Orchid virus soapbox

[MJG]

I have ordered a total of 36 orchids this spring from 6 different vendors. I test all new orchids for viruses as they come in the door for CyMV and ORSV using Agdia test strips. If an orchid tests positive, I throw it away and contact the vendor.

The Agdia test strips are known to be reliable. I have confidence in them. They only test for 2 of many viruses that can afflict orchids but they're 2 of the most likely culprits.

Up until now, receiving a new orchid that has a virus has been incredibly rare. It's happened once for me in 15-20 years. This spring 7 of my 36 new orchids tested positive. What gives?

4 of the virused orchids came from a notoriously bad vendor. (I didn't do my research.) I had a long and uncomfortable exchange with them. They eventually refunded my money, but suggested that the problem lay with the "unreliable" test strips I was using. There was also the insinuation that I was trying to pull something over on them.

2 of the virused orchids came from a sterling grower who I think we all love and trust. Their website says something along the lines of guaranteeing healthy orchids. When I contacted them they were courteous and refunded my money no questions asked. They also said that they take the utmost care with their orchid culture; however they do buy and distribute orchids from other vendors and can't guarantee that they're virus-free. There are too many for them to test each one. Understood, and fair treatment of my order.

1 virus came from a vendor with a good reputation. They haven't answered my email.

I'm bummed that this is happening. If it were a rarity I would toss the orchid in the trash and write it off. This year it's happened too often to do that.

I could stop testing new orchids and rely on practicing good cultivation (don't reuse scissors without sterilizing them!!) I think that's what most of us do. Then the only appreciable risk is an infestation of certain pests like spider mites moving from orchid to orchid. Viruses don't spread easily. So that is an entirely reasonable approach. But to date I've always tested and if I stop now it's because I've gotten so many virused plants this year that I don't even want to know any more.

The other thing for me is that I am beginning to build a huge terrarium that I hope to fill with lots of beautiful orchids all sharing the same little ecosystem. They won't be potted. They'll be closely planted, sharing water. God forbid if I accidentally introduce spider mites or aphids. So I'm going to keep testing.

However testing means I'm going to continue going through this process and I really hate that. I can't rely entirely on only buying from great growers. I hate anticipating the arrival of a great new orchid only to have to throw it away. I hate calling vendors and asking for refunds, especially when they insinuate that I'm the problem.

Can anyone talk me down from my soapbox?