Worried about two orchids I purchased from SBOrchid.com

[SP2340]

Good evening all. I just received two orchids from SBOrchid.com. It's my first time purchasing from them and they looked like a good dealer. I'm not an expert which is why I'm posting this. I just want to know if I should buy from them again in the furture. Thank you very much for your help.

This one is a Cattleya Landate which looks like it has dead roots, has been eaten by bugs, has fungus, and is small for $25. Maybe I'm use to the prices of Cattleyas here in Florida or maybe this breed grows slower.
























And this one, which looks healthy, also looks very small for $25. It's a Maxillaria Tenuifollia. Does this look like it's worth $25? I don't know, I'm just asking.

[lambelkip]

the first one's a relatively new cross, so they're a bit more expensive. it's not exactly in good condition, but not in terrible condition either. the price is a little high IMO, but not terribly unreasonable. the second one is an healthy example of a hard to find species, well worth the $25. I might order one myself.

[D&S Mabel]

In my opinion, you Cat. looks a bit chewed around the edges but I have also gotten plants that looked like this from the net and they have gone on to live happy, productive lives. I have also gotten one that had a hole in a leaf but I think it was probably from the grower attempting to remove a defect or spot. The other plant looks healthy but, maybe as reference, I recently purchased a Maxillaria Tenuifollia for $15 with 5 p-bulbs and two new growths in a 3" pot.

In my one buying experience with the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, I felt like I got plants in good shape but I too was a little disappointed in the size of the plants for the price paid. I have found better value for my plant $ elsewhere and have not bought again from this vendor. I've gotten good results by looking at plants from vendors listed at the Orchid Mall then checking their feedback here on the board. Even better, I've request help in finding certain plants by posting on this board and gotten great leads on some really good sellers.

Good luck.

[susiep]

Hello SP, I agree with your disappointment. I find I get better plants for my money by going to the grower (in Dade or Broward) or buying at the shows. For $25 I expect the plant to be in good condition and for $15 I don't mind a few imperfections that I can work on. Of course if it is rare there is less room to negotiate. I have never been as happy with mail order plants as the ones I have picked out myself. I recently found a grower in west Broward that has nice catts for a good price. I got this for $25 from her. Let me know if you want her name. To me it is worth the drive to pick it out myself.

[gmdiaz]

I don't think I would buy from them again, if I had received those.

They're not bad. . .you can still make good with them but I think you could have gotten bigger, healthier plants from another vendor.

With all the people here who shop online for orchids. . .you can just about always get recommendations on a vendor before you shop and I am sure they would be happy to help you with picking out the traveling companions too. ROFLOL

I have the Maxillaria Tenuifollia that I got from Oak Hills for $20 plus shipping . .it was about five or six times larger than the one from SBO and really healthy! Maybe give them a try. You won't be disappointed!

[Sandy4453]

Was this from Santa Barbara Orchids? I'm very disappointed in what I'm seeing and especially from them, if it is S.B.O. I've seen Catts that looked like they belonged in the dumpster and still, went on to grow nicely, reestablish, and bloom beautifully but I'm quite surprised that a reputable vendor would send this plant to you, in the condition that this photo shows. A substantial amount of Cattleya roots (especially in bark), typically die off after blooming and grow new ones with the new growths that happen shortly after blooming so the condition you received them in is not necessarily indicative of it failing but IMHO, the vendor did not give you a plant that had been well maintained. The spots on the leaves are also very troubling. I would keep this plant away from the others and get in touch with the vendor and ask for a replacement. I apologize if I seem harsh but, this is sloppy work on behalf of this nursery and I don't believe you got what you rightfully should have expected.

As for the Max., I think the price you paid is steep only because, here in Florida, they were to be found at every big box store, grocery stores, etc. all spring and summer for quite less. I've done the same thing with orchids, looking for that particular one, only to find it down the street after I ordered and paid almost double plus high s/h charges on top of it. The good news is that if maintained well, you'll have the plant forever and the price you paid will seem like a bargain when the plant blooms and the smell of coconuts radiates from it!

Please consider contacting the vendor and asking for a replacement on the Catt.

[cloudswinger]

The Max looks ok, just overpriced. It was at wally world for about $20 in an 6" or 8" pot in bloom.
I've found that it's pretty easy to find sellers of Central and South American orchids locally or within the state.

[lambelkip]

I'm surprised that people have been able to get Maxillaria tenuifolia at big box stores, I've never seen it in one. That makes the prices a little high for both plants, and even higher when you add in the shipping. still, I might check with them for some of the hard-to-find species. It never hurts to check with other vendors for pricing, and if possible, go to the vendor and take a look at the exact plants they have for sale.

P.S.: I'm probably a little too picky about such things, but since at least 3 people here have it wrong, "tenuifolia" is spelled with one "l", not two, and should never be capitalized.

[isurus79]

I wouldnt worry about your plants. You definitely paid too much for the Max. as they are very common species, but the Catt. looks a fine. The spots are ok (look up the parents and you'll see what I mean) and I bet you'll get some really nice blooms next summer. You are lucky enough to live in the heart of American orchid country, so you should be able to find better orchids for really good prices at your local orchid societies or shows. Going to local dealers and talking to the employees and owners is also a great way to get a hold of great orchids at low prices. Most nursery owners (at least here in Hawaii) are very friendly and are very willing spread their knowledge and sometimes they'll even kick you a free orchid or two when you get to know 'em. I dont see any reason for you to order plants all the way from California when there are plenty of places much closer to home to buy from.

[Cookiemonster]

Eeeps- for those prices I would certainly be disappointed -
I would take pictures of the first plant and show the vendor and clearly state that you are not pleased with the size or quality (did you ask what size pot it was in before you ordered) --- If not thats something to note for future purchases!
On a side note, your in FL, land of all orchids , seriously, Ask the other members on here that are from FL im sure you can find just about ANYTHING you want and wont have to deal with the murder of S&H and waiting and disappointment-
On a side note they both look like they're in alright condition so with some love and care they will push new roots and growth in no time
Good luck and let us know what course of action you decide to take.