I am not mentioning any names at this point and this is not meant to degrade anyone. I just want to share this experience with you and tell you what I have done so far. We will see what happens.
On May 5th I ordered from one of the Top 30 on DG a Red Robin Rex Begonia plant.
On May 17th it arrived. It was packaged adequately and soaking wet. The leaves were curling and limp and it was such a pretty little plant, but obviously in deep trouble. Here is what it looked like.
Today is May 18th. Red Robin Rex is now looking like this!
It is almost gone and I am not sure what to do with it. I wrote the company yesterday when it arrived and told them I thought it might make it, but if it did not I will let them know. Unfortunately it looked so much worse this morning I have no idea if it will survive now.
I thought it might be a good topic to show this from the beginning, and we can all follow the saga and see if it has a happy ending.
I do know the paperwork said the plant was drop shipped from some grower other than who sold it to me, so if that is true and I do know who it is, we will address that when and if the time comes. I am starting with the company who sold it to me.
This will be a good opportunity to see how some people do business and how they correct their mistakes.
I am not being nasty about this, I just feel when people buy plants, and I sell alot of starter plants, they are taking a really big chance. I have cancelled orders at times if the plants do not look like they will survive. Some starter plants are not really very pretty, but most people buying them small know what they can expect. I do hope I hear from the company who sent this and I hope they tell the grower
they have a problem. :) We will see.
It has been a difficult winter and I am sure there is a good explanation for this situation happening as it has. I just wanted a Red Robin so bad I could taste it. Now I have one.
I am very sad for that poor plant. It is so sick. : (
Day #3 of the Red Robin Rex. I am afraid it is completely gone. I am going to remove the soil and look at the roots. I think it was overwatered before shipping and it went downhill from there. I am so disappointed.
Yep, it looks like it was watered too much and then housed in plastic for a sauna trip through the mail. Definitely take it out of the pot, place on newspapers if it is soaking wet, and after it dries a bit, stick the roots (if not rotted) in some kind of humid environment to plump up the rhizomes if they are still viable.
Hi Hc, I try not to overwater in both winter and summer because the bubble wrap I use and the other sleeves, etc. all create a nice warm environment depending on the weather. In the winter you do not have to be that careful, but if the weather gets too warm you have a big problem. I usually tell my customers to email me when they get them and tell me their condition. It is difficult when shipping all over the US to guess the weather at the destination on delivery day. It looked like a nice little plant to start out, but I knew when I unpacked it I had a problem. LOL Not the last I am sure since we have this crazy weather changes to deal with. Thanks for your comment. I was looking for another opinion.
Oh my gosh how sad!! The first pic. looked like it at least started out as a nice little plant, and might possibly survive... But, that second pic showed it was definitely a goner! I can imagine after waiting for it so long how disappointed you must be! I'm sure the company you ordered it from will replace it. Hopefully, they will hold the grower responsible, but after all your contract is with the person you paid for it.
I used to not complain about such things, I just didn't do business with the company again. Then someone (rightfully) explained to me I was being totally unfair to the company, not giving them a chance to correct their mistake and become a better company.
Do keep us informed as to what happens. If they are a Top 30 company, you should hear from them soon I would think.
Unfortunately, I looked up their information here on DG and there were several negative comments, but many many more positive. They seem to have a prolem responding until they are good and ready. That is unacceptable when you are dealing with the public. I spent many years in Marketing and Advertising, Public Relations, you name it I did it, and
prompt reply is essential especially to unhappy customers because they sure can yell loudl LOL I will keep you posted but I have my doubts. I will not let this go believe me. It reflects on all of us who are selling and buying on DG.
A very pleasant surprise and good ending to this story. I had an email at last from the seller of my dead red robin rex and they offered me another plant, apologized for the problem, etc.
I replied with a thank you for the reply and I will accept any credit, be it credit card or a credit to their business because the money was not the problem, I wanted the plant but I do not want another from that seller. I also suggested they discuss overwatering before shipping etc. So, all is well, except I still do not have a Red Robin but I have the roots of the dead one. I did as suggested and planted them. The Rhizomes were really looking poorly and the roots were not healthy. I gave them a good warm place in the GH and good healthy soil. NO WATER until tomorrow. I think they had enough for the time being.
I wanted them to dry out before I give them a shot of food and water.
Thank you for your interest. If you know where I can get a Red Robin Rex............yell.
So sad. I bought mine from Wal Mart, they dont like to be overwatered! I found that out and saved it ok....
Love the colored leaves! Good luck on your next purchase!
I still have not found a Red Robin Rex. The one I got that I was hoping I could save has done nothing so far. I keep hoping. It looks really dead................but I am patient. LOL.I seldom get to Walmart. Wish I did. Thanks for the thought. Maybe I will tell my daughter to look for one for me.
