Why Are Orchids So Expensive?

Orchids are not just rare and unique, but they are expensive, too. There are several reasons why orchids are expensive. If you find the common Phalaenopsis, Cattleyas, and beautiful blooms of Orchids in a flower bouquet or flower arrangements, some of them are at a great deal of prices. But there are orchids they are priced high in the market. One example of a highly priced Orchid is the Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid. This variety of Orchids is found in the rainforests in Mount Kinabalu in northern Borneo. This is the most expensive orchid in the whole world at its price of $5,000 – $6,000 per stem in the black market. Are you thinking about why Orchids are expensive? Here are some of the most significant reasons for the high price:

• Orchids are Rare

Most orchids are endemic in the wild and rainforests and they are not found in other common places. Although many of the varieties of Orchids are being cultivated now to create a perfect hybrid, the original species used for the hybrids are the rare types. Some are hard to find while some are hard to reach. It may take extra effort and money in order to get a specific variety of Orchids. The Gold of Kinabalu, for example, which is the most expensive orchid in the world, is only found in Mount Kinabalu and its species are limited with only 50 or less in the count.

• Orchids are Unique

In terms of physical appearance, the orchids with the most unique appearance are expected to be more costly. The unique appearance makes the specific variety of orchid highly sought after, thus they are expensive. The Bog Orchid, for example, is one unique kind with a 50-cm tall stem and its inflorescence has greenish flowers that form a hood through the dorsal and lateral sepals. This structure is not common in orchids. Other varieties of Orchids are also one-of-a-kind, which is why they are expensive. The Ghost Orchid is one example. This flower has white stark color that seems like floating in the dark like a ghost. There are more than 30,000 species of Orchids throughout the world, but each one of them is unique and different.

• Orchids are Endangered

Some, but not all, are endangered species, and they are available in only a few numbers. They are expensive because they are difficult to find. Most endangered species of Orchids are threatened by the destruction of their native habitat in the wild. Some endangered species of Orchids are not available to be purchased because the government protects and preserves them to prevent extinction.

• Orchids are Hard to Grow

Some orchids are easy to grow. The most common and popular species can be grown at home and in the garden with simple and basic Orchid care. On the other hand, there are specific varieties of Orchids that are hard to grow. It takes the grower, even the best horticulturists, 10 to 15 years to grow and bloom the Orchid. Because of that, the cost of the Orchid bloom is high and pricey.

• Orchids are Breathtakingly Beautiful

Orchids are expensive than other flowers because of their exotic beauty. Orchids bloom in a wide variety of colors, and it is just one of the reasons why they are very beautiful. Aside from the unique appearance and attractive patterns, color combinations, and interesting shapes, Orchids are also fragrant. They are perfect not just as a stand-alone centerpiece but also as flower gift, house or office interior decorations, and more. The beauty of Orchids is sure to bring delight and charm to everyone. Orchids come in every color and each one can match any kinds of occasions and themes.

• Orchids are Of Many Uses

There are many uses and purposes associated with flowers or Orchids. Orchids are great for flower bouquets and flower arrangements. They are also wonderful to use as house enhancement and garden plants. Orchids are also used to create and make high-quality fragrance and perfumes. In the native tribes, Orchids are used widely for its medicinal effects while some are for food flavoring. Orchids were sought and hunted through different regions. The high demand for Orchids was because of the uses and benefits they get from these flowers. Because of the versatility of Orchids, they are more expensive than other flowers.

• Orchids are Long-lasting

The duration of the orchid blooms is longer compared to the duration of the flowers of other types of plants. Some Orchids produce blooms that can last for a month while others can last for more than six months. Because of this, they are highly-priced. The average Orchids usually last for weeks when grown indoors and outdoor, but with much effort and care, Orchids can bloom even longer.

Among the most expensive types of Orchids are the Rothschild’s Slipper Orchids, which has a price of $5,000 per stem and the Shenzhen Nongke Orchid that costs around $202,000. They bloom once in every 5 or 10 years depending on how they are cared for. Growing them at home on your own will give you the most beautiful and fragrant blooms on every blooming season. You may not need to buy the flowers anymore but the value of each bloom is priceless. Nothing is compared to the cost of growing and caring for your Orchid plants at home. With all your efforts and hard works, you make Orchids expensive and special than any other types of plants and flowers.