Claessen Orchideeën (EU) - what are your experiences?

[Nesuchambers]

Hi guys, I want to make my very first online purchase, and I'm kinda torn between Wichmann orchids and Claessen orchids.

I have a few good reviews about Wichman, but the thing is Claessen has cheaper specimens and some fragrant species I really want that Wichmann has sold out.

So, have you bought from them? if so,

What's your overall experience?
Are the plants well packaged?
Do they refund or replace sick plants?
Did you receive any extras with big purchases or maybe discount on the shipment costs?

And well, any advice you can give on the matter I'm a sucker for fragrant orchids and this two pages have most of what I want to start the collection with low(ish) transport fees (18€ for me).

[Fernando]

Yes I have, mostly together with other forumers on the spanish orchid forum.
In general: I like the plants from Claessen.
The cheap (little) plants sold as capable of flowering, are very little. (i.e. a Dendrochilum, obviously a backbulb with three grows, one lead. Did get a good new growth but far from flowering) but the moderate priced plants are fairly big.
Promenaea are too tiny to really survive... As you see, it depends a lot on the type of plant you are looking for.

Well packed and prompt delivery. Disease free.

If you are starting a collection and this hobby, I wouldn't advice buying too little plants.

Can not compare with Wichmann, though.

Other options could be orchids and more (big catalogue) and Elsner Orchideen (pricey but real strong plants).

[Nesuchambers]

Originally Posted by Fernando

Yes I have, mostly together with other forumers on the spanish orchid forum.
In general: I like the plants from Claessen.
The cheap (little) plants sold as capable of flowering, are very little. (i.e. a Dendrochilum, obviously a backbulb with three grows, one lead. Did get a good new growth but far from flowering) but the moderate priced plants are fairly big.
Promenaea are too tiny to really survive... As you see, it depends a lot on the type of plant you are looking for.

Well packed and prompt delivery. Disease free.

If you are starting a collection and this hobby, I wouldn't advice buying too little plants.

Can not compare with Wichmann, though.

Other options could be orchids and more (big catalogue) and Elsner Orchideen (pricey but real strong plants).

Thank you very much for your answer. I wasn´t aware there was a Spanish forum, and I can´t seem to find it.

I´m mostly interested in fragrant phalaenopsis species and hybrids given Mallorca has a really nice climate for those and also some oncidium hybrids like the sharry baby. I think in general every plant I want is the sturdy and beginners resistent kind, and like you said I want to avoid seedlings for now and only buy mature plants.

[Fernando]

You could try Orientyorchids for fragrant Phalaenopsis . You may find the spanish orchid forum as subforum eleven surfing through infojardin.

Good luck.