Buying Plants On Ebay?

[rggardiner]

I'm in the process of starting a planted tank and wanted to know if anyone has any experience of buying plants on ebay.
I like the prices (much cheaper than my LFS) and selection available but am worried about the condition that they might arrive in.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[anshuman]

I once ordered marimo balls from singapore to india via ebay, they arrived in 14 days, all dried up and flat, i had to dip them in water and slowly form them in ball by hand.


Now I have just ordered some aponogens and moss from Malaysia, this was not cheap deal but the plants were gorgeous and not available here, I am totally nervous how they will arrive, i really hope they arrive within a week and i revive them, No idea how this will go

 

[Rafael Dilone]

I just ordered 5 moss balls on ebay for 8 dollars. I saw his reviews and he got great reviews. Saying how they arrived on time and in great shape. I hope that i receive the same luck since 1 moss ball in my LFS can range from 5-15 dollars each depending on size.

 

[voo]

Where are you from?

If you're in the UK, there's some cheap places online that you can buy plants from too.

 

[rdp50734]

I've bought from ebay last trading post and had 3 lots of 25 plants! All have been great and usually there are more plants! Downside is plants are random picked!

 

[anshuman]

@rdp50734 , how long did it take to arrive? from the day he shipped it? what condition did they arrive? did you take any special care?

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I've bought java moss from Malaysia - it was fine and as of today I now own java fern from Malaysia (it's cheaper than my LFS as they don't stock it and when they do it's really expensive). My java fern also looks really healthy (healthier than my shop bought stuff).

 

[mark4785]

I once ordered some Duckweed and another larger pond plant from eBay and each of them were in a dreadful condition. It's the same for plant seeds too, none of them germinate.

My advise is to stay well clear of plant sellers on eBay!

 

[rggardiner]

Where are you from?

If you're in the UK, there's some cheap places online that you can buy plants from too.

Yeah i'm from the UK and will only buy from UK sellers to try and cut down on delivery time and hopefully give the plants the best chance of surviving.

What other sites do you recommend buying from?

 

[rdp50734]

@rdp50734 , how long did it take to arrive? from the day he shipped it? what condition did they arrive? did you take any special care?

The seller only posts certain days to cut down on time in transit, they were all in good condition, well packed! Only thing I did with them was wash them under tap water then plant them!
Here is the listing http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/25-Live-Aquatic-Aquarium-Plants-Easy-Grow-Best-Ebay-/220593421120?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item335c647b40#ht_3448wt_911
Like I said I've had them 3 times now and its all been good!

 

[anshuman]

@rdp50734 ah thanks, so this transaction was within uk and i guess within some days.so it went well.

I am talking about 2 weeks of transit time i am not sure it will go well. the seller said shud be okay, i am sure the moss will be okay, but not sure about the aponogens. lets see.

 

[Twinklecaz]

I've had 2 lots of plants from last trading post. If you send them a message and tell them what you want they're very good. They'll send your selections if they have them. I have had plants that I've discarded but overall I've planted my whole tank for £10 (free postage too) so I can't complain!

 

[rdp50734]

@rdp50734 ah thanks, so this transaction was within uk and i guess within some days.so it went well.

I am talking about 2 weeks of transit time i am not sure it will go well. the seller said shud be okay, i am sure the moss will be okay, but not sure about the aponogens. lets see.

I've never bought plants from overseas so I have no idea! Some electricals have arrived 6 days later from HK to UK but this is rare! I hope they're fine for you!

 

[aly_starh]

I have brought many plants from Ebay. Had a bad experience with one though, due to the Royal Mail strikes.

Another site id reccommend is Plants Alive, they have lovely collections, for a decent price. There delivary time is around 1 1/2 weeks.