Bare-root...

[Tigerkitty]

Those were my thoughts exactly! Refrigerating a tropical plant? Not a good idea. By the time I found out about this, they had already been in the fridge for a week. I contacted the customs agent who told me that when she saw"live plants" on the label, she put them in the refrigerator. She was so very nice and believed she had done the correct thing, so I said nothing, especially because she said she would push CFIA to come and make they're examination asap. In any event, I will receive them today. Hopefully not a pile of rotten black mush.
I'm truly heart-broken - it was (an expensive) birthday present to me from my whole family
@Chris, I'm probably going to need your help finding Canadian Orchid Vendors, after I get over this mess!
Thanks for all your comments. I will keep you posted.

[Tigerkitty]

Okay, received my pretty much dead orchids today! The Phal species suffered the worst. Their leaves were looking like lettuce put in the freezer. Completely and totally dead. However, some roots still alive.
The Catts - tons of dead roots and blackening around the top of the new pseudo-bulbs and, much spots else where.
Seidiera Japonica x vandopsis - looks ready for the compost bin
The only one that came out unscathed was the Neofinitia Falcata "Shoujou", which makes sense, because than can tolerate colder temperatures.
Okay everyone, any advise on reviving some severely frost bitten 'Kids - please chime in. I can use all the help you can throw at me!

[ksriramkumar]

So sorry about them. I would use mild warm water with kelpmax is what I would do. Keep up the relative humidity and may be provide them with early morning sun and hope for their recovery

[Chris in Hamilton]

I know its painful but without pictures its kind of hard to say. I know a grower that had his heater break down some years ago. His entire collection was frozen (I believe Ray had this happen as well) but many of his Cattleya survived. I wouldn't give up on them too quickly. The Phals, once the cell walls on a leaf collapse its pretty much game over. Have to say, I don't know why someone doing plant inspection at the border doesn't have the training to deal with and handle them properly. It sounds as though the temperatures were too cold even for cut flowers.

[Tigerkitty]

Pictures
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[Tigerkitty]

I know its painful but without pictures its kind of hard to say. I know a grower that had his heater break down some years ago. His entire collection was frozen (I believe Ray had this happen as well) but many of his Cattleya survived. I wouldn't give up on them too quickly. The Phals, once the cell walls on a leaf collapse its pretty much game over. Have to say, I don't know why someone doing plant inspection at the border doesn't have the training to deal with and handle them properly. It sounds as though the temperatures were too cold even for cut flowers.

Sorry, my pictures did not upload properly. The Phals - like you said: game over! Phal violacea var coerulea, Phal bellina F3, Phal Bellina 'Ponkan' AM/AOS (US$165.).

Phal Kaoda Twinkle "Choclate Drop" AM/AOS - intensive care, but doesn't look promising.

Neofinitia falcata - came through with flying colors

Psychopsis mariposa (peloric form) - intensive care

The Catts: downiana "Makuu" - maybe,
Catt mossaie Willowbrook FCC/AOS - possibly

Bulbophyluum Thiurum - intensive care

I am truly heart-broken, and wallet broken. My big 60th birthday splash is a disaster.

I contacted the vendor - labelled on the box was "LIVE PLANTS, PERISHABLE

From my point of view, whatever is perishable, is supposed to be kept in the refrigerator. When I contacted the vendor, she would have nothing to do with it. Maybe refund my shipping costs.

I will go watch more leaves fall off! :

---------- Post Merged at 02:48 PM ----------

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/perishable This is what I e-mailed her - she said she was using that sticker for hundreds of shipments and that it was customs' fault.

[ksriramkumar]

Sorry about that Marcella. In my view, vendors responsibility includes shipping damages and customs damage can be tricky. Stay positive and buying local might be a better idea

[chowsekky]

Good info..Thanks.