$5 for a bunch of Java Ferns?

That was how much my local Petsmart wants for a small bunch of Java
Fern. Are they crazy or do aquatic plants really cost that much?

"ManWorld42" wrote in message
m...
That was how much my local Petsmart wants for a small bunch of Java
Fern. Are they crazy or do aquatic plants really cost that much?

I've seen Java fern at one local pet store at 3 for $5, but another store a
few miles away sells them for $3.95 each. Shop around, and you will probably
find a better price. Or if there is an aquarium club in your area, at least
one member is likely to have some for sale or to give away.

My java ferns do so well I sell or give away about 8-10 bunches a year. It's
very hardy, and most fish won't bother it.

Limnophile

Some cost even more than that. I have purchased some RARE plants
through auctions for over 30 bucks for 2 stems.
E. Stelletta broad leaf when that first made its round.
Jave fern is a hardy plant though same with anubias.

Marc
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On 10 Oct 2004 01:48:58 -0700, (ManWorld42)
wrote:

That was how much my local Petsmart wants for a small bunch of Java
Fern. Are they crazy or do aquatic plants really cost that much?

www.Fish-Forums.com wrote:

Some cost even more than that. I have purchased some RARE plants
through auctions for over 30 bucks for 2 stems.

Yeah, I bought a large Jade Sword locally for about $20 awhile back. It
was gorgeous, though probably too large for my tank.

It pretty much died shortly after I got it home. I salvaged it by
planting in actual potting soil in a 1-gallon jar of water, which sits
in my window sill now instead of a tank.

--
Eric Schreiber
www.ericschreiber.com

"ManWorld42" wrote in message
m...
That was how much my local Petsmart wants for a small bunch of Java
Fern. Are they crazy or do aquatic plants really cost that much?

The price doesn't sound too unreasonable, assuming it's of a decent size
(3-1/2" - 4" leaves). I used to purchase plants wholesale and price them
for retail. Aquatic plants do not have a standard mark-up. They tend to
fall into 3 price ranges, the lowest costs pennies to buy, and the real
cost is transport, inspection, duty, then the labour to separate, bundle
with weights and plant them in tanks which are maintained like a farmer's
plot of land. The top price range is for plants like Anubius attached to
wood, or Riccia fluitans or other high demand plants. The middle range
has a very reasonable mark-up, is not cheap to purchase (for the store),
but also is unlikely to die on you (or the store). This is where
Madagascar Lace, Undulatus, loose Anubius and Java ferns fall.

The fish clubs can be a good source, but I've been to a couple of their
auctions where plants sold for prices at retail prices and higher, so
buyer-beware. IMO, the best way to get plants is to be trading with
fellow hobbyists.
--
www.NetMax.tk

"NetMax" wrote in message
.. .
"ManWorld42" wrote in message
m...
That was how much my local Petsmart wants for a small bunch of Java
Fern. Are they crazy or do aquatic plants really cost that much?

The price doesn't sound too unreasonable, assuming it's of a decent size
(3-1/2" - 4" leaves). I used to purchase plants wholesale and price them
for retail. Aquatic plants do not have a standard mark-up. They tend to
fall into 3 price ranges, the lowest costs pennies to buy, and the real
cost is transport, inspection, duty, then the labour to separate, bundle
with weights and plant them in tanks which are maintained like a farmer's
plot of land. The top price range is for plants like Anubius attached to
wood, or Riccia fluitans or other high demand plants. The middle range
has a very reasonable mark-up, is not cheap to purchase (for the store),
but also is unlikely to die on you (or the store). This is where
Madagascar Lace, Undulatus, loose Anubius and Java ferns fall.

The Java Fern I saw at Petsmart was $9 CDN for a plant about 4" tall. I
passed.




The fish clubs can be a good source, but I've been to a couple of their
auctions where plants sold for prices at retail prices and higher, so
buyer-beware. IMO, the best way to get plants is to be trading with
fellow hobbyists.
--
www.NetMax.tk

I've not bought any for the same reason. It's very pricey in the Hamilton,
ON area.

Jacqui

"Bill Stock" wrote in message
...

"NetMax" wrote in message
.. .
"ManWorld42" wrote in message
m...
That was how much my local Petsmart wants for a small bunch of Java
Fern. Are they crazy or do aquatic plants really cost that much?

The price doesn't sound too unreasonable, assuming it's of a decent size
(3-1/2" - 4" leaves). I used to purchase plants wholesale and price
them
for retail. Aquatic plants do not have a standard mark-up. They tend
to
fall into 3 price ranges, the lowest costs pennies to buy, and the real
cost is transport, inspection, duty, then the labour to separate, bundle
with weights and plant them in tanks which are maintained like a
farmer's
plot of land. The top price range is for plants like Anubius attached
to
wood, or Riccia fluitans or other high demand plants. The middle range
has a very reasonable mark-up, is not cheap to purchase (for the store),
but also is unlikely to die on you (or the store). This is where
Madagascar Lace, Undulatus, loose Anubius and Java ferns fall.

The Java Fern I saw at Petsmart was $9 CDN for a plant about 4" tall. I
passed.




The fish clubs can be a good source, but I've been to a couple of their
auctions where plants sold for prices at retail prices and higher, so
buyer-beware. IMO, the best way to get plants is to be trading with
fellow hobbyists.
--
www.NetMax.tk

"axemanchris" wrote in message ...
I've not bought any for the same reason. It's very pricey in the Hamilton,
ON area.

Jacqui

Here is an update. I went back to Petsmart ready to give in to their
price. I found that it was actually $3.99. When the clerk took out a
"bunch" for me, I saw that it was TWO, yes TWO blades of fern. Each
blade was about 2 or 2.5 inches long. I told her that I changed my
mind.

"ManWorld42" wrote in message
...
"axemanchris" wrote in message
...
I've not bought any for the same reason. It's very pricey in the
Hamilton,
ON area.

Jacqui

Here is an update. I went back to Petsmart ready to give in to their
price. I found that it was actually $3.99. When the clerk took out a
"bunch" for me, I saw that it was TWO, yes TWO blades of fern. Each
blade was about 2 or 2.5 inches long. I told her that I changed my
mind.

LOL! There's a pond place near me that sells spindly little bits of
watercress for an atrocious price ($2.99 apiece). I get mine at the grocery
store - $1.49 for a huge, healthy bunch. I realize Java Fern won't be in
the grocery store, but perhaps there's a local aquarium club you can try.
Someone with extra might mail you some for postage as well.

Jacqui