Orchid Lust - Orchid Board

dbarron · #1 12-23-2022, 03:25 PM

You know that feeling when you suddenly visit a vendor and decide you *MUST* have that/those plants?
I need a vaccine for this condition. That darn bulldog blooming beside me makes me think I need more paphs, before I'm completely sure I can grow them successfully.
I have not clicked order (because it's $100) but I did find Kobold's Doll and this cross: Paphiopedilum (King Charles x Mem. Sandra Pechter Song) and add to a cart.
Someone help me! Tell me why I shouldn't do this.
If you must, you may enable me and suggest some colorful alternatives.

Figured this was definitely an all level type post (beginner appropriate).

Toadwally · #2 12-23-2022, 04:42 PM

Can't help ya. My super hero power is

THE ENABLER.

Dimples · #3 12-23-2022, 04:53 PM

I’m usually an enabler but given the impending severe winter weather hitting, or soon to hit, much of the country it’s probably best to avoid ordering anything right now. Heat packs only last a limited time and the holiday shipping season could add additional delays beyond what the winter weather causes, so you could end up with a box of dead plants. That’s no fun.

jcec1 · #4 12-23-2022, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimples

I’m usually an enabler but given the impending severe winter weather hitting, or soon to hit, much of the country it’s probably best to avoid ordering anything right now. Heat packs only last a limited time and the holiday shipping season could add additional delays beyond what the winter weather causes, so you could end up with a box of dead plants. That’s no fun.

Could you ask them to delay shipping?

They might do that anyway with the upcoming holidays?

Toadwally · #5 12-23-2022, 05:03 PM

Exactly.

Last week I closed the deal on 3 vandas, an Onc. ensatum, 3 E. tamp., and an Ionopsis utric. from S. FL.They'll keep till safe shipping weather.

Roberta · #6 12-23-2022, 05:13 PM

Most vendors (at least the good ones) do watch the weather and delay shipping until it is safe, both at their end and yours. Just verify before placing the order. Sorry, you'll get no interventions here, we're all enablers.

I'd only worry about eBay since they penalize "late" shipping after purchase. But I have to believe that even they will cut some slack... the shippers such as FedEx and USPS are pretty much grounded at any rate. Where you're dealing directly with the vendor, just communicate. Heat packs are no match for the deep freeze. They're good for maybe 20 deg F above ambient at best, and no more than 72 hours.

Leafmite · #7 12-23-2022, 08:29 PM

I did some plant/orchid orders in October and November and plan to avoid looking anywhere until March. That helps. I will probably look at seed catalogues instead.

Good vendors will not ship plants until it is warmer than it is now. They just will not take that chance. If you are not certain whether your vendor is a 'good' vendor, ask them what their policy is about shipping. One winter, many years ago, I ordered from three places in November (Hausermann's and two that are now gone--Oak Hill Gardens and Al's) and all three waited until March to ship the orchids...they all shipped the same day! That winter was a very cold one.

Dusty Ol' Man · #8 12-23-2022, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbarron

You know that feeling when you suddenly visit a vendor and decide you *MUST* have that/those plants?
I need a vaccine for this condition. That darn bulldog blooming beside me makes me think I need more paphs, before I'm completely sure I can grow them successfully.
I have not clicked order (because it's $100) but I did find Kobold's Doll and this cross: Paphiopedilum (King Charles x Mem. Sandra Pechter Song) and add to a cart.
Someone help me! Tell me why I shouldn't do this.
If you must, you may enable me and suggest some colorful alternatives.

Figured this was definitely an all level type post (beginner appropriate).

Hehehehe.

estación seca · #9 12-23-2022, 09:06 PM

There will be great orchids available in the future. Don't risk shipping during extremely hot or cold weather.

dbarron · #10 12-24-2022, 01:18 AM

Hahha, well you know...I should get back in touch with the local orchid group and see what their spring sale looks like. I was disappointed last year with it, but maybe this year will be better. Yes, being in the South makes it easier for shipping, though if the vendor is in the North (*lol*), easier is a relative thing.
It was -6 yesterday (with felt like -35F). However, by end of next week, we're looking at 60s it seems.
I remember in 2020 or 2019, some ordered plants arrived in Fayetteville (10 miles from me), then took off for a week in Florida. I was skeptical, but they seemed not horribly the worse for the extended shipping time, though it caused me much anxiety.