How we ship live orchids to the USA: the APHIS process
Yes, you can receive orchids from Puerto Rico on the mainland — legally and with the plant in perfect shape. Here's how it works.
3 min read · Edwin Orchids
Why is there an inspection?
Every live plant traveling from Puerto Rico to the mainland must pass USDA-APHIS inspection (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). It's an agricultural protection — and a sign your seller operates legally.
How Edwin handles it
Edwin personally takes your orchid to the APHIS office, where it's inspected and certified. Then it goes straight to USPS Priority. The full process adds only 1 to 3 days over normal shipping.
The plant travels bare-root or in its pot depending on the case, packed with the nursery's artisanal method: every leaf protected, the flower spike secured, humidity controlled.
What to expect as a buyer
When you order with a mainland ZIP, shipping and inspection costs are calculated automatically. You get your USPS tracking as soon as it ships, and the plant typically arrives 3-5 business days after inspection.
Tip: unpack the same day, give light water if the roots look silvery, and let it acclimate for a few days in soft light before its final spot.