Andy's

[Angurek]

I have mixed reviews for Andy's.

I really like the sheer variety of species that they offer. They have pretty much every species I've been looking for, and then some. Andy and Harry are also more than happy to take special orders by phone and, if they aren't sure if they have a specific plant, they search it out in their greenhouses and call you back if they find it. I'd say that their prices are reasonable, as are their shipping charges.

The only thing I don't like about ordering from them is that they sometimes (more often than not) send me plants that are kinda beaten up (missing leaves, potted incorrectly, sunburned). On the other hand, they sometimes send you very nice plants, without any sort of problem. It can be a hit-or-miss in regard to that aspect.

I'll definitely order again from them, but I hope they send me less beaten-up stuff next time.

[Paul]

Hmm, I've never had any less than immaculate plants from them.

[Angurek]

Originally Posted by Paul

Hmm, I've never had any less than immaculate plants from them.

I guess they must have some plot against me, then. JK

Seriously, though, of the eight plants I have ever ordered from them, only two came in pristine condition. The rest had their leaves cropped off at the crown or pseudobulb, or tapered off artificially at the tip. One of my recent orders even came potted in soil, even though it isn't a terrestrial.

For example, I bought a Pescatorea cerina from them not too long ago. It arrived on time, but when I opened the package, I wasn't too happy at what I saw. Half of one fan was mowed down to the roots, as if struck with a weedwhacker. The second fan was intact, but the tips of the leaves were tapered to a point. The third major fan was missing most of its leaves. The only leaves left on that fan were two long ones at the base and some near the apex. Granted, the plant is healthy and maturing two new leads, but I think it would be even happier if all its leaves were intact. I wish I had a camera to post a picture of it. It looks weird, the way its leaves are cut.

[Ross]

I have had similar experiences myself. I have had a few just peter out and die and when I e-mailed Andy's a few times, I never got a reply. All-in-all I think he does try hard and has a fantastic supply of minis, but not all the stock is in good shape, as you say.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Yes, the coelogyne that I ordered was rotted at the roots. Tried to save it, but it RIP'ed.

I don't know. They have a fantastic selection, but sometimes you can find better elsewhere. I've sort of concluded that boutique nurseries give you better quality plants. Having said that, I have yet to receive an orchid in bad condition from White Oak Orchids. Those plants look fake--they are so pristine.

[stefpix]

Well I ordered 3 Phal species from Larry's. The bastianii and the equestris thrived but the P. mannii declined and died. All grew in the same conditions.
I could tell that the P mannii was not growing as vigorously as the others.

Also I got 3 small plants from orchidsamore and the Encyclia Cindy had no roots - like probably had been in rainstorm or something.

so i had these 3 small encyclia pseudobulbs for 3 months they are not growing andy thing. no leaves no roots... waiting.

well I asked for a replacement or something but I have to say the sellers have not been too forthcoming.

I would have to send the dead phal with tag back - when its price was 3.45 + some shipping. would not be worth to spend a couple of dollars for postage to get a reimbursement.

Anyway I got recently a Coelogyne from Larry's as the price was under 10 $ and well the plant has more PB than the 3 stated in the ebay division. actually is a bit large I could divide it in 2 - so sometimes things even out.
Well I do not have the Phal mannii though...
And I wish orchidsamore replied to my email.

Anyway I think it is hard with plants. sometimes you get runts .
I am growing all these Lychees/Longans from seed and I can see some grow faster, a few die, a few grow way stronger faster than others.

If you grow a lot of plants commercially maybe that is part of life.

[ronaldhanko]

I am not criticizing this post, in fact I appreciate it for the reason given below. Just wanted to say that a post like this can be enormously influential and we should be very careful about posting something like this and very careful about what we say if we do post something. I had an order ready to go to Andy's and am now hesitating about whether or not to send it.

[stefpix]

I think it is helpful in a forum to share experiences.

Even if one plant died I ordered from Larry's again. What i got was better than I expected.
Plants are not made of plastic in a factory - so there are many variables in factor.
Seems that Andy's has a huge selection.
It must be hard to keep it organized.
He could sell less plants and it would be easier.

What is important is also the way a vendor deals with a dispute or a "lemon".

It must be hard for a vendor also to trust a buyer's complaint.
How does the vendor know if a buyer is a novice that killed the plant with overwatering or wrong conditions?
Anyway it is good to keep in mind that there are many variables in factor and it is not like buying books or electronics off amazon

[Roly0217]

I've never had problems with Andy's. I always get healthy, strong growing plants that thrive for me and in great condition. I have yet to be dissapointed.

Now Larry's is a place that I wouldn't probably buy from again.

[SOS]

Everything Ive got from Andy was from a show and it not have been purchased if I wasnt ecstatic about it on the spot! Always look forward to meandering through their cage set up.