orchids – Indoor Plant Hub

Let’s get straight to the point. Orchids are so expensive because of their beauty and because some varieties can be extremely rare. Consequently, some orchid enthusiasts are willing to pay more, to get the rarest species for themselves. Let’s look at the orchids' history. Background Since ancient times, the orchid has been considered a symbol of love, friendship, passion, courtesy, strength, and luxury. And, according to feng shui practitioners, the orchid attracts positive energy and joy into the lives of those who possess it. The first tropical orchid was brought to Europe from the Bahamas. The expansion of the orchid flowers in Europe met with numerous obstacles until the 19th century when a large number of greenhouses were built in England. As the basic requirements for growing these beautiful flowers were not yet sufficiently known, many imported orchids withered, and those that survived were sold at enormously high prices. Mass cultivation of orchids began only in the 20th century, thanks to sterile fertilization and cloning in laboratory conditions. Interestingly enough, orchid flowers were believed to increase fertility and treat disease. In the 17th century, John Parkinson, a Royal Botanist to King Charles I, stated in his "Theatrum Botanicum" that orchids stimulate sexuality and increase desire. According to the stories, witches also used orchid roots to prepare love potions. In many civilizations, orchid varieties have been used to treat arthritis, headaches, fever, skin changes, inflammation, and other ailments. Orchid oils as extracts have long been used in the cosmetics industry for products that moisturize the skin and improve its metabolism. Thanks to its wonderful scent, the orchid is often one of the essential ingredients in perfumes and cosmetics. This interesting background only begins to explain why an orchid is so expensive. What makes an orchid expensive? Orchids are beautiful flowers and add a feeling of warmth, happiness and beauty to anyone's home. Some of them are so scarce that they have become the most expensive flowers in the world. Today there are 30,000 species, with about 200 new species joining this large family every year. There are many reasons that set orchids apart from other flowers and here are just a few. They are difficult to collect seed fromSeed germination takes up to 60 daysSome are difficult to growThey are hard to clone They take a long time to get to blooming sizeThey require a lot of special conditions such as sterility at first In addition, here are some other things that are so special about orchids BeautyFragranceLong-lasting bloomsAttractive patternsDifferent color combinationsInteresting and different shapesEasy Care All of the above takes time and money, making orchids more expensive than most house plants. Are orchids worth the money? This exotic beauty is in such high demand that they have even replaced poinsettias. In the United States, you can find orchid flowers in almost all grocery stores, garden centers, or Home Depot, starting at only $9.99. These beautiful flowers have become the most common house plant reaching a $10 billion a year business. Their exotic beauty makes them more expensive than other flowers, and some are not available for the orchid lover with an average income. If you love orchids, buying a few to put on your coffee or dining table sounds reasonable. But spending a fortune on a flower that blooms so very often, at the end of the day, may not be worth it. for those of us who are not extreme enthusiasts. How much does an orchid cost? An average price of an orchid is as little as $10 and goes up to $100 for more expensive, commercially available varieties. And then there are the extremely rare types that cost a fortune. Are orchids overpriced? In the 19th century, many rare species were almost extinct because they were the target of "orchid hunters". It often happened that some of the thieves paid with their lives in search of this extravagant flower. Although many endangered species are strictly protected, there are still passionate collectors of new, rare or as yet undiscovered species who view them as an exotic trophy. Even today, some orchids cost thousands of dollars. The question of orchids being overpriced is relative. For some collectors or enthusiasts, their high degree of involvement in the community and their higher budget may justify the expense for their passion. For others with a more casual interest, the more costly varieties may not be worth it and less expesive alternatives can be enjoyed almost as much. A few examples of the most and least expensive types of orchids Shenzhen Nongke Orchid ($$$$$ - Very Expensive) The most expensive orchid ever sold is the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid. It is also the most expensive flower ever bought. In 2005, Chinese agricultural scientists at the Shenzhen Nongke University developed this man-made rare orchid after eight years of research. The Shenzhen Nongke orchid needs five years to bloom. Because of the difficulty in cultivation, the rarity and the beauty of this unique flower, it was sold to an anonymous bidder for $202,000. Gold Of Kinabalu Orchid ($$$$ - Expensive) Here is another rare and beautiful orchid that grows only in Malaysia's Mount Kinabalu, in a certain area of the Kinabalu National Park. The Gold of Kinabalu orchid. This beautiful flower is extremely rare and an endangered species of orchids. Also known as the Rothschild Slipper orchid, this orchid's value is known to be an incredible $5,000 for only a stem. It takes as long as fifteen years for this orchid to appear, and it blooms only between April and May. But when it does, it blooms with gorgeous six large flowers. You can consider yourself lucky if you see a blossomed Gold of Kinabalu orchid. This expensive orchid may be the rarest orchid in the world. No wonder it's called the "Gold of Kinabalu". The Phalaenopsis Orchids ($$ - Inexpensive) This type of orchid flower is also known as the moth orchid. The popular flowering plants are known for their long-lasting flowers, which can remain in bloom from two to three months indoors and come in different color combinations. They are also relatively easy to grow, one of the reasons they are in high demand. The epiphytic plants are one of the most widely known and commercially available orchid species. A 4″ pot-sized plant has an average price of less than $50. Miltonia ( $ - Very inexpensive) Miltonia orchid plants make great house plants. Due to the ease that comes with their growing conditions, and their fast growth pace, these beautiful plants are one of the most popular in the orchid family. The bloom is star-shaped, and they are large and long-lasting, with a delicate scent similar to roses. A 4" potted plant goes for $10-$35 in the United States. Cattleya ($$ - Inexpensive) Cattleya is a popular group of orchids, tolerant of hot and cold temperatures. Produces beautiful blooms in different color combinations that can remain in bloom for up to six weeks. Its unique features are the large and fragrant colorful flowers. A 6" potted plant costs $25-$100 in the United States, depending on whether it's a hybrid or a clone. Summary When choosing an orchid, it is best not to rush and not buy more at once but to buy one and take care of it for a while. Some of these orchid plants are extremely rare and have a high price tag. In short, the more widely known an orchid is, the less expensive it is. And vice versa. If the orchid flowers are scarce they, are more expensive. Collectors and enthusiasts that are willing to pay high prices can appreciate the beauty of these rare orchids for themselves. And, if your budget is more limited you can still enjoy the beauty of orchids on your coffee table.