New order from C&H in what looks like potting soil

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by Carpe Diem

Most of my Orchids are from a grower in Larsen, Wisconsin. He's on ebay as "shermantp". I have never been disappointed with any of his plants, disease free, nice roots and fast shipping at a reasonable price. I know OB member "Daethen" orders from him too, we were joking about bidding against each other.
Haven't seen "Daethen" posting here in a while, hope she is ok.

I've asked questions of him before about his plants and got open, quick, honest answers. Exactly what I hope for. I'm looking forward to doing business with him. I was out-bid the last time.

[SHag42]

Thanks everyone for all the input. Looks like some have had great experiences and some not so great. I think all my plants will survive. So it is not a compete disappointment. And I may order from them again in the future to see how that goes. Living in Fl the shipping was not to bad. I am going to try ordering from different places and see what works best for me. I have learned a lot from this thread and thankful for all the responses. I love this board it has taught me a lot and saved more than one of my orchids. But I have to admit I am now an hopeless orchid addict with no chance of recovery.

[kindrag23]

@SHag42 you can also check the vendor forum where other members have posted about different vendors they have used good and bad. If that helps, that way you are not going in to blind. lol.

[Myrle Diefendorf]

One of my favorite growers is Marble Branch Farms in Walhalla SC, run by Mark Reinke. He does a large mail order business.

[orchids44]

Marble Farms Branch is speaking at our Orchid Society meeting on Monday! And will be selling their plants as well. Can't wait

[tucker85]

Originally Posted by Myrle Diefendorf

Attachment 87540One of my favorite growers is Marble Branch Farms in Walhalla SC, run by Mark Reinke. He does a large mail order business.Attachment 87541

Thanks for posting those beautiful pictures of Marble Branch Farms. I've bought several orchids from them but I've never visited their nursery. Very impressive.

[greengarden]

I think the important thing to remember is that different doesn't always equal bad. Many of my orchids here are grown in ways that others would probably disapprove of but my methods suit my climate and watering regime well and my orchids approve. If I recieve an orchid which is planted in a way that I don't like I just repot it in to a system that will work for me, as long as the orchid was healthy on arrival that is the main thing.

[Myrle Diefendorf]

I also usually repot orchids that come her. One can get a look at the roots (and therefore the health) of an orchid.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Here are my thoughts:

1) if you plan on only buying plants that you see in person than a) your collection is going to be very small or b) you are going to have to wait for orchid shows to get your plants. Either way, you are unnecessarily limiting yourself.

I live in orchid country (near homestead florida) and I buy A LOT of plants online. Simply because I often don't have time to take a drive, or the nursery is closed, or simply because it's easier to look at the selection the seller puts on ebay rather than be overwhelmed with the selection when I go in person.

2) part learning process is to gain experience with vendors. Which vendors sell what, what quality, etc. Not all vendors are equal and sometimes, what appears to be a fantastic deal is not so. Ebay is a wonderful place to buy, WITH THE CAVEAT that you need to know your vendors. Buying online is the same; know your vendor, know your vendor. This and other orchid boards are a great learning tool, as are other places online.

3) also part of the learning process is to understand that commercial growers use potting medium that you or I won't necessarily use. It's impossible to grow orchids commercially or otherwise in a potting medium that will work with every customer's growing conditions.

Personally, I do not care what potting medium my orchid comes in, because I repot 100% of my plants. It's not good practice to put plants that you just bought with your orchid collection.....and that includes a check of the condition of the potting medium as well as the health of your orchid.

4) sometimes, sh&t happens. It doesn't mean that the seller is trying to get one over you. Stuff happens. Give the nursery another chance. I've seldom been so disappointed in a plant that I come here and write about it. If they are worth their salt, growers will try to make it right; the orchid world is small, and word gets around.

Good luck!

[dickjo]

Sunset Valley Orchids and Carmella are both great. Look at Carmella's specials. Real hard to beat the price