Packing mounted Bulbophyllum Wayne Oyama for shipping

[eris]

Hi everyone,

I need to ship a small, mounted orchid (Bulbophyllum Wayne Oyama) and I've been searching for info on the best way to do this but can't find much.

I was planning to soak the orchid and mount, carefully wrap the roots in damp sphag, use shredded newspaper to support the leaves, wrap the whole lot in several sheets of newspaper for protection and insulation and then put that package in a box.

Any advice would be most welcome! Wondering if I should also use a plastic bag to keep moisture in?

[78Terp]

I have had a lot of orchids shipped to me and most were sent dry (may be not bone dry but none are wet when they arrive) wrapped in newspaper. . Also use 2nd day delivery, at least, on the shipping side.

[eris]

Thanks, 78Terp!

[cakedaddy]

I shipped some recently...I watered very well then allowed them to dry out before packing. I packed them wrapped in newspaper and secured with packing peanuts. Moisture without air movement could invite problems. If the plant is healthy and well hydrated before its trip, it would be fine on the dry side for a couple of days.
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[eris]

Thanks so much, cakedady, I'm sending it tomorrow so I'll give it a good water today and let it dry out before I pack it up.

[eris]

Well I followed both of your advice and sent it on the dry side wrapped in newspaper and buried in packing peanuts so fingers crossed - thanks heaps, without you I would have been posting a very soggy orchid!

[78Terp]

We are all learning together and share what we have learned!

[raybark]

As someone who ships plants year-round, I can agree with the recommendations above.

When the weather is cool, plants are shipped dry; when it's warm, I will wet them down, but have taken to using Oxidate (AKA Biosafe Disease Control) to wet the medium, as it is a very mild, but great fungicide - moisture without concern about molds, fungi, or bacterial.

[dlbush]

I would follow Ray's advice as his plants have always arrived in perfect shape to my home in Alabama.
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[eris]

Thanks, everyone!

The recommendations are much appreciated and the orchid arrived at its destination in good condition today (5 days travelling, I think Australia Post decided to take it to Queensland via Canada) - the lady who bought it was really happy. Very glad I asked about shipping on here before I sent it!