Orchids.com

[DavidCampen]

I bought 2 phals from them that I tossed when they tested positive for virus. I did not test until after the plants had been in my possesion for over a year thus it was possible that the plants had acquired the virus while in my possesion (though I very much doubt that) so I did not notify Orchids.com.

One plant was a large Phal. schilleriana, somewhat expensive, so I tested it twice using Agdia Immunostrips, once with leaf tissue and again using growing root tip tissue and both times got a positive response for CymMV. The other plant was a small Phal. violacea var. sumatrana; it tested positive for ORSV.

[NYCorchidman]

I like to look at beautiful photos of phals on their website and they do have lots of plants.

BUT, they have bad reputations of being slow, rude, and virused plants that they deny.

I never order from them.

There are better places to do business with.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks for the warnings everyone. I have heard the same things before about this grower.

It's a shame because they have had plants I would readily buy. Maybe word will get back to them & they will clean up their act.

[vjo]

Well my son is going to contact them tomorrow, if they haven't shipped them yet he is going to cancel the order. Granted they do have some lovely plants but....
My son lives in NC and I am in MO so we are both going to get on our computers at the same time and I will get to place an order and he will get to pay.... woohoo...Jean

[WaterWitchin]

vjo... I see you live in MO. Have you ever been to Bird's Botanicals in KC? It is a most fun adventure. David Bird is the man who introduced me to orchids...my husband has been laughing and cussing him ever since.

[vjo]

I haven't been up there yet, I plan on going up this spring. He is always a vendor at our show in March, and I do buy from him, but haven't been to his cave.....Jean

[WaterWitchin]

The cave is awesome. Call, and visit when he or his daughter is there. You want to see not just his sale orchids... you want to see "his" orchids. Some pretty awesome specimens.

Beware: it will make you want to start digging a cave in the back yard.