prices will be lower. Also compare plant sizes. You might find a nursery with very low prices but when you read the description you see you're getting a small seedling.

3) Make a small first order. After getting advice on where to buy and checking out their plant sizes and prices, place a small order, maybe only one or 2 plants. This part is difficult because I always want to buy a ton of stuff. But if your first order is small then you're not out much if you have difficulties.

4) Be satisfied. If you're not happy with the condition of the plants contact the seller. There are so many excellent nurseries with excellent customer service that you shouldn't have to be dissapointed.

Originally Posted by clare

What should I expect to pay?

As I mentioned above, prices will vary. If you're interested in Phals, I bet most phals will be in the $20-30 range, flowering size and will vary depending on the rarity of the plant. Just like clothing, the latest trends in orchid hybrids are expensive at first then get cheaper after the initial excitement has worn off.

Originally Posted by clare

Are they in good shape?

They should be and will be if you buy from reputable sources.

[clare]

Wow! Thanks to everyone for the great advice! The two phals I purchased today from Oak Hill were small ones and cost $4. and $6. The shipping charges to Alaska were the same as to the Lower 48 (which is often not the case!) They should arrive next week, so I'll let you know how they turn out! Thanks again!

[myorchid]

I hope your orchids arrive safe. Be sure to post pictures when they arrive.

I buy most of my orchids on line. I have gotten some from two of our members and have been very pleased with the plants.