Rare Orchid Collecting

[Gareth]

Don't know where to post this question so here goes. I was on the web looking for rare orchids. Found some beautiful pictures but am very leary of whipping out my credit card across the world to buy what????

Does anyone have experience with this? I am planning to start collecting some rare orchids next year. I want to see that I can keep the ones I am currently collecting from U.S. suppliers healthy first.

Who is trustworthy in this field as a supplier? Is there resource material on buying and growing such orchids? Somebody out there has a few stories to tell I'm sure.

[lambelkip]

check the vendor feedback forum for information about vendors in the U.S.

to purchase orchids from outside the U.S., you'll need an import permit from APHIS. the exporter will need to provide CITES and phytosanitary certificates. there are few people with experience dealing with foreign vendors, so you're not likely to see much feedback about them. If you have a bad experience with a foreign vendor, there's little you can do about it, since they are not subject to U.S. laws.

[Gareth]

Addendum to Rare Orchid Collecting: If doing such a collection endangers species I would not want to do it. If it is possible to buy from an established collector perhaps that would be better.

I am troubled by the potential harm that could be done. Any advise?

[Gareth]

I see what you mean kip. I am already rethinking this. I can see people ripping up orchids to sell to guys like me looking for a rare find. Don't like the sound or smell of that. I'm developing a purist strain I think.

[trdyl]

If you can get a photo of the plant you wish to buy in bloom and compare it to known photos of that variety. It could save you some heartburn later on. I have had a few miss labeled plants come my way over the years.

[peeweelovesbooks]

I really don't know what specific orchids you want to collect.


Having said that, I'm sure there are some vendors inside the US that can accommodate you. I've found that White Oak Orchids in California (no catalog, you have to call) has some pretty rare/unusual stuff. Their quality is top notch. Andy's orchids also comes to mind.

[kiki-do]

I was going to suggest talking with Andy's Orchids also. Sometimes on ebay they list orchids they call rare types. Not sure if that is something you are looking for, and I don't know enough about it to help other than this. Good luck!

[harrywitmore]

I think you need to be a bit more specific. Many orchid species are rare in cultivation. There are many vendors outside the US that are reputable such as Ecuagenera and Orquideas de Valle. They sale mostly Central and South American species. If it's Asian you are after then I really don't know any. There are allot on eBay from Singapore and Thailand but I would not go that route since most look collected and not propagated.
As stated above most anything you are after can be had here in the US from very reputable nurseries. But since I'm not sure what genera you are after it's hard to recommend which may have what you are looking for.

[Ray]

Good response, Harry.

So Gareth: define for us what you consider "rare".

[Gareth]

I consider what is rare is what is not commonly available from domestic growers. I collect other valuable things. I just thought maybe I could collect a rare (not commonly grown) orchid....no specific genera in mind. I am not yet ready to start that yet. I have a lot to learn first. Just preparing the ground work to explore that direction.