Are there US orchid growers that guarantee virus free plants?

[camille1585]

I think your best bet is to do the testing yourself/send out samples. But before buying anything you'd need to inform the grrower of your desire of virus free plants, and ask what policy they have if any you test come out positive. That's probably the best way at the moment.

[quiltergal]

The best you could do is get a guarantee there is no ORSV, CymMV, or CMV from some growers. There are at least 30 identified orchid viruses including the 3 already mentioned. The others do not test positive when tested only for the 3 mentioned above.

[SJF]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

The best you could do is get a guarantee there is no ORSV, CymMV, or CMV from some growers. There are at least 30 identified orchid viruses including the 3 already mentioned. The others do not test positive when tested only for the 3 mentioned above.

Thank you

[Stray59]

I hate to say it, but if you found a vendor that 'guaranteed' virus free plants, you would probably not be able to afford to purchase them - such a guarantee would be next to impossible to keep and I would think it would open them up to lawsuits if they sold even one that was virused. Virus should not be treated lightly in my book, but as you say, many don't really seem that concerned about it.
The best you can do is deal with a reputable dealer that has been in business a while who is concerned about pleasing the customer base; such a dealer would be glad to replace a sick plant or refund your money, or they lose their reputation.
I don't know about Hausermann's in Chicago's virus policy because I have never bought an inferior / diseased plant from them, but they go the distance to make customers happy and I can't imagine that they would not be glad to replace a plant. This would only cost them a matter of small change - testing each plant or making such a guarantee would cost them much, much more.
Again, deal with reputable suppliers, test your own if you suspect disease, and ask ahead of time about replace/refund policies. That's about the best you can do.
Sorry, but that is all I think you can expect.
Steve

[Leafmite]

I have ordered quite a bit from Hausermann's and the orchids I have gotten from them have all been quite healthy (and still are). I am quite certain if you did get a problem plant, they would take care of the matter. They accidently sent the wrong orchid and I only had to tell them the problem and they sent me the other. My orchids do not grow under perfect conditions and yet all of the hausermann orchids seem to be quite hardy and able to withstand the stresses that come their way (not so certain about the new seedlings from somewhere else). The other place I like is Al's Orchid Greenhouse. I suspect that Al treats all his orchids as if he were planning to keep them for he takes great care of them all. I haven't any trouble with his, either. I really trust both of these places to treat me well. I wish these two vendors sold all the orchids I had ever wanted. :|