When your Orchids Plants are Delivered

box of orchids
Orchids delivered to your doorstep

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR ORCHIDS ARRIVE

OK, you've read our tips on buying orchids online You've placed an order and your package of orchids has arrived! What do you do next? Well the first thing to do is to get your package inside. Note the label on the box stating that your package is 'fragile' (or perishable) contains 'live orchid plants,' and should be protected from temperature extremes. All reputable dealers will have this, or similar wording on their orchid shipments.


Open the box carefully. Your orchid plants will usually have been carefully and individually wrapped in newspaper. Sometimes there will be additional packaging material to keep contents from moving around.
		Check the enclosed invoice carefully to make sure that everything you ordered is correctly listed and priced (once you've unpackaged your plants of course). If substitutions have been made this should be noted on the order. Most professional growers will not make substitutions prior to shipping before checking with you. Still, be sure to check all terms and conditions before you place your order. Next, you will need to unwrap each plant carefully. Be sure you have a big enough workspace where you don't have to worry about making a mess.
Orchids are usually wrapped in wax confetti. Be VERY careful as you pull the confetti away from the orchid plant as it can get tangled in leaves, roots, and even flower spikes.	It is very easy to damage to break flower spikes that get caught up in the wax so take your time. Eventually your orchid will emerge! This is a young phalaenopsis. The tape keeps the mix in the pot during shipping-it may now be removed. Stakes are often inserted to prevent damage to the plant during shipping.

Once your orchid is clean of debris (including broken leaves or roots), tamp the potting mix down with your fingers just in case the plant has been shaken loose during shipment. This is a good time to check to see if the mix is damp or dry. If it is damp, do not water. If it is dry give your orchid a good soaking. Place your orchid in a somewhat shady spot for a few days so it can adjust, before moving it to its final location. Make sure there is good air movement, check for dryness and watch your orchid a little more carefully until it has adjusted to its new home. And be sure to check all the packaging carefully to make sure you have not missed any plants!

Most vendors will have a return or replacement policy if you are not happy with the plants. Contact the vendor immediately if there is a problem upon opening your package of orchid plants. While you may wish to wait a few days to see if the plants improve, it is best to contact the vendor and alert them to a potential problem. Quality vendors will replace plants that are heavily damaged during shipment. Note that some minor damage to leaves or bulbs can be expected so do not expect to have these plants replaced. Almost no vendor will guarantee flower spikes or buds. Be sure to read each vendors' policy carefully. Also, many vendors will not guarantee safe arrival during extremely hot/cold weather so it is safest to order orchids during milder weather.