Raising Rarities - Cypripediums - Toledo, OH

[My Green Pets]

When I visited this vendor's website, the orchid bug bit me hard and unexpectedly. Lots of big, showy Hardy Lady's Slipper hybrids. Expensive (from $40 to $200!), but after checking other sites, that seems to be the norm when it comes to these plants.

Called and left a message for the guy to call me back so that I could ask about which plants would suit my growing conditions. He called me back later in the evening and talked to me for a few minutes. I told him I wanted to order a certain hybrid but he advised against it, saying that the ones he had left were very small, but another, equally priced hybrid, was large and with lots of growths. So I ended up taking his recommendation and ordering a Cyp. Kentucky Maxi.

Will report back here with a photo when plant arrives. Until then, got to figure out where to plant this thing...!

[Zoi2]

WOW, there are some really cool cyps on the website!
Please do post an update when you get your plant.
Joann

[Paul]

No, cyps are certainly not cheap.

Another vendor to contact actually lives not terribly far from him. Check Roberts Flower Supply:
Orchid Growing Supplies - Plants for Sale Columbia Station Ohio | Roberts Flower Supply

http://www.orchidmix.com/cypswpics.pdf


Wayne will also give you a run down on what should do well in your area. He even does some of his own hybridizing. He has Pleiones as well, should those be of interest. (I don't know if those would be hardy in your zone, though.)

[Leafmite]

I didn't realize Wayne also grows Pleiones as well. Thanks! I think I'm going to have to send him an email.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I didn't realize Wayne also grows Pleiones as well. Thanks! I think I'm going to have to send him an email.

They're a newer territory for him. He had 3 species for sale at the Ann Arbor show this past weekend (as well as a plethora of cyps available). They (the Pleonie) were all spiking and there were a couple already in bloom. Don't know if he had any that had not spiked yet. Typically for shows, only bloomers and spikers are brought along as they sell better.

[My Green Pets]

I received my order today. The roots look great and there are five growths. Couldn't be happier.

[Leafmite]

It looks like I will be getting one of each type of Pleione at the next OS meeting. Thanks so much!
That cyp looks very healthy! Best wishes on wonderful blooms!

[Andrew]

These are like hen's teeth in my part of the globe and, when you do find them, you're looking at triple the price you mentioned for a quarter of the size! It looks like a nice healthy plant. Sounds like really good customer service from the vendor as well.

[euplusia]

They offer a large selection of species and hybrids- some of them are also distributed in the European market. I have no experience of my own with growing Cypripediums so far, but the plant looks very good.

[My Green Pets]

You are correct euplusia—in fact the vendor said his plants all come from Europe.