Updated at: 08-11-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

If you wanted to have orchids, you had to pay a lot of money in the 19th century, often thousands of dollars.

Although orchids are no longer as pricey as they once were, they still have a hefty price tag.

Orchids are quite expensive for a variety of reasons.

Why Are Orchids So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

1. Endangered

There are more than 30,000 orchid species and 150,000 hybrids, although the number is dwindling due to the loss of some species as endangered species.

The word “endangered species” refers to a type of living organism whose dwindling population makes it vulnerable to extinction.

The following are five of the world’s most elusive orchids, each with an astonishingly tiny estimated population:

  • Paphiopedilum Fairrie (fewer than 50)
  • Orchids of the Western Underground (fewer than 50)
  • Paphiopedilum vietnamese (fewer than 50)
  • (28–33) The Hawaiian Bog Orchid
  • Zouse Rolfiana (18)

Orchids are endangered because of deforestation, which damages their natural habitats.

Plants that were torn down to build retail malls and condominiums, especially in rich ecosystems, can’t grow the same because of the changing habitat.

Why Are Orchids So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

Every one of us may play a role in ensuring the survival of orchids by contributing to conservation initiatives on a local and global scale.

They’re a lot more expensive to get rare orchids.

An orchid that only blooms in Malaysia and costs $6,000 for one flower is Rothschild slipper.

The synthetic Shenzhen Nongke Orchid sold for $290,000, making it the most expensive orchid ever sold.

When the flowers did blossom, it was just for a single day of the year.

This doesn’t mean most orchids aren’t special.

Orchids that are easy to grow and maintain are more common.

Orchids can be divided into five general categories:

  • Phalaenopsis
  • Cattleya
  • Oncidium
  • Dendrobium
  • Vanda
  • Cymbidium

In terms of price, cymbidiums (orange, peppermint red and white & pink) are the most common varieties of orchids, each costing around $22 per.

Dendrobiums can be purchased for as little as $3.

2. Brilliant Colors

When it comes to generating beauty, Mother Nature always wins out, as evidenced by the astounding array of colors and patterns found in orchids.

There is a stronger demand for the most eye-catching orchids, which drives up the price tag accordingly.

Color

Natural orchids come in a wide range of colors, except for black.

This means you’ll be able to find an orchid to complement any color scheme.

Orchids come in a variety of colors, including blue and green.

That being said, it is not only their single hue that makes orchids so appealing; it is their blend of numerous colors.

Orchids usually have two or more hues, which makes the whole bloom look better.

These are some of the most popular color schemes:

  • The colors purple and yellow have been combined.
  • White and pink
  • Red and white are the colors of the season.
  • Pink and yellow

Design

Orchid patterns have an otherworldly quality to them, as if they were created by extraterrestrials.

There is no other place in the world where these patterns may be found naturally.

Orchids can even be found with wild designs, such as faces and the appearance of various animals.

You have to see these in person to believe how beautiful and complex they are.

3. Meaning

Depending on the culture, orchids have a specific significance.

The orchid was a fertility symbol in ancient Greece, where it was regarded as a symbol of beauty.

At the dawn of modern civilisation, this was very critical.

Orchids were given as wedding gifts and as well-wishes for the future offspring of newlyweds and newly graduated young men.

This flower has come to represent love, beauty and riches in modern times.

Obviously, orchids are awe-inspiring in their beauty.

When someone gives an orchid as a gift, they’re sending their best wishes for happiness in the future, both romantically and financially, because they’re more expensive than other flowers.

Orchids are often placed on the coffin as a tribute to the life and beauty that the deceased brought into the world.

4. Difficult To Grow

As a newbie gardener, orchids may not be the ideal option for you.

Despite the fact that each variety of orchid has its own set of specific care guidelines, they all have one thing in common: a stubbornness.

Unfortunately, most busy people, especially those who travel frequently or work long hours, are unable to do the task on their own.

Research and preparation are essential if you decide to take on the duty of caring for an orchid until it reaches full bloom at the peak of its maturity (and beautiful flowers).

Choosing the correct pot and soil is the first step.

The pot should be large enough to allow the plant to thrive.

You want to place your seeds in well-draining soil that is easy to breathe for the plant.

The orchid’s next step is to be placed in a suitable location.

In general, orchids thrive when put near windows in the south or east of your home, which receives the most natural light.

If you want to regulate the amount of sunshine your orchids receive, you may want to grow them indoors.

Despite the fact that they require a lot of light, you also don’t want to overdo it.

If the plant gets too much water, it will not thrive.

This means that the plant must not be kept in a humid environment.

Remember that the key to successful orchid cultivation is a delicate balance of water, air, and light.

5. Popularity

It’s no secret that orchids are a popular flower all around the world.

Any tiny present for a family member or a coworker might be given in this manner.

Let us know whether you can guess the favorite flower of your grandmother or your lover.

Choosing orchid as the first option is a safe bet.

Orchids consistently rank towards the top of lists of most popular flowers, despite the rose’s dominance as the world’s most popular flower.

Over the course of history, literature and art have frequently depicted orchids in some form or another.

Weddings throughout the 1940s and ’50s featured several of these as well.

For Mother’s Day presents, orchids remain the most preferred choice.

Orchid collectors can be found all over the world nowadays.

These orchid connoisseurs aren’t afraid to shell out big bucks for the greatest specimens available.

Retailers can raise the price of a product when demand is high.

The price of orchids will drop when their appeal begins to wane.

6. Location, Location, Location

Except in the driest settings, like as Antarctica and the desert, orchids can thrive.

There are both orchids that flourish in chilly climates and those that thrive in warmer climates.

Some orchids, on the other hand, can only be found in specific regions, making them difficult to locate as well as expensive to ship.

How Expensive Are Orchids And 2 Tips For Profit - Krostrade

Orchids, for the most part, prefer warm, humid temperatures.

More than 4,000 kinds of orchids may be found in Columbia, with 1,543 of those species being unique to the country.

But it’s not just a matter of quantity.

Many of the orchids are extremely uncommon, beautiful, and long-lasting, making them a valuable commodity.

As a result of its warm, dry weather, excellent soil, and varied elevation, Columbia is renowned for its quantity of orchids.

Orchids are a popular tourist attraction in China, India, and the Philippines.

The United States is a long way distant from any of these locations.

People must not only deliver these gorgeous flowers, but they must also keep them alive while doing so.

These can include pricey equipment to keep the temperature of trucks, planes and boats in check.

7. Genetic Modification

Orchids are a gift from God.

We must, of course, add our own personal touch to the things that grow naturally.

As a result, you may see some previously unseen hues and patterns.

Dr. Masahiro Mii from Chiba University, for example, used the flavanoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase gene in a phalaenopsis to create an incredible blue color.

The parts of an orchid flower are numerous, including the petals, stamens, and pistils.

  • Largest and most vivid parts of the orchid, the petals are the petals.
  • petals that form a triangle configuration with three smaller petals
  • Throat: the orchid’s innermost, brightly colored section
  • An accessory growth that aids in pollination is known as a “lip.”
  • tiny, raised reproductive organ placed between the two largest petals referred to as the column

For the first time ever, genetic manipulation has allowed us to take use of the most desired features from diverse types of orchids to make the greatest flowers possible.

Dr. Yang and his team at Taiwan’s National Chung Hsing University revealed that all flowers obey a genetic code they call the “Perianth code.”.

The complexity of orchids can be accessed with the use of this code.

Genetic alterations, by their very nature, are prohibitively expensive.

This means that genetically engineered orchids are substantially more expensive than those grown in the wild.

In addition, we may be able to use the knowledge we gained through the genetic manipulation of orchids to improve other technologies.

8. Health Benefits

Numerous studies show that being in nature and around flowers can improve one’s mood.

Orchids, on the other hand, are truly unique.

As a result of their natural beauty and the variety of vitamins they contain, orchids may have health benefits that can help to a long and healthy life.

Medical research may not support all assertions, but isn’t it indisputably beneficial to surround yourself with beauty?

1. Optic Health

You can’t fully appreciate the splendor of your favorite orchids unless you can see them in person.

However, orchids can actually aid you in this endeavor.

Orchids contain high levels of vitamins C and E, both of which are beneficial to the eyes.

2. Digestion

Some people, especially those with digestive system problems, have difficulty digesting their food.

Orchid blooms can be eaten to reap the advantages.

Digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation and ulcers can be alleviated by the juice from these flowers.

3. Skin Care

As the largest organ of the human body, the skin requires frequent care if it is to remain elastic and vibrant.

It’s a good thing that the vitamin A found in orchids can be incorporated into a healthy skin care regimen.

Your skin can benefit from a moisturizer made from the juice of almost any orchid plant as a means of increasing the natural radiance of your skin and delaying the effects of aging.

4. Immune System

Your body’s immune system protects you from foreign substances, such a virus or bacterium, that enter your body.

Orange juice, which is high in vitamin C, is often recommended as a sick-day immune system booster.

The blossoms of orchids are naturally high in vitamin C.

You only need to consume one with your salad to reap the benefits!

5. Mental Health

Their inherent beauty cannot be denied.

One of the best ways to improve your mood and well-being is to surround yourself with beautiful things.

In these frightening times, we can get depressed and anxious as a result of the weight of the world around us.

Rather than spending money on pricey therapy and pharmaceuticals, consider improving your own life instead.

9. Used For Special Events

Because of their beauty and rarity, orchids are popular as a gift for special occasions.

Orchids are frequently used during weddings, which is one of the most common special occasions for which they may be found.

For most weddings, white orchids are the most popular choice, but colorful couples can also go for orchids in the colors of their wedding decor to match their theme.

People who plan to get married will, of course, buy many flowers.

In addition, many florists charge more when the flowers are utilized for a wedding.

All the extra flowers and embellishments that go into wedding bouquets on top of the orchids raise the price.

Flowers for a wedding or other significant event require additional time and effort on the part of the florist because of the significance of the occasion.

The following is a breakdown of the cost per stem of some of the most popular orchids for weddings:

  • Phalaenopsis: $98.00
  • Cymbidium: $70.00
  • Oncidium: $64.75
  • Vanda: 57.75 dollars
  • Dendrobium: $52.50

You may expect to pay $1960 if you use a phalaenopsis orchid as a centerpiece on all 20 tables.

Carnations and lilies, on the other hand, cost about $2.23 each. In order to produce a visually stunning centerpiece, you’ll need a lot more of them.

Even if the arrangement costs a little more, using less expensive roses can help make the decorations appear fuller while also keeping the cost in check.

Weddings, of course, necessitate the use of a wider variety of flowers than the centerpieces.

For the flower girl, you’ll need bouquets, corsages, and petal-filled tins.

It’s possible to pay as much as $965 for an exquisite orchid bridal bouquet.

Keep in mind that the orchids can be used to adorn the bridal party’s table as well as the wedding cake.

10. Great Smell

The scent of orchids is wonderful.

They don’t overrun a space with their scent.

Naturally, people may detect a floral scent coming from the orchid’s petals.

The aroma of orchids is distinct from that of other flowers since it has a tinge of spice and exoticism about it.

You can use the orchids to mask the odors of ordinary life by placing them in areas where there is a lot of foot activity.

They are also ideal for use in places with low humidity, such as bedrooms.

Putting an orchid in a bathroom may not be a good idea unless there is a lot of airflow in the room.

There are certain orchids that don’t smell as good as others.

When it opens, the Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis, for example, emits a foul odor.

Many others, on the other hand, believe that the bloom is eventually worth the foul smell.

How Much Does An Orchid Cost?

The most common orchids can be purchased for as little as $10, and the most expensive commercially available kinds can cost up to $100. However, the price of rare varieties can run into the tens of thousands.

As a result, an orchid buyer might wonder: How do orchid prices become determined?

There are a variety of factors that go towards establishing the orchid’s price. The orchid’s species is the first consideration. Orchid species that are more commonly sourced or found tend to be more affordable than those that are rare or unique.

The location is another factor to consider. Orchids are priced based on their location, just like real estate. Environmental and other growth variables have a significant role in this.

That which is more suitable to growing in site X is likely to be less expensive than that which requires additional or additional care to be cultivated in the same location.

When purchasing an orchid Y from a florist in Beverly Hills, California, compared to a florist in Cheyenne, Wyoming, there will be a similar price difference.

The orchid’s stage of development is another feature that has a direct impact on the price it will fetch.

The price of a mature plant will almost always be higher than the price of a seedling. Although it may seem counterintuitive, an orchid plant with many buds and a decent size will command a higher price.

Costs in terms of time, experience and other resources are always included in an orchid plant’s selling price regardless of any other circumstances.

As a refresher on the pricing of orchids, here are the prices of a few of the most popular orchids, starting with the cheapest and working our way up.

Price of Different Types of Orchids

Phalaenopsis

The moth orchid is the popular name for the phalaenopsis. It’s one of the most well-known and commonly available orchids, both in the wild and in cultivation.

Why Are Orchids So Expensive? (Top 10 Reasons)

A diversity of hues and lengths of blooming time make them a popular choice for weddings, parties, and other events. Their appeal is also attributed to the fact that they are easy to grow.

Sphagnum moss is the most popular media used to pot many of these flowering plants. At any point, they can be re-potted, but it’s preferred to wait until they’ve finished blooming for this. They’re great houseplants, too. The price of a 4 inch pot-sized plant is less than $50.

Cattleya

Cattleya orchids are another popular group of orchids and are typically what first to mind when someone mentions orchids.

Beginner and experienced orchid growers alike appreciate the hardiness and temperature tolerance of this particular genus. Flowers on Cattleyas can last up to six weeks and come in a wide array of vibrant colors and scents.

Potted Cattleyas are often sold for $25 to $100, depending on the species, whether it is a hybrid or a clone.

Miltonia

The miltonia is a species of orchids that are recognized for their ease of cultivation and rapid growth.

There are approximately 12 species of miltonia native to Brazil, Paraguay and Peru, as well as a small portion of Argentina. Flowers of the Miltonia have a star-like shape and are enormous and persistent, making it an easy plant to recognize.

These flowers similarly produce a delicate scent that can be likened to that produced by roses. As long as they’re properly cared for, Miltonias can withstand a broad range of temperatures. A 4-inch potted plant might cost anything from $10 to $35.

Cycnodes Wine Delight

These flowers similarly produce a delicate scent that can be likened to that produced by roses. As long as they’re properly cared for, Miltonias can withstand a broad range of temperatures. A 4-inch potted plant might cost anything from $10 to $35.

Dendrophylax lindenii

State laws in Florida restrict the removal of this orchid from the wild, making it equally protected. The ghost orchid is not only rare, it also has a unique physiology.

Photosynthetic activity takes place primarily in a network of interconnected roots on the plant. When in bloom, the plant produces up to 10 white blooms that are leafless. The aroma of these blooms is similar to that of an apple.

Most wild-collected specimens of the ghost orchid die within a year of being brought into cultivation. This is due to the difficulty of recreating the orchid’s natural habitat.

In this case, the plant is normally sold as a seedling, and the price is determined by the entire length of the roots. When accessible, the ghost orchid sells out rapidly and fetches a hefty premium on the underground market.

Paphiopedilum rothschildianum

The Gold of Kinabalu orchid or Rothschild’s slipper orchid is the more frequent name for this orchid.

Since this orchid is extremely rare, the name “Kinabalu National Park Orchid” was given to it because of the park’s location on the slope of Mt. Kinabalu in Malaysia.

The leaves of this orchid are normally white, and the inflorescences can have up to six enormous blooms. Some individuals may never get the chance to see these flowers because this orchid can take up to fifteen years to flower..

The Malaysian government has designated this orchid as an endangered species since it was first spotted in 1987.

This orchid can fetch up to $5000 for a single stem due to its scarcity, limited distribution, and lengthy growing time. As a result, this orchid is one of the most pricey in the world.

Shenzhen Nongke orchid

The Nongke orchid from Shenzhen may be the most costly orchid in the world. There will never be a wild orchid like this elsewhere in the world because it is a synthetic hybrid.

Researchers at the Shenzhen Nongke University in China have spent eight years developing the Shenzhen Nongke orchid. Flowers appear after four to five years of growth, making the shrub both delicate and exquisite in appearance.

An unknown bidder paid little more than $200000 for this plant at an auction in 2005. The orchid’s scarcity and complexity in cultivation are no doubt factors in its exorbitant price.

From the foregoing, it’s evident that the price of an orchid reflects its scarcity or abundance. There is a correlation between how prevalent an orchid is and how pricey it is. If you can’t afford to spend a lot of money, stick to the more popular orchid varieties.

Conclusion

There is no denying that orchids are among the most gorgeous and sought-after flowers on the market, making them especially sought-after for special events.

If you’re looking for a last-minute present, an orchid is a great option.

Make sure the receiver is aware of the care guidelines.