FAQs

 

Kalapana Orchid Farm – Retail FAQ

Are you open to the public?

🌸 While we don’t have a traditional retail shop, we love meeting fellow orchid enthusiasts. Visits are available by appointment only on Tuesdays & Wednesdays after 1 PM, with a minimum purchase of 6 orchids required. We usually have plenty of blooming plants to choose from, and most guests ask us to ship a box of 12 or more orchids—which qualifies for free shipping. 🚚✨

If you’re traveling from the mainland, we can ship directly to your home, saving you luggage hassle and USDA inspection delays.


👉 To request an appointment, please email: aloha@orchid.farm

What does “Blooming Size” mean?

These orchids are not in Spike or Bud and most likely will not be in flower if the current blooming season has passed. However, the plant has reached maturity—having grown for 16–24+ months—and is capable of flowering in the current or next blooming season with proper care. They are actively growing and preparing for their next bloom cycle.

What does “In Spike” or “In Bud” mean?

🌸 In Spike means a flower stem is forming, usually 2-4 weeks from blooming.
🌸 In Bud means visible buds have developed, typically 3-10 days from opening.
We ship the most developed plants first so you can enjoy flowers sooner. If you prefer an earlier or later stage, please email us with your order number.

I’m a beginner—where do I start?
Welcome to the world of orchids, friend! 🌺 We recommend 5 beginner-friendly orchids that grow easily, bloom reliably, and offer fragrance or unique features:

  • Oncidium ‘Sharry Baby’ (famous chocolate fragrance)
  • Miltonia & Miltassia hybrids (showy, forgiving sprays)
  • Dendrobium phalaenopsis-type (strong, frequent bloomers)
  • Compact Cattleyas (big color on small plants)
  • Zygopetalum (fragrant, cool-tolerant)

See our Beginner Picks collection: Beginner Orchids ›

How do I take care of my orchids?
🌱 Great question! It starts with balance: light, water, airflow, and fertilizer. We’ve prepared a detailed guide to help you succeed, no matter your level.
Read the Orchid Care Guide: Care Guide ›

How should I care for my orchids when they arrive?
🌴 Unpack immediately, remove shipping materials, and water lightly if dry. Place in bright, indirect light with good airflow for a few days before fertilizing. This helps them adjust after their journey. For full instructions, see our 🌸 Orchid Care Reference tab.

When should I repot my orchid?
Orchids generally need repotting every 1–2 years, ideally after blooming. They like to be somewhat snug in their pots, so avoid over-potting. Refresh the media if it breaks down, stays soggy, or roots look crowded.
• Choosing bark vs. moss: Media Guide ›
• Step-by-step repotting: Repotting Guide ›

Do you ship orchids year-round?
📦 Yes. We ship year-round across the U.S. mainland and Hawaiʻi. We carefully adjust packing for heat and cold, and may briefly delay shipments during extreme weather to protect plants.

How long does shipping take?
⏱️ Via FedEx:

  • West of Rockies: 1–2 days
  • East of Rockies: 2–3 days
    We also offer “Hold for Pickup” at FedEx centers for extra peace of mind.

Do you ship to Alaska, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories?
🌍 Yes! We ship to Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, and American Samoa.

  • $75 flat rate (small/medium box)
  • $125 flat rate (large box)
    (Not eligible for free shipping)

Do you ship internationally?
✈️ Yes. As a USDA & CITES-certified nursery, we can ship worldwide. Costs depend on your country and may include order minimums, import permits, and packing fees. Please email us before placing an international order.

What condition will my orchids arrive in?
🌱 Plants are shipped in-pot, not bare root. They may look a little tired after their journey—this is normal. With proper care, they rebound quickly. Buds may occasionally drop, but plants remain healthy.

What is your return or replacement policy?
🔄 We guarantee live, healthy delivery. If your plants arrive damaged, please email photos within 48 hours and we’ll arrange a replacement or credit. Please note: we cannot cover shipping delays or weather damage outside FedEx’s control.

Can I request specific orchids?
🎯 Yes. Each listing shows variety, size, and bloom stage. While we cannot guarantee identical plants every time, we hand-select the best available stock. Add special requests at checkout—we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Why can’t I find Phalaenopsis orchids on your site?
We specialize in Oncidium, Intergeneric hybrids, Dendrobium, Cattleya, and Pleurothallids. Phalaenopsis orchids are typically mass-produced on large farms on the mainland or overseas, often with bloom-inducing hormones. Our plants are “free-range”, grown naturally in Hawaiʻi’s tropical climate.
We occasionally feature Hawaiʻi-grown Phalaenopsis, but they are rare. To be the first to know, join our email list: Join Here ›

Do you offer discounts for volume purchases or fundraising events?
💐 Yes. We love supporting orchid societies and non-profits. When available, we can offer near-wholesale discounts on grower’s choice, in-bloom orchids for orders of 36 or more. These are excellent for fundraising, raffles, and community events.

Can I visit for tours or group events?
👥 Our focus is on growing & shipping, not tourism. Occasionally, we host small orchid societies, garden clubs, or educational groups by prior arrangement only. Please inquire well in advance.

🌺 Still have questions?
We’re here to help. Please email us anytime at aloha@orchid.farm.