Bought a 'rare' orchid online that was just a common grocery store type

I saw this fancy looking orchid listed as a 'rare hybrid' on a plant site and paid $65 for it. When it arrived, my friend who works at a nursery said it's the exact same Phalaenopsis they sell at Kroger for $20. The seller used a made up name and fancy photos. Has anyone else gotten tricked by those online plant listings?

3 comments

3 Comments

sam_thomas20d ago

Always thought those listings were legit until it happened to me too.

jenkins.reese16d ago

Tell me about it, my plant graveyard is proof.

alice_hart20d ago

Ugh, the "rare hybrid" tag is such a red flag now. I got burned the same way with a "special" succulent that was just a super common one. My big tip is to always reverse image search the seller's photos. If those same pictures show up on a dozen other sites or stock photo sites, run. It totally stinks to learn this the hard way, and I feel for you. @sam_thomas is right, it makes you question every listing after that. I only buy from sellers who show actual photos of the exact plant now, not just a pretty generic picture.