Buying orchids online?
 

I admit, I am addicted. I just bought my second orchid in a week. I just had to have it though! :) This will be the first phal to add to my collection.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hn2g2UYYJf...c34c_1_sbl.JPG

I purchased it online - has anyone else ever done this? Is there anything I need to know about purchasing online? Will the plant be traumatized from shipping? Do I need to do anything special with it once I receive it?

Thanks!

I think that there are many many people on OB who buy orchids online, including me. Here's my :twocents:, since I don't order online very often. I think one important thing is to try to get your orchids from reputable vendors. This will help prevent bad surprises, since you can't see the state of the orchid you are buying! I think many people also avoid buying during when the weather is cold, since there is the risk of frost damage during transport.
When they arrive, I don't think there's anything special to do aside pot up the ones that arrive bare rooted! And like my 'in store' puchases, I immediately unpot and check out the root system. Hope this helps!

Hi :waving

That lovely orchid is a Paph, not a Phal ;)

A number of us order online...there are many reputable dealers we trust. If you ever have a question about a particular vendor, post your question here on OB and we'll let you know of our past experiences with them. You can also check into our Vendor Feedback forum for some ideas on vendors.

A whole new world has just opened up for you...enjoy! :bananaslide:

Oops, I knew that....paph. I have three phals so I automatically typed the wrong thing! Thanks for the tips. :) I purchased mine from The Orchid Gallery. I read lots of good feedback on them, so hopefully everything will be just fine! :)

:clap:

We can't wait to see your new baby! :)

I buy from growers IN my state. They usually grow what works easily for them. Soem growers will advertize orchids, but find out that is a side line and they grow something else as their main product.

I will even call and talk to them and kinda to a 'get to know you chat'. They don't mind at all. I have 2 growers in Florida I deal with. One I've done biz with for a long time, and come to find out so does my brother. The new grower I'm expecting a delivery from today, but I know he's gonna be fine as well.

Just a little homework, thats all.

Like others here, I've had dozens of orchids shipped to me. It's quite safe. Remember, the first orchids sent to England in the 1800s were sent on ships, used as wrapping to protect other plants, and still survived the ordeal - orchids are pretty tough plants on the whole. Established businesses, such as the one you used as well as many other extremely good vendors, have been shipping through the mail or UPS for literally decades, and they know what they are doing. I've personally never received a plant that really suffered from the ordeal. You can certainly have some bud blast on budded plants that are shipped, but the plants themselves should be fine.

I've purchased a number of plants online and would echo the previous comments plus - be sure you understand what size plant you are buying. If they don't list pot sizes, show pictures, etc., ask. I've made a couple "impulse" buys from unfamiliar dealers where I thought I was getting a great deal but just ended up with a smaller plant then I expected!

I've bought 4 orchids online so far, on ebay, and i've been very happy with the results so far. just be sure to check anything you get throughly before putting it near any of your other orchids in case it's got something you don't want like bugs.

I would recommend coming the the closest nursery to your place. California has a lot of orchids nursery so it shouldn't be hard to find one close to your place. Check these out to see which one is closer to you:
Andy's Orchids - Orchid Species - Orchids - Species Specialist - Orchids on a stick
Cal Orchid: The Living Bouquet
Napa Valley Orchids - Napa Orchids
orchids.com passion for orchids
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate Home Page
Sunset Valley Orchids - Grower and hybridizer of quality orchids, Vista CA