A review of several internet vendors

[nhman]

I've just finished increasing my collection of Catts and Zygo's with plants purchased from several different vendors and wanted to update everyone on my experiences, both good and bad.

Excellent: Carmela's in Hawaii (Catt's) What more can I say but healthy, large plants for a great price. All viral tested negative by Agdia testing. VERY good pricing and shipping. One of the best vendors that I've found, just wish their website was just a bit easier to search!

Excellent to Very Good: Fender's in Florida.(Catts) Again, wonderfully healthy plants that all virus tested negative. More $ than Carmela's though, but fast and friendly customer service and good shipping charges.

Excellent to Very Good: Porter's Orchids in Michigan.(Zygos) Nice size, healthy plants that all virus tested negative. Again, pricier than Carmela's but he had plants that I couldn't find elsewhere else (excellent selection of Zygos) and at a fair value. Honest and straightforward to deal with.

Poor to unacceptable: Aloha orchids in Hawaii.(Catts) Two of five plants tested positive for viruses. It's now been about 2 weeks and several emails with no answer as to how to proceed from here. I'm VERY UNDER-impressed with their customer service to say the least.

Hope that this review helps someone else.

[marydaniellesantos]

Thanks for the info!

[SpeciesNut]

thanks alot!

[Eyebabe]

I had a similar experience with Aloha orchid years ago and have avoided them.

I have not dealt with any of the other vendors listed but have heard excellent things in the past regarding Carmela's.

I can add the following vendors for excellent service and virus free/clean plants:

Orchids Limited
Ebay: 4331steven and maile49
Waldor Orchids
Silva Orchids
Parkside Orchids
Canaima Orchids
Carter and Holmes
Brennan's Orchids

This is based on my personal experience with plants I have ordered, received, repotted etc and are health and happy

[Lady Tottington]

Thanks for the reviews!

[RJSquirrel]

may I ask how you have an orchid tested for virus?

[nhman]

You can test for the most common types of orchid viruses yourself using the Agdia testing kits (available at their website) or you can send out samples to one of several testing companies (Such as Critter Creek Labs I believe......).
I use the Agdia kits.