I posted this because I purchased recently from Hausermann's and they sent me an orchid that was loose in the pot. When I repotted all of the roots were dead and I found a small snail in the medium. Maybe I just don't have luck but I don't understand why you would send out an orchid that was wobblying in it's pot. Once I contacted them they did give me a refund but the miltoniopsis that I really wanted was already sold out.

I have used Hausermann twice and been happy both times with the health of the plants. I have also used a number of other online vendors, and in general my experiences have been good.

Sorry you had a bad experience, but those things can happen. I judge a lot by how a vendor responds to the situation. it sounds like Hauserman's responded well. Although you did not get the miltoniopsis you were looking for.

Anyway, I have had the best experiences with Andy's orchids, Botantica LTD, Hausermans, H&R nuesery, and Tropical Orchid Farm.

I used Hausermanns a few times with no issues, although it has probably been 3-4 years since I've ordered from them. Carter and Holmes is my all-time favorite, never have had an issue with them or their plants.

Bob

Has anyone tried Odom's?

Odom's is an excellent source. I live 20 miles from Odom's. All things about them is good. People, plants, prices, selection. One of the biggest Cattleya growers in the world. They belong to our local society and are very supportive in many ways to us. They believe in giving back and paying forward!

I used Hausermann a lot, but lately they dissapointed. Plants are ok but they process order a way to slow. They couldnt process mine in 10 days. 10 days in October in Alaska just too much. Finally they cancelled order. I didnt get my shipment before winter. Now I cannot order anything for long long time. ...And we have such warm weather in first 2 weeks in October!

Shavedmonkey, I am jealous that you're near an orchid source and in FL. My closest in KS is an orchid cave called Bird's Botanicals. I bought my first paph from there and it's dead now. Disappointing! Any suggestions for an online seller for paphs and phrags?

No answer on paphs and phrags, I don't grow them...

Do you have an orchid society near you? If so, join it.

Orchid Societies have vendors and orchids from local growers at very low prices. Plus you learn how your neighbors are growing in your environment.

Look online for any Orchid Society and go to a meeting. You don't need to join, you can visit as a guest and shop.If you join, most are only %15.00 or $20.00 a year. Its so worth it. Lots of cool people with lots of information and plants they love to share for free. Soooo worth it.

Also, look for any Orchid Shows coming up in your area. Many shows take place this time of year. There can be vendors from all over the Country with good prices, plus no shipping. You can inspect your plants before buying.

Look for any shows even if you have to drive somewhere. Its worth spending a weekend somewhere a show is taking place. You can't beat the prices and you see what you are getting. Plus, its so much fun!

Here's a link I found from Google....Join or visit!!!! Kansas City Orchid Society

Jane

I have seen that club before but it's three hours away from me. I think there is a Kansas City Orchid Society though. Great advice. Thank you. I missed the Orchid Show this year. It was in September in Kansas City.

That's too bad. That would be the best place to buy orchids. When you buy online you can't see what you buy, plus you pay shipping. I do that when I can't find a variety I want. But I always check my orchid society and wait for the shows in the area.

Joining a society also saves money on products you need for growing....pots, media, mounts, lights, etc. All are discounted and you can talk to the vendors and get good advice.

To me, joining a Orchid Society is a necessity for anyone serious about growing orchids. The things you learn from others growing in your environment is priceless. Getting free divisions from others in your area is such a great thing because you know that plant grows well in your area. Most are free! People love to share.

It is truly the best way to learn.

Jane

Thanks for sharing this great info. I will join.

Orchid societies are the best for information but online sources that are good are Andy's orchids (only species) Marble Branch Farms (mini catts) Goodwin's orchids (vandas) Carter and Holmes (art color catts, ect ). Marble Branch and C & H are local so I have dealt with them one on one and Andy's at an AOS meeting. Good to talk to breeders and judges for the best information.

I love Carter and Holmes. They guarantee their plants are virus-free, which I think is very important. Nobody wants to lose a plant, let alone a whole collection, to a virus. I have stopped purchasing orchids from places that do not guarantee virus-free stock because i just don't want to take the chance.

Everything I have ordered from Carter and Holmes arrived healthy and bug-free - and I have purchased a lot from them! They have a wonderful selection of Cattleyas, because that's their specialty, but if you are patient you can find a lot of other interesting treasures on their site too.

I would recommend Kawamoto Orchid Nursery - https://www.amazon.com/Kawamoto-Orchid-Nursery/b/ref=w_bl_hsx_s_lg_web_13896105011?ie=UTF8&node=13896105011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Kawamoto+Orchid+Nursery

I second the Kawamoto suggestion and also refer to Exotic Orchids of Maui, Carmela's. No excuse for shipping you a plant with loose and or dead roots.

Best suggestion is to save your money until you can travel to an orchid show and then you can pick out what you want and BTW far away vendors will usually reduce prices just before show ends as they do not want to pay shipping again. You will get some awesome deals. Go to the Redlands festival in South Miami mid to late May. Get friends involved and drive from wherever, it would be a fun trip...