Hi! I was hoping that some people who have gone through this process could provide me with some information on how to do go about it, and the experiences that they have had. For example, did the plants get stuck in customs, did you have any delays, what countries you have exported from, etc.

Thank you most sincerely!

You need to obtain an import permit from USFWA or USDA (not the dietary one) - the the form of green and orange tags. These can be mailed or scanned and e-mailed to the seller.

The seller would then have to get CITES and Phyto certs to export his plants.

Note that some countries such as the Philippines have local laws that restrict the export of Paphs, so even if they have it they can't get documenations necessary for it.

I don't recommend trading slippers overseas, unless you are willing to take the risk, as there are a multitude of delays involved - parcel services, inspection on your side etc. I still recalled there was once it tooke 3 weeks to clear some phals with all the necessary documentation because of delays in inspection. Paphs do not have pseudobulbs - they may suffer.

Also on the seller's side, some are not willing to send a small quantity of plants,1-4, as it is not worth the trip down to the regional inspection centre a distance away. Consolidate orders with friends and try to order diff things from one another - or else a scene from Jerry Springer may erupt :poke: . But then, risks are there - more dough is lost if the parcel is lost or the local inspection agency decides to destroy the lot.

Ahh, thanks!
Not that that turned me completely off, but this is why I am asking. I am nervous about trying it, but would like to hear more thoughts out there! I'd love to hear more stories and experiences! Thanks so much!

I have the licenses, I've done it, I've been throught he heartbreak. I would advise against it for slippers. Let someone else do the dirty work.

I agree with Steve.

pop down to your regular nursery, and ask VERY NICELY if they could tell you their suppliers so you can pick some special stuff that you want that their suppliers stock and ask that nursery to help bring them in. They may charge a fee of up to 20% or if you one of those ole faithfuls, they may just do it at cost for you.

The other way is ask that particular overseas nursery whether they supply any of the local nurseries that you patronise. Then ask them whether it would be fine to send your order together with the next batch of plants that local nursery is receiving.

Also bear in mind that when you ask for help in importing plants, you will still have to be the risk taker as you are asking for a special request with help from that local nursery. There may be complications in acceptance of the shippment in sorting out the few plants amongst the rest of the stuff.

Still, if you are the grower who wants to take it easy, just wait for new stock to arrive at your local nurseries.

Okay, I'm hearing the same thing from everyone! Especially regarding large slipper plants. Sigh....

:(
Will see if I can't go about this in a more successful way. Thanks guys!