A Surprise Serapias Sprout in the Garden

[estación seca]

Soil is not permitted entry at all. Orchids require CITES export permits from the country of origin and a CITES import permit from the US. Don't try to smuggle it. The penalty is up to fifty thousand dollars per plant.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Soil is not permitted entry at all. Orchids require CITES export permits from the country of origin and a CITES import permit from the US. Don't try to smuggle it. The penalty is up to fifty thousand dollars per plant.

Not worth the risk!!!!

Edit:

Apparently, there might be a CITES exception for houseplants for residents of both countries (I am) as long as the imported plant is not destined for sale but as a personal belonging and does need CITES export from Spain. And regarding soil, it must be sterilized at the port of entry if under 3lb which would make the import worthless. But there's a permit that allows for a certain amount of soil to be transferred to extract microorganism.

Probably all very complicated for a plant that can still be bought at certain vendors, but if this little colony starts to spread I might consider getting CITES import/export permits to bring some in the future, depending on the cost. Serapias isn't the most beautiful orchid, but I've seen Ophrys apifera growing near my house in Spain, but never on my property; crossing my fingers, it decides to colonize our garden someday.