Bare roots... Please advice

[Nico]

I've just order some catt species and 2 hybrids from Brazilian orchid species from Florália, but is the first time for me for ordering online. Among the species, one of my favorite: Laelia Crispa...

Most of the plants are in flowering size and a few in a 3'' or 4'' pot (I guess these will be smaller...). The plants will be shipped (in May) bare roots and this also is a first for me.

I am wandering what are the risks? The bare roots shipping is for reducing the costs? Or for other reason?

I have order 14 plants (greedy me) and I have to prepare 14 pots... bark, place, etc.

I am interested in your experiences with this and any advice is welcome! Thanks a lot!

[Sandrilene]

It should reduce shipping cost and I am not sure if it is any worse for the plant then any other shipping method. The plants will not get the air circulation they need with any shipping methods I've seen yet. Might want to check how long the shipping will take.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Reduction in shipping costs.

Reduction in packaging.

Reduction in the risk of carrying over any pests (harmful insects, invasive animals, etc.).

Some countries require this method of shipping plants.

Risks you incur:

1. Dehydrated roots/plants.

2. Stressed out plants.

How to handle this...

As soon as the shipment arrives, pot them up immediately. Watch them closely and water when the media dries out. The media will most likely dry out fairly rapidly until the plant begins to stabilize.

This is all you can do.

[trdyl]

The main reason is due to harboring unwanted pests.

Along with what King has already said, it is best to keep them in a shadier spot until they are established then gradually move them to higher light levels.

[Nico]

Many thanks! Very useful information.

Now you told me about the pests... i think is a better method.

Floralia will have a trip to Germany and they will ship my plants from there. I'll ask about the shipment from Brasil to Germany, if it is also bare roots and how many days this will take.

[Nico]

Please help!

How long can resist the bare roots catts traveling? I mean, how many days the risk is minimum? My plants will travel from Brazil to Germany, by flight, with someone from the vendor, Floralia, and then from Germany to Romania. The trip will last for about 8 days. Is it too much or they can resist longer?

I am so worried abut this but I really want my orchids.

[trdyl]

Hello Nico. Eight days is not very long for Catts. They can last much longer than that bare root. When they arrive just get them potted up as soon as you can. The Laelia crispa sounds nice.

[Nico]

Oh, such a good news... Many thanks!