I am very satisfied with Ecuagenera in the the past four purchases with them. They send me an email of their catalogues with prices, dates and places of their shows; I make a list of my orders and then pay for it via Paypal= then they mail the plants to me ....it arrives well packed and fresh as if it came directly from their garden.
*one occasion: I had a tiny miniature plant that arrived dehydrated and almost dead= I sent pictures of it via email and they sent a replacement with larger almost specimen sized healthy plant. I managed to revive the other plant so now I have two of the orchids.

I've pre-ordered from Ecugenera many times and have always received great plants. One time I could pick them up at the Mid-America show but the other times they are shipped to me when they arrive Stateside.

I usually get Masdies, Lycaste, and Catts from them plus some odds and ends.

Brooke

I haven't bought from them but, this year, they had beautiful, healthy orchids at the West Shore show...they always do.

Maybe its me or the kind of plants I get from them but I've found them to be delicate compared to other sources (same species, I try to get duplicates from 2nd sources).

I stopped by their booth at Pacific Orchid Expo in Feb and I must say their plants looked rather sad. I was looking for Phrags.

I order from the a couple of times a year; I've had very few problems with their plants. I like being able to pick them up (as I will do at the Oregon Orchid Society Show this weekend in PDX), but have had them shipped to me as well. They have a great selection and good prices; I have had a few casualties, 3 plants out of say 90 or so that I have bought over the past 2-3 years, but I'm not sure if it was shipping shock or not liking my growing conditions... If you are looking for plants from S. America you might also consider looking at Gary Meyers' site here; the plants that he imports are also very nice.
Just my 2c,
Adam

What vendors do you recommend?

I have ordered and worked with them many times. They do their best to have plants labeled correctly, but on occasion, it does happen. It is more common with some species over others (Lepanthes and Sobralia, for example). Plants will defoliate on occasion as well. This is almost unavoidable with certain species.

To avoid any potential problems. My suggestions are:
1. Always preorder. The prices are much cheaper, sometimes half, and they tend to pack the nicer plants for preorders. The shipping and handling charge this year is $2 a plant, regardless of minimum order. The preorders are also sent out after the plants are picked up at the airport and before the show starts, in case you cannot attend.

2. If a plant looks questionable, tell them. They understand and will do what they can to remedy the problem.

3. If a plant defoliates after you take it home, take a pic of it with the date. Email Elizabeth at Ecuagenera and she will usually work with you. I have seen plants replaced, free of charge, for ones that died after it was taken home. Unfortunately people have taken advantage of this courtesy, so do it kindly. I have always found them sympathetic.

I have purchased almost 100 plants from them and I have lost 3. I think that is fair considering the circumstances.

I think they are worth taking a chance on if you are uncertain.

I have followed this conversation with interest. I too have ordered from them again (2x). The 1x, they couldn't attend the show and sent the plants from their next Canadian show (3mnths later). One plant was dead on arrival, 1 in questionable condition. I took pictures and contacted Elizabeth. I obtained a credit for the next show, no problem what so ever. I'm very happy with the plants I pre-ordered for our last show, and will certainly continue to order from them.

I've had good and bad experiences as well but have persisted with them. I've had occasions where the plants have been to small to deflask but I've had no choice due to mold forming on the media and then losing them all. I think they used to sell flasks that were way too small and should never have been sold. The flasks are getting better and the plants are usually larger these days with better roots but the odd flask is still to small.

This is my experience with Phrags. I find that if you get something that is to small or isn't healthy then they do respond but you may not get a replacement until the next time they are in the country. So there is a risk but overall I am still buying as they get better.