shipping phals in spike/bloom

[chloroplast]

Hello,

Any suggestions on how to ship Phals in spike/bloom?

I'll be attending the WOC in Miami and plan to ship the orchids I buy to my home in MA (Zone 5).

I've thought ahead and bought some 72 h heatpacks, and plan to ship them either FedEX 2nd day, or USPS Priority.

Any advice on how to pack the orchids so that "bud blast" doesn't occur? Should I unpot them and, if so, how do I protect the roots? I normally would use wet sphagnum but will wet newspaper do?

I've never shipped orchids before so detailed advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. --Ken

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[Ray]

This is my methodology: How to Pack Plants

Bud blast is likely no matter what, but it might not be a total loss.

[jrhennek]

Ken

I have shipped Phals in bud and all I do is wrap the spike and buds with shredded paper like what is used in Easter Baskets then wrap the whole plant tightly in newspaper. I am from central Minnesota and have Phals in flower from HI all the time. Even Jan, Feb, March they put no heat packets in and they are always in great condition.
Jayme

[chloroplast]

Thank you for your replies. I read the sheet and, based on what I've read, I would like to ask:

How do you recommend I handle the roots if I decide to unpot the phals for shipping? Are phals typically potted or unpotted for shipping? I'll be buying 10+ plants and keeping them in their pots during shipping may be prohibitively expensive.

How many heatpacks should I use per unit volume? (i.e., 1 pack per square foot, etc.)?

Regarding insulation, would a few layers of newspaper be sufficient for shipping to Zone 5 (15-35 F daytime temps)?

Thank you both for your replies. I really appreciate the help--your help will make my trip a more enjoyable experience.

Ken

[quiltergal]

Ken, I prefer having my plants shipped to me in pots and would pay any extra shipping involved. That said, if they are potted in plastic and bark it shouldn't weigh that much more. I also think the shredded paper really helps protect spikes and buds. All plants I have ever ordered in spike from numerous vendors have been packed that way. HTH

[Ray]

I'll take a contrary position on the potted/unpotted question.

Ship them bare-root to save weight and space, and put the extra cash into a faster shipping method. Besides, you'll probably want to put them into a medium you're comfortable with anyway. (Although I must admit that Terri is right that the plastic pot and medium doesn't add that much weight.)

If you do ship bare root, do nothing special to them.

I add about one 60-hour heat pack per cubic foot of box volume, and maybe an extra one in any box going to a particularly cold area. Don't forget that the heat packs need oxygen and moisture to work, so poke some holes in the box and possibly throw in a wadded up wet paper towel (I typically put it into a plastic sandwich bag with holes poked in it).

[cb977]

Hi Ken

You might not have to make a decision on whether to unpot them or not...most of the plants at these shows are bare-root to begin with

You may even be able to make arrangements for the vendor to do the packing and shipping, I'm not sure

[chloroplast]

Wow, THANK YOU ALL for your detailed, very informative answers.

I now feel confident that my plants will be properly packed for shipping, which has alleviated the anxiety I felt. Thanks in advance for making my trip a more pleasant one....

You might not have to make a decision on whether to unpot them or not...most of the plants at these shows are bare-root to begin with

And I thought that the phytosanitary, import, and CITES permit people were picking only on the carnivorous plant nuts when it comes to bare rooting plants for international shipping. (joke)

And this is not a joke.....A friend of mine (who had all necessary permits) who was bringing plants into the US was surprised when he was told by a new customs agent that his plants' roots would have to be cut-off before the plant could be brought into the country....because his permit required the plants be "bare root !" He desperately asked to speak to a supervisor who then chastised the new employee for not knowing the difference between "bare root" and "bare of roots"!

Ken

[cb977]

A friend of mine (who had all necessary permits) who was bringing plants into the US was surprised when he was told by a new customs agent that his plants' roots would have to be cut-off before the plant could be brought into the country....because his permit required the plants be "bare root !" He desperately asked to speak to a supervisor who then chastised the new employee for not knowing the difference between "bare root" and "bare of roots"!

That could've been a disaster!!!

Bare root makes for easier shipping when bringing the plants into the country You'll probably see some potted but the majority will be easy to handle...and it's easier to carry more when they're not in pots