ethically sourced native orchids?

[modern_fumie]

Hey there everyone-

After killing orchids for years, I've found out how to help them thrive and now I've got the bug. I'm jumping into orchids native to the US/Florida. I love the idea of propagating and reintroducing orchids that have become rare in their native habitat (see Fairchild's Million Orchid Project).

Here's my question: how do you ensure that the native orchids you buy are cultivated instead of wild collected? Are there any sources you recommend? I'm skeptical of finding ethically sourced orchids on ebay, and I'd hate for my hobby to do more harm than good.

Thanks!

First post. Please be forgiving.

[Subrosa]

Hmmmmm. I wonder. Are you making the assumption that wild collected = poached?

[AnonYMouse]

Do NOT reintroduce plants into the wild! Unless you are qualified (work for state/fed wildlife agency with this specific duty), don't do it. You may unwittingly do damage to the environment.

Can't stop you from planting things on private property but even then I urge you not to if you can't control growth (wide buffer from wild).

[modern_fumie]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Hmmmmm. I wonder. Are you making the assumption that wild collected = poached?

I would argue wild collected is equivalent to poaching in Florida. A number of once common orchids are rare in the region due to over-collecting in the early 20th century. Many are still harvested (even though they are endangered in the wild)!

I wouldn't want to support wild harvesting in most cases. Propagation under cultivation seems more sustainable.

So: other than buying flasks and propagating orchids myself, how do I ensure that I am sourcing my plants ethically? Just ask the provider? Any recommended sources?

---------- Post added at 07:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:58 PM ----------

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

Do NOT reintroduce plants into the wild! Unless you are qualified (work for state/fed wildlife agency with this specific duty), don't do it. You may unwittingly do damage to the environment.

Can't stop you from planting things on private property but even then I urge you not to if you can't control growth (wide buffer from wild).

Hey Anon Y Mouse,

I am an ecologist (hence my interest in orchid conservation), so I am delighted to hear your caution about plant introductions. I agree that introducing plants, even cultivars of native plants, into the wild is not something to be undertaken in an uncontrolled fashion.

HOWEVER, keeping native orchids on a windowsill or in a yard is pretty harmless. Supporting the ethical propagation of plants which are over harvested in the wild also seems reasonable.

What I like is the idea of creating a market where poachers have no incentive to poach.

What are your thoughts on that? And wild-collection in general?

[Orchid Whisperer]

I would split your interests. Grow some native orchids, nursery-grown from seed.

If you want to help restore native orchid populations, there are organizations that do this (name escapes me but can be found with a Google search)

[AnonYMouse]

Someone mentioned the Fairchild project before. My understanding is they propose to repopulate in urban areas, not the wild.

I have mixed feelings about wild collecting. I certainly cannot condone illicit collection but I think about all the undiscovered species going extinct due to climate change and deforestation.

[modern_fumie]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

Someone mentioned the Fairchild project before. My understanding is they propose to repopulate in urban areas, not the wild..

That's a great point. If I lived in Florida, I would be all over that project. All their labor is volunteer...

Is there a business that specializes in cultivated native orchids?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

I would split your interests. Grow some native orchids, nursery-grown from seed.

If you want to help restore native orchid populations, there are organizations that do this (name escapes me but can be found with a Google search)

Regarding orchid conservation, here you go - North American Orchid Conservation Center: About Go Orchids
and Friends of Fakahatchee: Friends of Fakahatchee

[AnonYMouse]

Back to your question about ethically sourced native species...

I don't know of any vendors that specialize in natives (doesn't mean they don't exist). You'll have to compose a species list and ask around. And you'll have to define "ethical" and research vendors accordingly.

[katrina]

For native slippers (and their hybrids)+ other N American terrestrials...
Orchid Growing Supplies - Plants for Sale Columbia Station Ohio | Roberts Flower Supply