Noahspapa
Active Member
I’ve recently become aware of some opportunities to (supposedly) buy beautiful clumps of Buce from suppliers in Indonesia. Do any of the scapecrunchers have any knowledge/lessons learned to share on this topic?
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Buying plants (primarily Bucephalandra) from Indonesia?
- Thread starter Noahspapa
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I did it once with borneo aquatic. It was ok transaction - while i ordered quite a few buces I also chose them because they had some crypts not commonly available in usa.
A few things - first communication is a bit rough esp with when the package will arrive and there will be some transit time which can impact plants. You definitely do not want to do it when it is bitter cold or excessively hot.
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2nd do not under estimate the cost of shipping and duties. While they will bundle the package with a larger order which will defray some cost there will be an intemeditary who will repackage your specific order and there can be mistakes as well as additional time delay.
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To be honest unless you are ordering a lot it doesn't make economic sense and it will not be as cheap as it seems after all the extra $$$ are paid but for a large order it can be a bit saving (large here means at least $200 at bare min for economics to begin to make sense); there is of course the desire for specific plants that are simply not readily available that might enter the equation.
A lot of my buces melted (did not die but had to regrow) so the large pads lost of of their lust during hte regrowth time - not sure if this is because they were emersed or change in water chemistry but most of the plants were alive and did fine.
A few things - first communication is a bit rough esp with when the package will arrive and there will be some transit time which can impact plants. You definitely do not want to do it when it is bitter cold or excessively hot.
-
2nd do not under estimate the cost of shipping and duties. While they will bundle the package with a larger order which will defray some cost there will be an intemeditary who will repackage your specific order and there can be mistakes as well as additional time delay.
-
To be honest unless you are ordering a lot it doesn't make economic sense and it will not be as cheap as it seems after all the extra $$$ are paid but for a large order it can be a bit saving (large here means at least $200 at bare min for economics to begin to make sense); there is of course the desire for specific plants that are simply not readily available that might enter the equation.
A lot of my buces melted (did not die but had to regrow) so the large pads lost of of their lust during hte regrowth time - not sure if this is because they were emersed or change in water chemistry but most of the plants were alive and did fine.
- Thread starter
- #3
Noahspapa
Active Member
Thank you for your input
can buy 10-12+ tiny buce from petsmart for 10,00 or 7,00 with there current coupon they have at checkout or on table inside when u walk in. Oh yes tiny little plants 2" tall but u get a ton for cheapo. They told me all plants and the fish have a 30 day guarantee lol so I took the chance, Bought a bag last week its like a tissue culture bag, still no growth but I figure after they go from emersed to submersed. There so slow growing if they all stay alive In few months will have a super deal! wish me luck lol.. If they ever do grow out ill buy them all and sell some later want 50 now for scapes,
I was approached directly via my Instagram account. While I could totally daydream about a six foot tank full of buce, I personally decided I would rather just try to source the occasional Buce I use via other collectors or onshore sellers. I haven't imported plants, but am familiar with the general process in regards to Customs and import permitting and complicance (and have imported several working dogs into the US). Each of my import processes has been slightly different, and at the moment rules, regulations, and tariffs seem to be in a state of flux.
I would start with USDA Aphis: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/buy-plants-seeds-online If you are the direct importer (and not a third party) a PPQ 587 Import permit is required for more than a dozen plants being imported to the US (less than that isn't even worth considering financially). The permitting process itself is neither difficult, nor expensive. Getting items through Customs isn't always straightforward. Shipments over $2500 will likely require a Customs Bond, and at that point you probably would want to hire a Customs Broker to navigate getting your valuable shipment through Customs in a timely manner so your shipment arrives alive. I have used a Customs Broker several times. While they are not legally required, the time and sanity savings was worth it, and depending on port of arrival, some Customs offices can be difficult to work with. Also consider that Tariffs even on plants, potentially up to 30% (depending on country of origin) may also be imposed, and can slow down the import process.
I would start with USDA Aphis: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-imports/buy-plants-seeds-online If you are the direct importer (and not a third party) a PPQ 587 Import permit is required for more than a dozen plants being imported to the US (less than that isn't even worth considering financially). The permitting process itself is neither difficult, nor expensive. Getting items through Customs isn't always straightforward. Shipments over $2500 will likely require a Customs Bond, and at that point you probably would want to hire a Customs Broker to navigate getting your valuable shipment through Customs in a timely manner so your shipment arrives alive. I have used a Customs Broker several times. While they are not legally required, the time and sanity savings was worth it, and depending on port of arrival, some Customs offices can be difficult to work with. Also consider that Tariffs even on plants, potentially up to 30% (depending on country of origin) may also be imposed, and can slow down the import process.
Yes! The big thing here is legality. You are allowed to import up to 13 plants without an import license, but they must come with a photosanitary certificate. Anything over 13 needs both an import license and cert. There isn't a specification for bucephalandra in clump form as far as I know, due to the way it grows I assume that one clump=one plant. Separated rhizomes are different.
Here onshore AquaticMotiv has Buces on sale: buy three get one free + 10% off all Buce with code BUCE10 at checkout + free shipping over $80
aquaticmotiv.com
Bucephalandra
Rare Bucephalandra from Borneo — dark leaves, blue shimmer, and slow, easy growth. One of the largest buce selections in the U.S., shipped live.
aquaticmotiv.com
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- #9
Noahspapa
Active Member
Thanks for the tip. AquaticMotiv is a new one for me. Outstanding selection of Buce! I’ve been picking up the small pieces at several places (Daku, Buypetshrimp, other) but have been really enjoying the “clumps” from Buypetshrimp. They’re 5 for $99 + shipping. I’ve attached pics. I could probably put 20 clumps in my new 90P. Recently a place called Bucephalandra Store popped up on my instagram feed and got me curious. They sell clumps for $10. Min order $250 plus $100 shipping & cert. Shipping & cert are free with $500 order. They also sell Anubias, Java fern, moss, and houseplants.
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JayP
Valuable Member
I'd also check out OnlyPlantsUSA on Etsy. I haven't made a purchase from them yet because I'm not ready for any new Buce, but they do seem to have a good selection and are often running specials. I know they've been mentioned here before but would like to hear from others that have dealt with them.
AquaticMotiv has been around for years - his website is more newish but he would sell under the same name on ebay. No real complaints but his buces look pretty generic from the pictures. THere is a guy on etsy that also has decent stuff sometimes BuceFarm - he is located in texas but currently has nothing listed right now but he will usually note when his next shipment will be available.
Kwyet
After every new tank—“This is my last one!”
I’ve made one purchase of Dwarf Hairgrass from OnlyPlantsUSA. It came in good shape and as advertised. I’ve also ordered a variety of stuff from AquaticMotive over the years. It always comes in good shape. I also ordered a tub of Buce from https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeadowviewMakers
It came labeled, nice portions, and good shape.
It came labeled, nice portions, and good shape.
Make sure to ask if they have a transshipper in the US. Some of the Indo sellers run monthly shipments to Western countries as a pool with other customers, and they have the large shipment sent to a contact in the designated country who forwards it to you. That gets you a nice bulk order stateside without the need of an import license, as well as reduced shipping fees.
I have an assortment of emersed rhizomes, both with and without ID. I actually just cultivated some to see what I get submerged. I'd be willing to part with some.
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To be honest, their prices are insane. They do have some interesting varieties, but the price puts me off personally.
Interesting. I've ordered from them too somewhat recently and had no issues. I selected the best rhizomes off the clumps to be submerged, and the rest went in the emersed bin. Both sets are doing well. I found their shipping cost to be very reasonable though I stayed at 13 clumps for simplicity reasons and I don't typically do large orders the first time with a new farm.
Here's some that I submerged already
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- #16
Noahspapa
Active Member
The first question is to ask if they provide photosanitary certs. Some sellers do, some don't.
Well - if i order again i would just use borneo since i've spoken enough with the owner to know what to expect. They have some interesting crypts listed but are never actually available so after i move i'll drop a note and see if they can get them.
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- #19
Noahspapa
Active Member
They do. They told me about the cert and the need for a license, and gave me a link to where to apply for the license as soon as I started talking to them.
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- #20
