Orchidweb - what is your experience?
 

Hello everyone!!

I did a quick search to see what has been said about orchidweb.com, but I did not find many posts discussing them. I saw one positive review of them, but otherwise I don't see much on here!

So I wanted to ask, what's your experience?

Do they ship well-packaged plants?
Do the plants arrive healthy?
How is their customer service?
Do they replace sickly plants?

Thank you!!
I want to buy a second sedirea japonica from them (I bought a mounted one from Andy's) and maybe buy from them in the future.

I think I worry because "orchidweb" sounds so similar to "orchids.com" and I know orchids.com has some pretty negative feedback on here (bad customer service, sick plants arriving, and so on).

I like orchid web. Everything I've gotten from them has been happy and healthy.
I too have a mounted sedirea japonica from Andy's that went into spike about a month after I got it. Andy's is top notch

Try looking under Orchids Limited.

Hello!

I'm a real newbie, so take everything I say with a grain of salt, but...

1. My gosh, the plant I ordered from them could've withstood a nuclear blast it was so well packed. Several layers of packing. Plant came completely undamaged aside from some black dots on a few of the leaves which, from my talk with the vendor, must have arisen due to condensation in the package combined with the cold temperatures (even though there was a heat pack inside the box). I've had the plant for a few months and the spots haven't spread in any way, so I believe him.

2. Again, I'm a newbie, but aside from those spots, it looked healthy as can be. You can actually see pictures of the plant in my gallery if you'd like to form your own opinion.

3. Customer service was top notch. When I emailed with my concern about the spots, I was answered back within 15 minutes, I believe. Had a few emails go back and forth and was promptly answered every time other than once since he was busy with the store.

4. I'm not 100% sure, but I feel like I read their policy on this somewhere. Either on their website or on one of the sheets that came with the plant, which unfortunately, I threw out.

For me, the only drawback to this site is the prices (plus the shipping is a ton!), but from my experience, I really liked them. I hope this helps!

Yeah, orchid shipping is spendy, but you get what you pay for! A well-packaged, properly fastened, indestructible box of an orchid.

All of your points sound like good signs to me! Very good indeed. That is what I would look for in a good vendor. Thanks for your input!

You're very welcome :)

They are a top-notch vendor!

Google Jerry Fischer (son Jason)...they are very well known in the orchid world.

The price of their plants are a bit steep but the plants are of great quality and I'm sure it costs a LOT of money to heat greenhouses in Minnesota.

I know them and the operation very well because I live close and visit often. Almost everything I have is from them. Long experience, knowledge, quality, and service can't come cheaply. Consider how much time and effort it takes to raise a quality plant from the point of crossing on to a flowering sized plant. There is high expense in acquiring and maintaining the best species and hybrid plants for breeding purposes.

I know that cost matters to almost everyone and that Phals and a few other high demand orchid genera can be produced in high volume more cheaply in other parts of the world. Often the buyers/receivers of these plants don't care what the true names or breeding of the plants might be or whether the plants are virus/disease free, etc. They are pretty plants not meant to last for years. This market can introduce people to orchids.

But, if there aren't enough of us who care about more than this, willing to spend more money, we will continue to experience the dwindling of US orchid breeders and growers.


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There isn't a more reputable orchid vendor than Orchids Limited (orchidweb.com). They aren't cheap, but the quality and service are usually well worth it.

You guys all mention that they're not cheap! But they are selling a sedirea japonica for $25, which is pretty darn good!
I may never be the person dropping $500 on an orchid, but I don't mind spending $40 for a particular plant that I'm dying to have!! :)

If I want a cheap orchid, I'll just but a $6 phal from Trader Joe's. If I want an awesome and specific orchid, I'm willing to spend a bit.

Good point.
If you look through lots of their stuff, you will notice the price is a bit on the high side in general.

It is good to know they are good. I have never bought from them, but sure do visit a lot and look at photos there. :)

If you do buy...you won't be disappointed.

I have always been very pleased w/what I've gotten. Plus, they have things you can't find elsewhere.

I've only bought one plant from them, but it was a positive experience. Being in Canada, my friend and I jumped at the chance to pre-order a fairly pricey Cattleya each when he was attending an orchid show in Canada. But as luck would have it, they had to cancel their appearance at the show for some family or personal reason. However, someone from their company still travelled across the border with all of the pre-orders and likely stayed in a hotel and packed them all and shipped them out free of charge to honour the pre-orders which would have been picked up at the show. They arrived extremely well packed and very healthy despite being bare root due to international travel. Bloom size really meant bloom size and we were amazed at the size of our plant. That was last fall.

I have also personally had a lengthy and informative e-mail from Jerry about an issue that I was seeking help with (not to do with their plant). There are a number of awarded plants named after both Jerry and his son Jason Fischer

The quality and packaging of the plants are top notch. Sometimes you get what you pay for and the cheap can turn out expensive.

Go for it!

Did you buy it yet or did you go with Andy's?

$25 isn't cheap for in-spike Sedirea if you can get to a show where Seed Engei is attending. She (japaneseorchids) has at least one on the ebay block right now.

Love Orchids Limited but I've only bought their stuff and a couple of since-I'm-ordering-anyways items. I did have a lengthy phone convo with Jason once.

I went with Andy's. Both websites (Andy's and orchids limited) would run me about $35ish for the plant including shipping.

However, what a great tip!! I am going to follow japaneseorchids on ebay! Awesome. Thanks very much!! :) She's selling a set of two (for bids) that would be the same cost as one from the other sellers.

The one from Andy's is coming to me on a mount, which has me really apprehensive, because I am an under-waterer rather than an over-waterer.
It's nice to know where I can get others for less expensive amounts! :)

One vendor I've had great experiences with is Kawamoto Orchids. Most of their plants now have shipping included if you buy through eBay, which is a big cost-saver. I've received some way bigger than advertised plants through them as well.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Jason (orchid web) even with the premium. He has healthy plants and they are always shipped and packed well. I've order multiple plants from him and if one of the plant in the package is lacking he compensates by sending a bigger plant of something else in the order.

The only thing i would prefer updated is shipping options. I do not like Fedex as it is much more expensive than USPS. It would be great if there was USPS options on checkout. His ebay shipping option is always usps.

I have a mixed opinion of them. I have ordered many Neos from them and was always very satisfied. The last time I ordered from them...not so much. It was a mini Den. When I received it it was in bad shape ..it was 4 small cuttings not a nice plant, I took it out of the pot to look at the roots and they were all dead. I immediately called them, talked to Jerry, he was very rude, He said it was the last one so they couldn't replace it and no they didn't 'jerk the plant out of the pot' to check the roots. I assured him that I didn't 'jerk' the plant out either!
Too late to make a long story short but suffice to say no replacement no refund.Maybe he was just having a bad day but after spending hundreds of dollars on Neos and other things I expected better. Haven't ordered from them since....Jean

I have not bought from them for a very long time. I used to occasionally, and here are some of the things happened or JF did:

1. I knew somebody (vendor in Japan) was looking for Mexcipedium. Jerry gave me a price quote and then raised the price. I am somewhat neutral on this, but the vendor was not pleased.

2. He *selected* Paph. Druid Spring for me. I casually asked him how he selected after I received the plant. He told me that he chose that one out of two or three that were budded and had round flower buds. Yes, he did select, but not that select if you know what I mean.

3. I was looking for Paph. venustum var. aureum. That is a very rare variety, and I have never seen one in the U.S. JF said he finally found it, and got one from... The Orchid Zone. OK. The plant bloomed in a year or so, and it was like a poor Paph. venustum album with spots. Somewhat similar to Paph. insigne var sanderianum vs. Paph. insigne var. sandeare. He had always said he guaranteed the quality of his products, and could give me a refund if I was no satisfied. He refused a refund because the plant "cost too much" for him.

4. The last straw was Phal. lowii. Saw their ad in "Bulletin." I asked him to keep a piece for me, and changed the price later because he did not have many left.

They may do the best job growing. But other things bother me like what happened to Paph. gigantefolium (or its hybrid?) Sam had or how he found Phrag. fischeri.

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!

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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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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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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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.

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.

Yes, they have a very wide variety of plants.

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.

Orchidweb
 

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!

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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.

My experience with Orchidweb is that 95% of the orchids I wanted were OUT-OF-STOCK. Unbelievable. I just stopped looking at their site.

I have never ordered from them online but Jason has spoken at my Society a couple of times. He always brings a nice variety of good looking plants of which I have availed myself of several that are all still prospering.
The Fischer's are very accomplished breeders of some well known hybrids.

Have some rare plants, but if you shop and dont care a about the money so that will good place. Have some plants around 5000😰😰

I've purchased from them a few times. The plants were pretty pricey, but they were all healthy, in good condition, very well packed, and shipped super-fast. All-in-all, I was quite pleased with my purchases

I just received my first-ever order from them a week ago. The orchids were beautiful and the picture of health. I think they're a bit pricey compared to some other online sources but the quality of their orchids will keep me coming back to them.

There was a glitch with this order. I had ordered an orchid in a particular kind of pot that was a $10 upgrade. I received the orchid in a standard pot. I emailed them and received an immediate reply. I opted for a $10 refund rather than hassle with a return. They credited the refund right away.

They were very apologetic about the mistake. It wasn't a big deal to me. I think they are absolutely slammed by the operating conditions imposed by covid-19. Skeleton staff, busy with springtime orders, and right before mother's day. I think they're very careful with their orders as a rule. I've ordered from 2 other growers in the past few weeks and there were mistakes with both of those orders too. The difference is that it takes days to more than a week to get responses to emails from them. I really appreciate Orchidweb's responsiveness in the midst of difficulty times.

Anyway, I couldn't be happier with them and will continue to order from them.