Where certain orchids were a whole lot cheaper or easier to come by a few years, or even as recently as a year ago, some species have skyrocketed in price and are barely for sale. Why is it that orchids can suddenly increase in price so much? And which species have recently skyrocketed in value? In this blog, we delve into the causes of price increases and look at some of the unusual price increases of our time.
Why are orchid prices rising?
Rarity
Often the main cause is the relationship of supply and demand. When a species is rare and difficult to obtain, the price automatically becomes high when people show interest in the species.
Orchid trends
Similarly, when a species is widely offered, but the numbers do not meet the amount of demand at the time, the price may rise due to the skewed relationship between supply and demand. Thus, current trends play an important role in the price of the plant.
Regulation
Stricter import regulations have made it more difficult or impossible for some importers to still obtain certain varieties. This can create scarcity in certain species, which can increase the price.
Hybrids and micropropagation
New hybrids or rare and difficult to propagate species can be extremely expensive at first. In particular, special colors and shapes play a role, such as blue or black.
Hunches and social media influencers
Instagram, Facebook, forums and auction sites play a big role in influencing the creation of demand and popularity for certain types of orchids. Pretty pictures or a lot of attention by certain websites or forums can make more people interested in the same species at the same time.
Species that are currently very high in price
Paphiopedilum sanderianum
The Venus slipper-orchid with gracefully long petals has always been rare. But increasing popularity due to greater awareness of the species, combined with the difficulty and duration of cultivation, has made it an expensive orchid to purchase. It takes a long time for the species to produce flowers at mature stage and it is a difficult species to grow from seed.
Orchids with variegata?!
In the indoor plant world, the variegated orchid has been very popular for several years and plants are sold under extremely high prices. Nevertheless, the variegata-orchid is also in demand these days and these orchids are slowly becoming a trend. Phalaenopsis Clones are particularly expensive due to their distinct appearance. The scarcity of stable, fast-growing variegata-clones drives the price for some species way up.
Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis
This species used to be known and sought after only among specialist hobbyists looking for this particular variety and was a niche product. However, the striking, otherworldly-looking flowers have gained it enormous popularity despite the unpleasant smell. Due to the extremely high demand, the price has skyrocketed for this distinct orchid.
Paphiopedilum rothschildianum
For years, the Paphiopedilum one of the more expensive orchid species. But recently, rising prices have pushed it up even further. The slow growth of the species means that it cannot respond quickly to rising popularity. The rothschildianum may take a decade to bloom for the first time ever.
Predictions of orchid trends
Increased demand for miniature orchids
Over the past year, we are seeing increased demand for miniature orchids. Presumably due to smaller spaces and more interest in more compact growing species.
Stricter legislation
The international transportation of orchids is made increasingly difficult by stricter regulations. Some orchid species may become even scarcer as a result.
Social media
Orchid trends come and go, but social media influence will continue. As a result, especially from 2020, there are very large price fluctuations in certain varieties that are suddenly very popular and after a few months are not popular at all. Then there is another species that has suddenly gained popularity.
Where can I still find them for a reasonable price?
Are you looking for a particular orchid, but is the price holding you back? Or perhaps you are surprised at the price of an orchid you bought for a bargain a few years ago? We encounter this frequently in our correspondence with fellow hobbyists. Suppliers play a big role in influencing plant prices, so we are currently experiencing a very fast-paced and dynamic market. Social media in particular seems to be playing an increasing role. Fortunately, we manage to keep prices reasonably low due to our large network of suppliers and our specialty in exclusive orchid varieties. We can therefore supply many of these varieties all year round. Are you curious? Check out our orchid collections soon!
