What are some of the best/biggest orchid store/garden in the USA?
 

I have a friend who is wanting to get into orchids, and for his birthday I want to bring him to the biggest and/or best orchid store or garden in the United States so he can check stuff out. We both work for an airline so we fly for free, so anywhere in the USA works, preferably cities with good public transportation from the airport so we don't have to rent a car. Any ideas?

I answered this on GardenWeb, where I directed them to seek the most customer friendly orchid vendor (not the biggest), because they need guidance. My take was that neither knew anything about orchids. Feel free to throw out your suggestions. Posting here, because I want to see what people say.

Mmm well I would recommend the big orchid nurseries or check out when an international orchid is going to happen? OMG it was be my dream to visit an international orchid show ❤️

If i could go to any greenhouse in the united states i would choose Andy's Orchids in California. A close second would be RF Orchids in Florida.

Make sure the vendor is open to the public. Many aren't, some have "open house" dates and others are "by appointment only".

And my suggested destination is Hawaii! (Disclaimer: I've not done orchid tourism there. That's why I'd go.)

Miami area has many in that area. R.F. Orchids in Homestead is awesome!!! If you research all the orchid places in or near Homestead you will be surprised. I used to live there. Good luck
Karen

I would recommend Hauserman's Orchids it is about 10 miles SW of Ohare. But a rental car is required as it would take a long time to go from Ohare to Hausermann's via public transportation.

Andy's Orchid is definitely one of, if not best, when it comes to orchid species. I visited his open house a couple of times, and once by appointment. I was very impressed by the sheer amount of species he has.

The facility itself is also quite impressive. He has 5 or 6 different greenhouses imitating different climates. And it is definitely a candy land for orchid nerds. I usually spent hours wandering around the various green houses.

Andy's Orchid also provide great customer service as well. I called Andy up to ask for potting advice for the Vanda tricolor I bought from him a few weeks back. He remembered me and gave me some insights on the subject.

Don't forget orchids limited in Minneapolis. The owners are passionate about beautiful orchids and their plants are in primo condition, even if they are a bit pricey.

I'm with you there! I just think after visiting a show like that I'd have to eat bread for the rest of my life as I'd spend all our money! :D

While it isn't a nursery, I highly recommend the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. They have three huge domes dedicated to orchid climates. All three have different climates, and you wont believe how many orchids are in there. Their main orchid event is really in the spring. However, I have been at different times of the year and there is always lots blooming.

I think that any logical response to your query must have the additional knowledge of "where does your friend live" and "what kind of conditions can he easily provide".

It make no sense to go to a place that specializes in vandas if he lives in an apartment in North Dakota, and with his work schedule, is often away...

I think they even do a blog at these greenhouses, if I am not mistaken it's called The Orchid Column. It's a fantastic blog, a must read.

Hahaha yes! I really like bread thank goodness.

It depends on what your friend likes. I have stopped buying regular sized orchids, though I maintain the ones I have (about 50) and have started to buy miniature species orchids. Andy's is the place I go. They have a huge inventory of the plants I like, and the prices are fair, not outrageous.

There is a great online store called Catasetenea where you can get monardias and catasetanas and also they have a great selection of Phragmapedalums (sorry about my spelling).

It is not like it is a shop in one spot thing. There are thousands of Orchids on the market. You can get sales and cheaper orchids at Lowes, and even Walmart. I always say you should get some of those ant try them out. Valentines day sales are a good time to find other or unusual types at Lowes. I have seen good selection at Albertsons. Trader Joes if you have it, also have a large selection of the various beginner orchids.

I personally think that if you are just trying them out you should get a Phal, an oncidium, a paphiopedalum, and maybe a dendrobium, read up about them, and see which one you like best. I have about 14 phals, and one paph, but I like paphs better. The phals are usually foisted on me by well meaning friends who do not want to care for them any more. I am like an animal shelter here for unwanted phals.

Yes they do! It is great for pictures and information. Just about every time she posts a new page, I have to add that orchid to my list lol.

They do have a big sale at the end of "Orchid Daze", their big spring orchid event. They sell off all the in bloom orchids they bring in for the show for really cheap. Next year I am definitely going to make it.:evil:

I would love to visit, particularly after orchid daze when they sell off the in bloom orchids :)

Santa Barbara is home to several orchid growers. With one stop, you could see several...and Santa Barbara Orchid Estates seems to have quite a collection. Plus you'd be in Santa Barbara, which is almost always beautiful.

I hear there is going to be an international orchid conference in Ecuador next November. If you fly for free, that's one you might want to visit.

For an international event, I would suggest Redlands in FL in the spring.

I am 100% for Andy's, but for a beginner stick mounted plants might be a big first step.

RF Orchids has great Vandaceous + some other stuff, but their pricing is steep. Also, not sure that Vandaceous is where a beginner should start.

Chicagoland in September would cover 2 nurseries + guest vendors.