Comments regarding Aloha Tropicals

I have ordered from Aloha Tropicals a few times and have always been please with the promptness of delivery and the quality of the plants.

With so Many fake online Nurseries preying on people, I always take a couple days to research reviews and contact the Nursery to really get a sense of if they are scamming or Legit... That said, Aloha Tropicals is legit.
I do want to say my original email and question was answered right away, but after I ordered and got confirmation, I did not receive any notice when it shipped and didn't get a response when I emailed and asked if my order shipped yet, But it did arrive within a week, and the plants were Extremely Well packed, and were some of the Healthiest(root system and stem) plants I have received from Any nursery!
I live in AZ, so most tropical or cooler weather plants I want to add to my collection, I have to mail order, so that's a Lot of mail orders. Some people Need to have that Confirmation of an item being shipped, and I understand why, to track an item for arrival and particularly with plants, to get them as Soon as possible out of the mail and into comfortable environment so they survive.
I think that part of customer service and tracking software could be improved on, but I do want to thank Andrew and Aloha Tropicals for providing some unique and harder to find tropicals, and for them being Extremely healthy and Vibrant! They have added to my garden and I do appreciate them for that.
If you were wondering, I ordered a couple of Brazilian Fern trees(Schizolobium Parahyba).

My experience was great. I have seen some negative reviews, but I received $2000 worth of plants multiple orders that looked great and healthy and shipped quickly. There have been plants that have not been in stock, but were fully refunded and another plant was given for free. The first order I was given a hedychium apricot ginger for free because another type of ginger I ordered was out of stock at time. This ended up making me order about 10 more hedychium gingers lol.

A plant was left out of my order since they were out of the particular plant.
I emailed and Andrew emailed back almost right away. He said he would take care of this and find me the plant.

Sure enough the medinilla arrived. So glad to leave a good review.
Noticed that Andrew took over for his father.

Thank you, Andrew

I'm so disappointed that I cannot recommend Aloha Tropicals. They took a long time to ship, don't respond consistently to inquiries, shipped very poorly packed plants that arrived severely damaged and haven't replaced the plants they said they would.

In my case, I bought two plants that were advertised to be quite large. It took two inquiries and a month to ship (they didn't respond to my first request for a status.)) They were packaged really poorly with no support and both plants were snapped off a few inches from the base. Neither plant was secured to the box at all. They were packed loosely with some wadded up paper.

I reported the damage to Aloha Tropicals, immediately, and sent pictures. The seller (Andrew) said he would replace them, but to send one back. I asked if I could keep it and would pay him for it and asked how much it was worth in it's current shape, waited a week and asked again and have never heard from him, again. It's now been an additional month - two months from my original order.

I'm trying to rehab two badly broken and beat up plants. I don't know if either will survive, but I paid too much for such damaged plants and Andrew hasn't responded to emails since my last one in March.

Posted on September 18, 2019, updated September 22, 2019
I bought a Costus Peruvian pineapple from them and paid $18.95 with a $10.95 shipping. The plant was so very small and puny looking. I should have learned my lesson when I bought from them in 2016 and got the same types of plants

This was my first purchase from Aloha. I made a request by email for no substitutions which was promptly acknowledged and accurately carried out in the final order. I thought the plant sizes were on par with what I've received from other specialty retail nurseries and everything is quite healthy. The packaging was very securely done and they shipped within just a few days. Very happy with my order and the service!

Seems pretty suspicious after years of not getting a review, Aloha Tropicals posts a review of themselves, which I'm pretty sure is NOT allowed, blasting people who give honest negative review and then all these positive review start showing up. Maybe people working for the company?

My own experience has been similar to many negative reviews below. I've learned to be very wary of companies that post a large selection of plant rare plant material and don't give any indication of size. Expect small plants and poor substitutions.

"On Feb 1, 2019 1:56 PM, Aloha Tropicals responded with:

I guess you have not ordered from us for many many years. Just because our inventory is large does not mean we don't have or grow it. I have taken over from my Dad,whom has retired."

I have had nothing but amazing experiences with Aloha Tropicals. I used them for my wedding about 8 years ago and have been shopping with them ever since! I am from Maui and their products are amazing. I recommend them to all my family back home even. I just recently received my heliconia and banana plants and am very very happy with them! The service was impeccable and Andy is always so easy going and helpful when it comes down to giving me good recommendations on what to purchase to fit my needs (he is also the owner.) He’s very informative and knows everything and anything there is to know about tropicals and makes the entire shopping experience great. I definitely recommend his products to anyone shopping the market for tropicals or even looking to landscape their yard. Thank you again for the great service and product! Aloha!

I ordered 4 plants from Aloha Tropicals. I am very happy with all of them. The plants are just how I expected them to be. Delivery was quick, quality is great, and the company is very professional.

Aloha Tropicals has a great selection of tropical plants. Andy knows his stuff! Received my order 2 days ago. Everything was in perfect condition. Great service! Will be ordering again soon.

I received a plumeria from Aloha Trooicals and am absolutely in love! The shipping and packing was perfect and I received it quickly. They really helped me with picking out a plant that would be best suited for me, but also fit the guidelines of what I wanted. They obviously care about their customers and what they sell.

I just received my plants, heliconia rhizomes,ginger plants and protea everything was in perfect condition especially this time of year where it's cool here in San Diego. I love these guys as they have the best selection in one stop shopping. I ordered the plants and received at my address in 7 days. I would highly reccommend this company for there selection,service and quality. pakati

Aloha! We have served and provided over 10,000 customers plant material since 1993, We try our very best to give you the exact product you ordered and will choose another that is very similar or of higher value with your permission if not in stock. Negative comments come from negative people, we do try to accommodate our customers but some just want to take advantage, by telling us months later there plant died, dispute the transaction without returning the product as required, wanting the plant material for free. Of the 1000's of customers over the years we have provided quality plant material and very happy customers. We just wanted to show that a few rotten apples does not have to spoil the bunch. Sincerly Aloha Tropicals/ Next Generation

Posted on April 9, 2014, updated June 3, 2015
Ordered a blue ice calathea, among other things, and was sent some sort of mucna vine (no species given) instead. Not really a good substitute and no substitutions were authorized anyway. Currently trying to get replacement or refund but no response yet. I will resort to contesting the charge with credit card company if necessary.

I ordered 6 plants on February 23 2015 and when they arrived (5 of 6 arrived actually) they were in terrible shape. They were stuffed into a small box and each 4 inch pot was wrapped with packers tape hold in wet newspaper. Leaves had major damage and two of the anthuriums died within the first two weeks. The leaves looked like they had been hit with a weed-eater. When I went to repot the two other anthuriums I found one had no root system at all... Zero. Like it had been pulled from a larger plant then stuck in the dirt. I doubt if this plant will survive much longer. Too bad the company doesn't seem to care about what they sell because I was eagerly awaiting I'm beautiful new plants. I will not use this company again.

We ordered $500 worth of assorted plants and received 22 plants in 4 inch pots, some broken. We contacted Andy and he emailed us stating "that is what is senT OUT to everyone< and with no complaints".

Andy said that he would be willing to replace the damaged plants, but that we would need to obtain a phytosanitary certificate to return plants from Hawaii to California. We feel that we were overcharged and that we were misled by the photos on the website into thinking that we were purchasing quality specimens rather than the seedlings that we received.

We opened a dispute claim with our credit card company.

Ordered series of baby ginger plants last year. They grew well..but none of them was what I wanted.

Andy is a worldwide known for his shady business now.

DO NOT BUY FROM ALOHATROPICAL.

Posted on August 2, 2010, updated June 14, 2013
Posted on April 24, 2009, updated August 2, 2010
I have read about a lot of bad experiences with Aloha Tropicals from forums online. And for years, I stayed away from this company. Then all of a sudden, I wanted this one plant really badly. Turns out they were the only online mail order that had a white Calotropis gigantea available which I just had to have (you would understand if you are crazy about plants). I emailed them if they had it in stock and I promptly received an email about that, although another email I sent after I made the order was not answered yet. I received my plant in under two weeks and it was very well packaged. The bad thing is how expensive they are for what you get. The plant I got was not a picture of health, but it looked okay and I believe it is going to survive. However, if this was a type of plant that was more finicky, then one might have some problems there. I ended up spending roughly $35 including shipping for a plant in a 4in pot. I will give an update if this turns out to be the wrong color, then I would really be mad. :D

I ordered the impatiens Hians but was sent another plant. I tried several emails and 2 phone calls to them without a response. I am convinced these people are dishonest and unconcerned about negative reviews, but I will continue to warn others that this company should be investigated by the law, and STAY AWAY FROM THEM. Its about a 50/50 chance that you will be cheated out of your money.

Posted on February 7, 2012, updated February 9, 2012
STAY FAR AWAY!! Andy Zook is a Crook! If you order common plants, he might have what you want and you MAY get it. But if he does not, he will substitute cheaper plants and pocket the money or not send anything at all and just keep you hanging. Just read all the negatives here.. this is how he does business. He doesn't respond to emails or phone messages and he has a D- Rating with his local BBB. It may be F in a couple weeks because I just filed a complaint, too. I ordered Impatiens Hians and received I. Niamniamesis. I also ordered Caladium Thai Beauty and got 2 tiny pea-sized pieces of a bulb. Save your money and aggravation. Go to Eldon Tropicals or Kartuz Nursery, or ANYONE else. Aloha Tropicals only provides heartache. He should be ashamed for taking advantage of good people's good nature. This is not the honorable way to earn money or more business, Andy. It's nothing less than stealing! Except I'm going to get mine back from my credit card company...!

I will never ever use this company again ! They should be closed down . They owe me money and never got my order right . Beware of this company .

Aloha Tropicals is awesome!!!!! I've collected some real exotic beauties (many from Thailand). I had one rare white torch ginger flower (Thai Queen) that I drowned and caused it to rot. Andy "Zook" (owner) replaced it for me! Anything that I have asked for, Aloha Tropicals has provided to me at my convenience to pick up. Some exotics that I've purchased this season are the Black Beauty heliconia, Splash heliconia, Thai Giant elephant ear, Indo. Wax ginger, Thai Beauty caladium, Australian tree fern, and the Thai Queen white torch ginger. I am very pleased with the with the specimens and customer relations/service....I would share this quality find with confidence.

Posted on August 13, 2011, updated August 13, 2011
I bought michelia/magnolia coco for $50.90 incl shipping.
This plant is rare and only few vendors has it.

I bought it from Thai ebay seller and it didn't make it and saw it when I travel to Hong Kong and Indonesia so I know what the leaves looks like.

Before I ordered I feel hesitant too since the last time I read on forum , mali chat jasmine that aloha tropicals has isn't mali chat and they always send you a regular jasmine sambac.
Based on that posting, I already not sure to order for michelia coco but since I don't want to throw out money by buying it from Thailand then I take a chance.

It arrived 2 days ago and I didn't think it looks like michelia coco I know.

The leaves is exactly the same like magnolia egg which is softer and bigger while the real magnolia/ michelia coco leaves are pointer, thinner, narrower and stiffer.
Also the michelia coco leaves color is very dark green, darker than egg magnolia.

This will be my last purchase from aloha and I will try to ask for my credit card for my refund if they refuse to replace it to real magnolia coco.

So I don't recommend aloha tropicals for a place to buy rare plants especially they send different plants from the one that you ordered.

I read the reviews about Aloha Tropicals a little hesitant but they had what I was looking for so I took the chance... Wow I could not have been happier. I sent an email and asked what size they were. I was told the right size and was told one of my plants was not ready. I called Andy and he said it was small but available so I said send it.
I received my plants right away and they looked great. Potted them up and within three days they are already growing without even a hiccup. Even the extremely temperamental Coco tree looks great.
I guess when you have been ordering plants by mail for over 34 years. you look at it differently .. I am a gardener and if I can espalier a fruit tree.... I can grow anything. Some plants just need a little more care when you get them.
As for the coco,I can put it with my order now and grow it myself or I can wait and pay for shipping again later. Not really cost effective ...as for over all price. I cannot complain what I wanted is hard to find.
Two other places had what I wanted but for some unknown reason not all were available at the same time and good for me because I found Aloha Tropicals.I received the plants I wanted for 1/3 the price the others wanted and they come potted, not bare root. Great experience and will do it again.. ...Michael

I am really shocked and a bit blown away by the negative feedback on this company. I live in AZ and I recommend this company to people all the time. There are several plants that Aloha tropicals carry that do extremely well in our desert climate and of the dozens of people that I know that have ordered from them ALL of them were thrilled with the companies service and the quality of the plants. I especially enjoy the feedback from those who have bought the crown flower plant as I grew up in Hawaii it is a fun plant to have in the desert to make leis with. I have ordered guava, bay leave, jacaranda, bird of paradise and more from these wonderful people and have always had a positive experience. I would highly recommend Aloha tropicals to everyone.

i did place my order with the company and also as someone else mentioned emailed the company with a question. i rec'd an immediate response. i also emailed them again and once again rec'd an immediate and professional response.
i must admit i was a bit leary with the feedback i had seen here, because i was ordering also a blue jade vine......

the order arrived, packed very well. the plants were vibrant and showed signs of excellent growth.

now...of course the jade hasn't bloomed, however, i'm quite certain since i have owned one before that this is the correct plant. i do have a variety of cultivars of Thungbergia as well, and the plant i rec'd at this point certainly does not have the same form or resemblance of a Thungbergia i hope i hope...but at this point, once again i will not know until it blooms...so, it's hard to tell.

all i can say is communication was excellent, packing of the plants excellent and arrived promtly, and the plants themselves arrived in perfect condition.

What a disaster. I ordered 12 hedychiums advertised as being heavily fragrant. The small rhizomes came in satisfactory condition, but when they bloomed, over half were not hedychiums but were the shampoo ginger instead. To make matters worse, the gingers I ordered and paid for were nearly double in price from what these shampoo gingers cost......I lost a lot of money here. I cannot tell by looking at a rhizome what the variety is. I expect the owner of a company to be honest enough to send the correct plants. Apparently this owner sends the least expensive thing he has regardless of what you order, then pockets the excess amount. Look elsewhere.....there are too many honest nursery folks out there to have to put up with people like this.

*WARNING* Last year I ordered several plants from this company, most didn't make it poor packaging unrooted plants ect. I ordered a Mucuna Bennettii "Red Jade Vine" VERY EXPENSIVE at $29.95 + S&H and a Strongylon Macrobotrys "Blue jade vine" also VERY EXPENSIVE at $27.95 + S&H. The Red Jade vine was recieved dead, a mear twig stuck in an expensive plastic pot. I tried as I could to revive the poor leafless twig to no avail. The Blue jade vine came in the same condition a small leafless twig with a name tag, now 9 months later I have finally revived it enough to find "IT IS NOT" a Blue jade vine I paid $27.95 for but rather a "Thungbergia Mysorensis" which in there catalog sells for $16.95!!!
This year I explained to them again about the problems I had with my last order and mentioned to them there poor rating on "Daves garden watch dog" expecting better than I had received from my last order, wouldn't you know it seem they think I enjoy collecting there plastic pots!!! Yet another dead "RED JADE VINE TWIG" no leaves just a twig after all efforts were exhausted and I announced official time of death I exhumed the buried portion to examine why...NO ROOTS!!!
Just a lifeless, leafless twig of unknown origin stuck in the dirt.
If you purchase from these people this is what you get...what they want you to have, but not exactly what you paid for...EVER!!!

I sent the company an e-mail before I ordered as I had a few questions and the response was very prompt. I got my order right away and packed good. I would order again from them.

I called the company before I ordered as I had a few questions. Many times the phone was not manned, but I persisted. I ordered 2 tropicals from them, one gardenia and one orchid. Plants arrived in good condition although very small in size.

The orchid ended up giving me x2 baby orchids plants and the gardenia at the moment have many buds, though still small in size. I ordered the same gardenia species from a different vendor, much bigger plant, but it is producing much less flower buds.

If there is something I want that they have, yes I would order from them again.

i placed an order for a rangoon creeper in feb09 and received an email late mar09 saying my order has been delayed due to slow growth.it's now mid JUNE 09 and i'm still waiting.an email update would be niceor something.

In summary, this experience with Aloha, my first, was a very positive one all around. I ordered a Langsat (Lanzones) tree, a rare tropical fruit tree that I had become somewhat obsessed with after recently seeing them, eating their fruit, and attending a festival in their honor in the Philippines. (I had been searching for literally months online for a source since coming back, until finding Aloha). I also ordered a Costus speciosus ginger. I placed my order on April 2nd, 2009 and it arrived on the 15th via USPS Priority Mail. Plants were very well-packed and in own soil in 3" (trade size) square pots. The pots were wrapped in plastic bags and had shredded moist newspaper topdressing to retain the soil and moisture. I'm very happy they were not barerooted. Both arrived in good condition, the Lanzones tree about 4" tall with two character leaves and the Costus with a couple canes already growing (I was very happy it was not dormant because I was eager to get it planted and hoped that I wouldn't have to force it to break dormancy first).
The Lanzones tree will eventually be planted at my Florida (zone 10) residence when large enough, and the Costus will be planted in NJ, as they are reputedly root hardy to 0F (I've had multi-year success with Alpinia zerumbet, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, and many other supposedly "not for my zone" tropical plants grown as dieback perennials here). While some may say that larger plants can be obtained on Ebay, my experience with buying plants on the latter has generally been unsatisfactory, so I do not patronize it. I would definitely order from Aloha again (and I'm planning to, since they have a number of other unusual exotics I've been drooling over.)

shipping time is ok.
But the trees are so tiny. They might not survive. For same or less price, you can order much better/bigger trees from eBay.

i have made about 4 purchases from aloha tropicals over the past three years and i will continue to order from them - my last order was a rangoon creeper which i just planted this weeked. i have a beautiful thunbergia vine which has been growing for 2 years which is a show stopper in my yard now - there is not one single person who comes to the door who does not comment on it and ask what it is - it has been in constant bloom since this past november - yes, sometimes the plants take a bit of time to arrive due to availablity - but the waits have been worth it - obtaining plants i have not been able to get elsewhere

This is second time I have ordered from them in about 2 years. Received 7 big beautiful healthy plants again. The only negative thing I could say about them is communication. If you don't contact them after ordering you don't hear back from them for what ever reason.

I have ordered twice from alohatropicals, I ordered and paid for 2 items. I received 1 in 3weeks and the other item that is paid for(shipping included) and it has been almost 3 months and no word on what I had originally order It's always not availible. My concern is how can they sell you something that they don't have. I mean the item was $26.00 it may not be much to them but,it is to me. I gaved them a second chance and ordered 1 more item from them 3 weeks it's been I finally sent a matter a fact email and was told we forgot to ship it. If I get the 2 items I paid for no more chances for these guys Thanks for allowing me to sound off Bobby

I order a couple hundred worth of tropical fruit trees from this company. The plants were very small (6" to 8") and came from seeding. The sizes of the plants are not mentioned on the website but they do put pictures of a much healthier plants on the shopping pages. ALL die after one season. I will not buy from this company again.

Received my order today and wanted to post a VERY positive feedback about this vendor - I was apprehensive due to prior feedback - but, they had what I was looking for - received order confirmation immediately after ordering, order arrived in 9 days - I contacted them about delivery time because I will be out of town - received an immediate reply advising the order was already on its way! The plants look great, healthy and I will DEFINITELY order from them again with no hesitation!