Where does everybody buy their orchids?

[lovenostalgia]

I am UK based and so far have purchased my orchids from local garden centres and have only seen phalaenopsis.

Since joining OB I am reading about species that I have never heard of before. So was wondering where you all buy your orchids from?

I would like to try some different varieties once I get some more experience. I figure it's never too early to compile a supplier shopping list.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Hi there
there is numerous websites and sellers in the USA, so it is pretty much harder not to order than look where to order. However most does not ship international, and if they do, it will cost you some serious bucks due to the certificates and shipping. When I joined this OB I learned about so many new online sellers here in the USA, so I am sure some UK members will join your thread soon and give you their favorite websites in the UK:-)

[DweamGoiL]

I know a few good ones in the US, but for UK, I have seen several great sites in Australia that will ship to the US and some wonderful deals on Ebay from the UK itself. If you are going to do Ebay, just make sure they display a picture of the actual plant you will be getting not just the picture of the flower it will have one day. Examine the picture carefully and ask if the plant has been treated for pests or bloomed previously, how long until it blooms, etc.

Also, keep in mind, when buying online, most of the time, the orchid will not be in spike or bloom so you will have to wait for it to get there, which is a totally different experience than going to your local place and seeing a pretty flower and deciding to buy it because of it. The foliage sometimes is not that striking and you need to make sure your conditions are conducive to the orchid being able to bloom during the next season.

Good luck with your shopping!

[Paul]

I rarely buy online -- I like to inspect the actual plant I will be purchasing, and it "kills" me to "waste" money on postage that could be used for more orchids instead. So I have acquired most of my orchids at orchid shows. I know there are shows in the UK so:
1) Google for UK orchid societies and then check out their websites and/or attend a meeting (they will most definitely be aware of orchid shows around the UK.
2) Google for UK orchid shows.
3) Wait for some of the UK members to pop in and enlighten you as to show locations and dates.

Btw, it is very common in most orchid societies, should you decide to attend/join one, for orchids to be auctioned off, used as door prizes, or straight up sold at the meetings.

[RandomGemini]

Wow! I think I will go to the next orchid society meeting here! Sounds like it could be worth it! I was actually planning to head to their next show in the spring. They should have lots in bloom and it would be great to see what local growers have been successful with.

[Leafmite]

Orchid societies are a great way to find cheap orchids! I usually just give orchids away when I run out of space. Our society is going to have an orchid sale next meeting...a good opportunity to find orchids at a low cost. I bought one of my favorites for $1 one year! Speakers often bring plants to sell.

[cbuchman]

I agree! Orchid Societies and shows are great places to get plants and to learn about them. When you buy a plant ask lots of questions of the seller to make sure it is comparable with your environment. The orchid community is very knowledgeable and supportive of newbies! You'll get great advice!

[RandomGemini]

Okay, now I am convinced. I'm definitely gonna go to the next orchid society meeting here!

[Ferns Daddy]

I've been to 2 orchid show in the last year and learned about what I can grow in my window and how to grow then with little work, Orchid clubs are a great place to meet other growers in your area and get great deals on orchids, I also learned a lot from OB

[lovenostalgia]

I think a bit of googling is in order to find my local orchid society events.

Thanks for the suggestions.