Orchids.com is the WORST EVER!!

[escualida]

Originally Posted by Chris17

I've ordered twice from them, and have had mostly good experiences. The only complaint is that a Bulb. frostii came with shriveled pbulbs that were climbing out of the small plastic pot planted in sphag. I repotted and the bulbs have plumped up. I do enjoy looking at their website and like the fact that you can pick the date you would like your shipment to arrive, usually during the next week after you order.

Yeah I've had a few orders go smoothly, but if there is the slightest issue or mistake on their part, forget it! It's like pulling teeth!

---------- Post added at 01:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:19 AM ----------

Originally Posted by charitysmama

Do you mean the center of the plant leaves?

Yes, when the spikes come up from the center of the plant where the leaves usually do, that's called a "terminal spike"

Originally Posted by charitysmama

How do you check for viruses?

I use Critter Creek Lab to test for viruses, if you've got a lot you want to test they give like volume discounts and all in all it ends up costing about the same as the home kits, and less work for you

[NYCorchidman]

I know that Norman's phals come from Taiwan.
So, I'm sure those beautiful phals can be bought else where, but as individual hobby growers, it is very difficult to buy directly from vendors in Taiwan becauase of all the documants required and the minimum order for international purchase.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I know that Norman's phals come from Taiwan.
So, I'm sure those beautiful phals can be bought else where, but as individual hobby growers, it is very difficult to buy directly from vendors in Taiwan becauase of all the documants required and the minimum order for international purchase.

Have folks ever gotten together here to make a group buy? Several other forums I'm on do it from time to time.

[NYCorchidman]

That sounds like a good idea.

[stonedragonfarms]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I know that Norman's phals come from Taiwan.
So, I'm sure those beautiful phals can be bought else where, but as individual hobby growers, it is very difficult to buy directly from vendors in Taiwan becauase of all the documants required and the minimum order for international purchase.

If you are looking for mainly Phals, you might try Big Leaf Orchids; back when I used to grow them I was a frequent customer; everything was always great quality and lots of plant porn on their website. You might also try shooting Hausermann's an email if you are looking for anything specific--they have many more phals than those on the site...
Just my 2 cents,
Adam

---------- Post added at 01:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:48 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

As many bad things as I have heard about Orchids.com, aka Norman's, well I have heard 2x as many GREAT things about Andy's!

Anyone ever order from Sloorchids.com? They offer some species I'd like, just wondering how they are as a vendor.

SLO Orchids has a nice selection of plants, most are very reasonably priced. I have ordered from them in the past and will do so in the future, one caveat though; many of the plants are grown under shade cloth outdoors I believe; there will be the odd plant with cosmetic flaws. If you can't overlook the occasional burnt leaf tip or trimmed leaf, then shop elsewhere.
Adam

[NYCorchidman]

what is plant porn???

I have heard great things about big leaf as well.
They do have lots of phals, but most of them are not my type of phals, or they are unknown new cross. and I don't like surprises much. hahaha

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by stonedragonfarms

<snip by OW> SLO Orchids has a nice selection of plants, most are very reasonably priced. I have ordered from them in the past and will do so in the future, one caveat though; many of the plants are grown under shade cloth outdoors I believe; there will be the odd plant with cosmetic flaws. If you can't overlook the occasional burnt leaf tip or trimmed leaf, then shop elsewhere.
Adam

No problem at all with cosmetic flaws! I want to buy healthy plants, but all of my plants spend some time oudoors, so the occasional 'battle scar' from Mother Nature is no big deal.

[Sharon's Sheepdogs]

I purchased three orchids over a one year period from orchids.com. The first two developed fusarium and I had to destroy them so they would not affect my other orchids. The funny thing was, as this disease is known for, the new growth & blooming part of the orchid looked healthy. The older part on these two orchids began to decline & turn yellow. When I unpotted & cut off the dying part, I found the dreaded purple ring.

The third orchid was a young plant that arrived with fusarium. I could tell by the color of the leaves there was something wrong. When I cut a little into the rhizome, it was purple like the last two. That is when I stopped buying from this vendor.

[charitysmama]

Originally Posted by Sharon's Sheepdogs

I purchased three orchids over a one year period from orchids.com. The first two developed fusarium and I had to destroy them so they would not affect my other orchids. The funny thing was, as this disease is known for, the new growth & blooming part of the orchid looked healthy. The older part on these two orchids began to decline & turn yellow. When I unpotted & cut off the dying part, I found the dreaded purple ring.

The third orchid was a young plant that arrived with fusarium. I could tell by the color of the leaves there was something wrong. When I cut a little into the rhizome, it was purple like the last two. That is when I stopped buying from this vendor.

"dreaded purple ring"?

[trdyl]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

what is plant porn???

Orchid Photos

Originally Posted by charitysmama

"dreaded purple ring"?

Fusarium Wilt causes a purple ring near the outer edge of the rhizome when viewed in cross section. It is easily seen when the rhizome is cut during dividing. Some plants can live for years after infection others die quickly.