New order from C&H in what looks like potting soil

[kindrag23]

Ahh I forget about ya'lls humidity. I use it for the opposite reason. Bc sometimes its so hot here if I didn't use it I would be soaking them every day

[kindrag23]

Kawamotto is awesome! They sell from ebay.

[gnathaniel]

C&H does pot some stuff in pro-mix (peat and perlite) from what I've seen. Many orchids, including Phals, do very well in this kind of mix provided you use it right.

Nothing wrong with repotting things right away if you don't like pro-mix but I'm a little puzzled by the apparent disapproval of C&H's quality/growing practices I'm seeing expressed here. As far as I've seen C&H sells excellent plants at very fair prices.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by gnathaniel

C&H does pot some stuff in pro-mix (peat and perlite) from what I've seen. Many orchids, including Phals, do very well in this kind of mix provided you use it right.

Nothing wrong with repotting things right away if you don't like pro-mix but I'm a little puzzled by the apparent disapproval of C&H's quality/growing practices I'm seeing expressed here. As far as I've seen C&H sells excellent plants at very fair prices.

I just was a little disappointed with my bare root phal and am not saying that all there plants would be bad. It was my first time ordering plants from the web and I expected big healthy roots, The leaves look good and I am not sure about the others until I repot them. the prices are good can't complain there. that is why I ordered form them. And I saw them recommended on this board. As for the potting mix they use, it maybe fine but I had never seen it used before.

[orchids44]

I have purchased over 30 orchids from C&H in the past 2 yrs. I bought about 10 when I visited their greenhouse for the first time in 2011. I've mail ordered twice since then. Their phal. mix is good quality and needs less watering than bark since the perlite retains water well. I repotted the phals after being in their mix for 18 months. The phals stayed healthy, new growth in the spring/summer and have rebloomed successfully.
Besides, phals, I have received cattleyas, oncidiums, dendrobiums and a miniature vanda. All were in healthy condition except for one. It had too much moisture in the white stringy packaging around the plant.
During my visit I spoke for quite a long time with Mr. Holmes, Senior. He takes a lot of pride in his business and loves his orchids. He is very kind and intelligent. He and Mr. Carter started their greenhouse in 1947. I believe Mr. Holmes is in his 70's now and would want to know your feedback. We had discussions about customer satisfaction and he truly wants customers to be happy so that he can do business with them again.
His son, Max, is taking over the majority of the business now. I hope the quality of C&H orchid culture and care is not going to change.
Sorry to hear about your orchids but I would call and request to speak with Mr. Holmes, Senior. Good luck and happy growing.

[DweamGoiL]

I ordered from several vendors this Summer. The best quality plant I received was from Carter & Holmes, a Paph Oberhausen's Diamant. It was in great condition when it arrived and needed no cleanup; no dead leaves, no parasite markings, etc. The leaves were perky and a healthy grassy and glossy shade of green. The other vendors I ordered from were not as impressive.

[SHag42]

Originally Posted by DweamGoiL

I ordered from several vendors this Summer. The best quality plant I received was from Carter & Holmes, a Paph Oberhausen's Diamant. It was in great condition when it arrived and needed no cleanup; no dead leaves, no parasite markings, etc. The leaves were perky and a healthy grassy and glossy shade of green. The other vendors I ordered from were not as impressive.

Glad to hear you got a great plant. I do know that orders can vary depending on when you order, how far it has to travel and what you order. I have placed orders with a company and be very happy one time and disappointed the next. I guess it could also depend on the who packed the plants and from what area that they took them. They do have a few more that I would like to have so I may try another small order to see how it goes. Thanks for the info.

---------- Post added at 10:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:45 PM ----------

Originally Posted by kindrag23

I have ordered from kawamotto 5 or more times now. Each plant exceeds my expectations.

Cool I will have to check them out. Thanks.

[kindrag23]

My only 2 issues are potting material and shipping cost! Yikes!

---------- Post added at 09:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:29 PM ----------

Otherwise I get wonderful plants from them.

[kindrag23]

I have ordered from kawamotto 5 or more times now. Each plant exceeds my expectations.

[kindrag23]

They are awesome. And their boxes have a slip with hours of op. Number everything. They want u satisfied.