how about a 4000 dollar orchid? - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Duane McDowell · #11 08-23-2010, 01:25 PM

The most I ever spent on a plant was $2,500 for a plant of Skip Bartlett 'White Pepper' HCC/AOS. Let me be clear - I didn't actually spend the money myself, it was for the company I was working for at the time. I turned around and remade Paph White Knight and Paph Lunacy. I can't remember, but I think we sold the flasks for somewhere around $200 each, and there were around 40 flasks sold. For us, it was truly a sound business investment.

Really rare species (Paph. sanderianum, Paph. sukhakulii album, Paph. philippinense album 20 years ago, Phrag. kovatchii today) are worth some serious money when they are first introduced to cultivation. Those first imported plants become the foundation of horticultural success if the plant has desirable horticultural properties. Once they are mass produced, the price goes down considerably (or should...)

I can't imagine how paying that kind of money for what has become a fairly common species (Paph. sanderianum) makes any sense. Even plants as esoteric as the rare color forms of Paph. micranthum were only worth huge money until they started being propogated from seed (btw, if you're looking for rare color forms of paphs, check out Sam Tsui - Orchid Inn, Ltd. - he's a great grower and has an excellent collection of them).

Duane McDowell · #12 08-23-2010, 01:29 PM

The most I ever SOLD an orchid for was the first division of Klehm Growers' Paph. Houghtoniae 'Big Charley' FCC/AOS. I think it sold for around $1,500 to a Japanese breeder who specialized in collectable plants.

In my own collection, I traded a division of a rare paph (whose name escapes me) for $200 plus a ten-year old Ford Econoline van.

marydaniellesantos · #13 08-23-2010, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenmonkey

Hey, I'm married to an Army man too, and he hates it when I come home with new orchids too! Must be all that testosterone.

It's my job that pays for the orchids though, so don't know what the big deal is... That being said, I can't see myself spending over a grand on an orchid ever. My theory is, if I can get a motorcycle, or a plant, I'm going with the bike.

Lol!!! That's great!!! My job pays for mine also... unless my sweetie does something bad. Then it rains down an orchid and then I am smiley, forget about everything.

It would be difficult to spend 200 or over on an orchid, unless it was something I just couldn't live without.

jrodpad · #14 08-23-2010, 02:40 PM

I've got a strict, self-imposed, double digit spending limit for orchids. So far, I don't think I've crossed the $50 threshold.

I can't even imagine spending thousands on an orchid... I'm sure the moment I brought it home it would contract orchid Ebola and die within hours.

I would have to get much better at keeping orchids to cross the double-digit price barrier and god help me if I ever cross the triple-digit barrier.

I'd rather use the $5k to build that greenhouse I've been lusting after... and then fill it with $50 orchids!

- J

jenmonkey · #15 08-23-2010, 05:00 PM

I totally areee, jrod. I would set my personal limit at $100, but I make concessions for have-to-have-it beauty.

Not being a pro, my favorite orchids are around $20 babies. If I could have a houseful of those, I'd be totally happy.

Man, I wish I could build a greenhouse. That sounds so fantastic...

Call_Me_Bob · #16 08-23-2010, 05:17 PM

i agree!! i wont pay any more than $50 the most ive spent was $30, and i dont think ill be getting anything for even $50 anytime soon.

i agree, i would get a gh or a save for a car or something, and then fill it with cheaper orchids.

some of my favorites cost only $5 , and it had a tag!

kavanaru · #17 08-23-2010, 05:48 PM

well, you are impressed by the price of an exceptional Paphiopedilum sanderianum... wait until you see the prices you can also find in the web, for regular (actually, a bit on the lower class) plants:

ORCHID SPECIES Paphiopedilum godefroyae (mui-01) - eBay (item 290465309562 end time Sep-17-10 10:18:48 PDT)

LOL This is hilarious!!

Really guys, one thing is tohave a plant which for any other reason have a high price, and other thing is what some people without scruples tend to do....

Duane McDowell · #18 08-23-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavanaru

well, you are impressed by the price of an exceptional Paphiopedilum sanderianum... wait until you see the prices you can also find in the web, for regular (actually, a bit on the lower class) plants:

ORCHID SPECIES Paphiopedilum godefroyae (mui-01) - eBay (item 290465309562 end time Sep-17-10 10:18:48 PDT)

LOL This is hilarious!!

Really guys, one thing is tohave a plant which for any other reason have a high price, and other thing is what some people without scruples tend to do....

Shazam! Looks like a decent godefroyae, but not THAT nice... I'm sure the FCC/AOS plants didn't sell for that much... And, with no measurements or anything, I think they're just throwing out a baited hook looking for suckers.

kavanaru · #19 08-23-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane McDowell

I think they're just throwing out a baited hook looking for suckers.

In venezuela we have a saying: "Every morning, an idiot goes out for a walk... if you catch him, keept it and celebrate your lucky day!!"

I think the have heard about it and are trying to have their catch of the day...

Duane McDowell · #20 08-23-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kavanaru

In venezuela we have a saying: "Every morning, an idiot goes out for a walk... if you catch him, keept it and celebrate your lucky day!!"

I think the have heard about it and are trying to have their catch of the day...

Totally off topic - how does that saying go in Spanish? My daughter-in-law is from Venezuela, and she would be very amused to hear me say it...