Want to import Phalaenopsis hybrids or mericlones in flask

[Richard Johnson]

I live in French Polynesia and am looking to import flasks of phalaenopsis hybrids or mericlones. I am most interested in large flower types with marking, i.e, veins, spotting, blotching etc. i would greatly appreciate info as to where such might be found. i have scoured the web and find almost nothing in this category. The photo attached is an example of what I am interested in.

[estación seca]

Hi Richard,

Many hybrid Phals sold in the US are grown in Taiwan. I would suggest you look up the Taiwan orchid societies, and send messages to people there. They will probably be able to put you in touch with growers. You might also search on Taiwan wholesale orchid growers.

[Richard Johnson]

Many thanks for the suggestion. I have tried the Taiwan and Thailand wholesale growers, but the minimums are very high. I will try to find the Taiwan Orchid Society and follow that suggestion.

[estación seca]

I saw your much earlier post about Vandas in flask. You might contact RF Orchids and Motes Orchids in Homestead, Florida, USA. They both deal extensively with Thai vanda growers. They are both doing hurricane cleanup, but my experience has been all the people at both businesses are extremely friendly.

I have read (but have no personal experience with this) it is possible to buy flasks at the airport in Thailand. I don't know whether you might consider something like this. I don't have any contacts for people who sell at the airport, but maybe other Orchid Board members have such contacts.

[Richard Johnson]

Thanks for the link in Florida and at the airport in Thailand. I have been to the latter several time and never saw such a seller, but it is a big airport and easy to miss.

[AnonYMouse]

Have you tried Phrao in Thailand?

Big Leaf sells flasks but I don't know if Peter exports.

Also, look into what happened with Raymond Burr's Fiji orchid nursery. It's probably long gone but you never know.

[Richard Johnson]

Thanks for the tips. I will track them down. I find it really amazing that hybrid Phals in flasks are so hard to find in small orders. Those I have found have quantities for 3000 to a full container.

---------- Post added at 03:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:30 PM ----------

If have previously check Big Leaf and they do indeed offer Phals in flasks, but none of the crosses available would seem likely to provide the kind of flowers I am looking for. When I visited the US I found a lot I like in California at Trader Joe's, and Stouds, and Stater Bros markets. I wonder if they import flasks or produce their own seeds??? Any way, those and a number of French nurseries and German Garden Centers have these kinds of Phals, but I cannot bring back the plants, only flasks.

[AnonYMouse]

I'm not sure what flasks are available from Phrao, I just know they sell them individually at the show in San Francisco. There were other vendors but I can't remember their names at the moment.

I think the Bay Area Trader Joe's gets orchids from McLellan Botanicals/Taisuco America. It's a huge wholesale operation. 30 years ago, McLellan's would have been a good source but not since they sold/merged.

I can't think off hand but I think some of the Hawaii growers sells flasks, too.

Good luck!

---------- Post added at 07:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:29 PM ----------

*Big face palm*

Have you spoken with HBI and Troy Meyers? They are flaskers.

[Richard Johnson]

Thanks again for the tips. Carmelo Orchids in Hawaii used to have lots of offerings, but the current list has nothing of interest to me. Likewise of HBI. I have contacted Myers and a few others about flasking my own hybrids. I have several pods developing, but going that route it will take perhaps 4 years to first bloom. That is why I'm trying to find the type of Phals I like in flasks now, i.e., to cut off a couple of years.

[peterlin]

You can contact my agent in Taiwan

Shining Orchids Co., Ltd. - Orchid, Phalaenopsis

Ask for Irene - and let her know that Peter Lin sent you. She has mericlones and hybrid flasks. Irene can let you know what is her minimum order. You need an agent to round up plants, prepare CITES and phytos, and work with custom to ship your order.