Where to Buy Phalaenopsis Online?

[adlemsi]

I guess I've been bitten by the orchid bug, lol! It all started with a Valentine's Day gift my sisters and I gave my mother (a Dtps. Taida Salu Alisan). Then I bought an orchid (Phal. Join Angel) in late March I fell in love with in the New York floral district. Finally, I adopted a three-orchid arrangement (unlabeled but look similar to my Phal. Join Angel) that the company I work for was throwing away because the blooms had fallen and they thought the plant was dead (little did they know, lol). I joined the Orchid Board to get educated on orchids and get advice on how to rescue the neglected arrangement.

So, I was wondering where other members purchase their orchids online. I've seen people mention eBay, but I don't know how dependable that is. I refuse to buy orchids from places like supermarkets, Kmart or Home Depot, because they seem to be the weaklings florists and collectors don't want.

[Dorothy]

Check out the Vendor Feedback forum where members have posted their experiences with orchid vendors (even eBay sellers) - http://www.orchidboard.com/community/vendor-feedback/

[kiki-do]

Hi Adlemsi! Welcome to OB! If you want to look at a great site online that will give you lots of info, go to
The Orchid Mall - Everything in Orchids and it lists endless online orchid shops. Some specify for Phals, some for mini's, Catts, etc.
Also, go to Orchid Board's forum's feedback section and you'll find some helpful suggestions there as well.
I personally have no problem buying orchids from Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmarts if I check them good and are sure they are in decent health. This is the time of the year that new shipments are coming in and the selection and price is awesome. Unfortunately for me, I don't live that close to HD and Lowes and our local Walmart doesn't carry orchids.
Maybe that is fortunate for me, considering I tend to go overboard in my purchases. with your quest.

[adlemsi]

Thank you for your suggestions! Right now we have 6 orchids in our apartment, but I'm really looking forward to adding to the collection. I have so much fun caring for them! My father and my boyfriend tease me about developing a green thumb out of nowhere. I'll see how my process goes with my rescue orchids. I'll definitely be buying more after I move to a bigger place.

[jkofferdahl]

I've purchased Phalaenopsis orchids from Hausermann for many years (going back to paper catalogs) and have always been very satisfied. They're good folks to deal with.

[lostonthebeach]

I would suggest Carmela orchids in Hawaii or on E-Bay under the name peaandshel. They have mostly Cats.
Also try baldanorchids on E-Bay. Lots of people here on Orchid Board buy from them and they have a great reputation.
I have have several dealings with Carmela and would highly recommend them.

[adlemsi]

Wow! There are sooo many orchid-buying options online! And more variety too!

[quiltergal]

Welcome to the dark side!

[Bird Song Farm]

Because of my location, in the woods of Maine, I have to buy online often. If you would like the name of some of the vendors I've used, PM me.
AL

[horses_too]

Once you're REALLY hooked, do check out Big Leaf! Peter Lin is excellent to work with, and sells a wide range of phals (generally NOT your run-of-the-mill stuff). You actually can behave yourself, but most of us who are 'regulars' don't do that very well. I haven't counted lately, but I think I have bought 150-200 from him - and he's yet to disappoint me with plant quality or service.
And to be honest, though I know a number of people haven't had really good experiences, I've been a customer of Norman's for a number of years and have never been disappointed there, either. Yes, you have to repot promptly because of their growing technique.