Plant Shopping

[Leisurely]

I want very much to buy a Amsiella phillipensis but I cannot find a single plant listed anywhere for sale in the U.S. Does anyone know of a possible source for this plant. I have given up on Amsiella monticola. The first one that I bought lived about a year and now the second one is starting to decline. It is just too hot for this plant in my greenhouse during the summer. Phillipensis is supposed to be a warmer grower and very similar in appearance. Your suggestion for a source would be very appreciated.

[Cym Ladye]

You might try personally contacting Santa Barbara Orchid Estate. I cannot find any amsiellas through their website, but I do know that they sometimes have some plants that are not listed. Is there a chance it may have gone through a genus name change, and may be listed under the new name? The taxonomists have been been running amuck in name change department lately!

Good luck,

CL

[Leisurely]

I would like to express my appreciation for your very good suggestion that turned out to be positive. I had previously checked Andy's Orchids website and did not find the plant. It did not occur to me to call them. Apparently there are a lot of plants not listed by growers if they are in small supply. I called them, they had one and I ordered it. Should be at my door by next Friday. Thank you so much.

[camille1585]

That's great!! Glad you found it, and I hope you'll have better luck with it that the other species. You never know what orchids are lurking around on a grower's bench. One EU grower has a list available on request of all the plants that are not on the website (either because of small quantities, seedlings, new imports...). That special list is nearly just as long as the regular one!

[Leisurely]

My beautiful, healthy orchid arrived today and to my surprise it was in bud. There are three buds and none were damaged in shipment. It also has the beginning of another spike and a new growth just starting.

Santa Barbara Orchids is great. I ordered a Sarcochilus from them last fall and it currently has three spikes with buds that are starting to open. I will post a picture when more flowers have opened. I have been unsuccessful with this plant before but I think I have learned enough from my mistakes to be able to grow this one successfully. Hope so because I am really fond of this little plant.