Best sources of inexpensive orchid seedlings?

[orchidphile]

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the Board and would like to ask a question about sources. Like almost everyone, I started with full sized orchid plants. Since transitioning to semihydro, they've done so well that I've started trying my luck with much younger plants to build a bigger collection at a more affordable price. I've found two very reasonable sources for seedlings: Secret Garden Orchids and Olympic Orchids. I placed an order with Secret Garden, and was very pleased with the size and the health of the plants.

But now I'm wondering if there are more mail order sources with really low prices for healthy seedlings. I have lots of full-size plants, so I don't mind waiting a year or two for the rest.

[epiphyte78]

On eBay one of my favorite vendors is bluemossguy. He usually has very reasonably priced flasks of nice crosses.

[JScott]

Carmela Orchids (carmelaorchids.net) has a good selection of very young Cattleya clones and seedlings. The smallest ones are 7 dollars, then 10 dollars for the next size up. I've been happy with everything I've bought from Carmela.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I am not sure your experience level growing orchids, or the types you like to grow. However, if you are still learning, or even if you are fairly experienced, you can find many good seedling-sized "orchids in a bag" (Better Gro Brand) in the house plant section of Lowe's or similar stores. Many are clones of awarded plants, or species. About $7.00 for small seedlings, $12 to $15 for near blooming plants. Off the top of my head, I know I've purchased plants that are in the following alliances or genera: Maxillaria, Vanda, Tolumnia, Oncidium, Cattleya, Encyclia, and there are likely some I'm forgetting. Most are good healthy plants unless they have languished for months on the shelf. They are very good to learn with.

[mobelle]

Don't forget also to check the Vendor Feedback section -- http://www.orchidboard.com/community/vendor-feedback/

[katrina]

If you dont mind growing them for a few years before you see blooms, you can't go wrong with Exotic Orchids of Maui. Small but very inexpensive for young seedlings and always really nice plants. They do have a $100 min order but you can get a lot for that $100. They do have some larger plants at extra cost and they have a really great selection...especially nice catts.

[estación seca]

Olympic Orchids sends healthy seedlings, but they are very small. Carmela has Cattleya clone deals where you can pick 10 seedling sized mericlones in 2 1/2" / 7cm pots for $75 or 10 in bigger pots for $150. The smaller ones are near blooming size.