New to the orchid world

[Pete H.]

Hello, my wife and I are quite fond of orchids. (She more so then I actually .) In the past couple years, we have amassed 20+ different moth orchids from every "common" orchid seller. She is always looking for a new color pattern or variety she does not have. Recently, she has expanded a bit into a few other types of orchids and we are loving the colors. We just recently moved and I am sure that once we are settled, she will be looking for more and wanting to learn about more variety. (And I figure being on this forum too.)


Here in lies where I need some help and hoping you might be able to help me. See, my wife is expecting our first in a couple weeks and I really want to get her something special. I was thinking of surprising her with an Orchid of the month for a year. Thought it would be something special and different she would really like. I have been looking on line for a vendor but cannot make heads or tails of who would be a quality person to buy from. I don't want to get cuttings, and I don't want to get something that is not healthy. Hoping you would be so kind as to give me a bit of direction.

Have any experience with any of these places?

Kaleialoha Orchid Farm
Seattle Orchid
Akatsuka Orchid
Chadwick & Son Orchids
R.F. Orchids
Orchids.com

I am hoping to get something other than your run of the mill moth orchids (Phalaenopsis I think.). Hoping to get several different types like lady slipper, oncidium, dendrobium, etc. Eye catchers in variety and color while still being practical for house keeping. We have great windows and lighting so should be able to keep most. If you would be so kind as to offer up a recommendation for an online retailer or local area to buy orchids, I would greatly appreciate it.

Looking forward to learning lots about orchids.
Pete

[WhiteRabbit]

Congrats on your expected bundle of joy!

I have bought plants from Seattle Orchids - tho a few years ago. At that time, plants were all very nice.

I recognize some of the other names, but haven't bought anything from them ... I'm sure other members can help!

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome.
You might take a look at Starter Package - KawamotoOrchids.com
Joann

[tucker85]

Welcome to Orchid Board! RF Orchids is near me and I visit them occasionally. They sell mostly vandas and they're pretty expensive. Vandas are not well suited for indoor growing. Even outdoors they're high maintenance orchids. I've bought orchids from Orchids.com. I didn't have any problems but many members of this forum have complained about Orchids.com so you may want to avoid them. I agree with Joann that Kawamoto is a good vendor. Carmela Orchids is one of my favorite vendors. Chadwick & Son Orchids has been around for quite a while but I've never bought from them. Piping Rock is a good place to buy paphs.. Be careful buying online because many of the orchids are seedlings and they can take several years to bloom. Try to make sure you're buying blooming size orchids. Where do you live?

[Carpe Diem]

Would you like to get something that is blooming? Seattle Orchids has nice plants and package very well. Check out Kalapana Tropicals, they have very nice plants, are located in Hawaii and plants arrive within two days per UPS. I'm expecting a Cattleya from them tomorrow. They also have gift boxes, orchid of the month, Easter and Mothers Day specials etc. The flower shop here in town orders from them, so I have a lot of Kalapana orchids, bought at the flower shop or ordered myself. Btw., they are not on ebay. I have ordered from Seattle orchids, but none of the others you've listed. Welcome to the OB and the wonderful, addictive world of orchids!

[Atzau]

Welcome to the board and congrats on the expanding family! Lucky wife to have such a thoughtful hubby!never bought online as I usually just visit the local nurseries and flower shows so can't help you there. Good luck with your search for orchids this year (and most likely after!)

[Leafmite]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Congratulations, too!
To find a good place, it is best to look at the reviews. I usually type in the name and 'reviews' which usually leads me to Dave's Garden where they have an area for reviews for vendors. Hausermann's in Chicago has an Orchid of the Month Club. I haven't tried that option but I have ordered plenty of orchids from them and been very pleased. I haven't tried any of the vendors you have listed there.
Good luck with the new addition!

[Pete H.]

Thanks for the help everyone! I am super excited about out little one coming. We are in the Kansas City area. I will definitely look into where you guys suggested and try looking for some reviews.

I will definitely want to make sure they are budding orchids. It would be a sad day if they came and were all tiny. lol.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board, and congratulations on your iminent arrival.

I'm afraid I can't advise much as I live in the UK, but it's a great idea to get her one of the 'orchid a month' type offers from one of the sellers. A wonderful gift.