Orchidweb - what is your experience?

[lithopgirl]

I've been growing orchids for over a decade and for me, Orchids Limited/OrchidWeb has the best quality orchids, best service, best packing, best EVERYTHING in the business. I test all of my new orchids with Agdia ImmunoStrips and among many major orchid sellers I have bought from, only Orchids Limited orchids have a 100% virus-free record with me. If you are ever in the Minneapolis area, it's a real treat to visit their greenhouses. I love them!

[stonedragonfarms]

Orchids Limited sits squarely in the "meh" category for me. I've ordered from them a couple times in the past and can throw them kudos on the quality of packing and shipping; the plants though were quite small given the price paid. I visited the greenhouses in October of 2014 and was very off put by the staff (I'd emailed in advance to verify they would be open and to ask if I might get a tour/poke around, as I am from the west coast--I thought it would be a fun afternoon out/break from my relatives) and the ambiguity of the availability of plants/prices. I arrived expecting to be able to take a look at the greenhouses (per their communication of please stop by, we'd love to show you around), but was told when I arrived that all I could look at was what was in the retail area--most of which had no indication of pricing, and was in various states of needing serious repotting. I wandered around for 10 minutes, finally asking the guy at the counter if they had any Australian dendrobiums; it was something I asked about in my original email and had been told they did..."in the private collection" was the reply, they're not available. Before leaving (frustrated and annoyed), I brought a small--2"--pot of Den. kingianum to the counter and asked to purchase it; $30. I paid and left. At any given nursery out here a 2" pot of standard kingianum would run $7-10; maybe $10-15 if in bloom; 99% of the time when I'm at an orchid nursery I walk out with a plant (95% of the time with 10 plants or more); that little kingianum is likely the last plant I'll buy from Orchids Limited. Admire their stock, but patronize New World Orchids, Andy's Orchids, H&R & SBOE--their customer service is exponentially higher--and their shipping/packing is often a better value. Just my 2¢,
Adam


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[terryros]

I have to think that neither Jerry or Jason Fischer were there at the time you visited because it doesn't sound at all like them. It they weren't there, the other small group of employees doesn't have authority to let people into the Phal house, the upper house where Catts, many Paphs and other special plants live, or the back cool greenhouse. I think those of us who live in the Twin Cities know how welcoming and informative they are. Granted, I have been going there for about 30 years!


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[Cattleya17]

I've only bought two plants from them and they were stellar! The price is hard for me too but I get it. With all the work that goes into it they are special and have a "special price". From what I understand they grown many of the select plants from seed themselves ensuring the quality like their Cattleya warscewiczii. Although that plant is expensive every where you look YIKES!!
I got an Angraecum didieri from them and I cant remember who I spoke to. I think it was Jason... But he was incredibly helpful and he actually have me a deal on it. He lowered the price because the plant was smaller than he had anticipated I was surprised as no vendor has done that for me before then. I always peruse their site to see what they have on sale. The really expensive plants are not ones I'm currently looking for, but if they were you bet I'll drop the cash. Just did it for a Catt mossiae concolor. Literally my dream orchid!! Incredibly difficult to find. If they had one I would buy it.


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[Bohata]

I am not surprised some like Orchids Limited and some don't. Actually, they usually send fairly decent plants, but a couple of times they sent plants that were a little too obviously "The last of that kind" they had. I think they should consider a variety sold out before they get to the runt of the litter.
Still, their packing is great, and their heat packs work quite well for those who "just have to" order in winter.

[hcastil3]

I think they have amazing plants, they've always been sent healthy and re sent if the plant dies during shipment.


Sure they are a little pricey, but sometimes you need to pay for quality.

However, there are also other vendors which are less expensive, and great quality as well.

[Salixx]

Originally Posted by hcastil3

I think they have amazing plants, they've always been sent healthy and re sent if the plant dies during shipment.


Sure they are a little pricey, but sometimes you need to pay for quality.

However, there are also other vendors which are less expensive, and great quality as well.

I agree. I ordered from them once and they sent nice, healthy plants. They were smaller than I was expecting for the price, however, so I felt a little disappointed.

The only reason I haven't ordered since is because I do find their prices a bit prohibitive. I would certainly consider them for something I had to have and couldn't find elsewhere, however.

[Bohata]

Yes, they have a very wide variety of plants.

[Tim S.]

Okay, Here is my experience. I ordered a few neofinetias about a year ago. I love their website and the info they have on their plants. The ones I ordered were listed as a (2-3 growth plant, I received a 2 growth it was very tiny) next a (3-4 growth plant, I received 3 growths, actually it was two plants. a tiny one growth with one dying root and a tiny two growth plant. (the one growth died.) I was just getting into collecting neos. I have grown other orchids for twenty some years. now I have over 80 neos in my collection. unfortunately I have not purchased any of my other ones from them. I've seen postings of nice neos coming from this vendor, but my experience was not the same.

[tundrabehr]

I can say for certain that Orchidweb ( Orchids Limited), is one of the finest vendors in the country. I am very fortunate to live fairly close to them and I find myself in their greenhouses several times a week. I have developed a very good relationship with both Jerry and Jason Fischer. They are very service oriented. I have purchased literally thousands of dollars in Neofinetias from Jason. Quality of plants is outstanding to say the least! If you happen to be looking for a particular plant and its not on their website, chances are they have it in one of their greenhouses. Never hesitate to call or email them about it. I am very privileged to be allowed free access, unattended in their growing areas. This is a true honor indeed. I have learned so much from Jason about Neofinetia and other Japanese native orchids. I view Jason and Jerry Fischer as both friends and mentors!

---------- Post added at 06:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Tim S.

Okay, Here is my experience. I ordered a few neofinetias about a year ago. I love their website and the info they have on their plants. The ones I ordered were listed as a (2-3 growth plant, I received a 2 growth it was very tiny) next a (3-4 growth plant, I received 3 growths, actually it was two plants. a tiny one growth with one dying root and a tiny two growth plant. (the one growth died.) I was just getting into collecting neos. I have grown other orchids for twenty some years. now I have over 80 neos in my collection. unfortunately I have not purchased any of my other ones from them. I've seen postings of nice neos coming from this vendor, but my experience was not the same.

It really depends on the variety that you order. As most Neo fanciers know, some varieties are more robust and quicker growing than others. I quite expect to pay higher prices for more rare varieties or those that are known to be slow.