Why are Paphiopedilum Sanderianum so expensive?

[Ducky87]

I ran across this beautiful Orchid on SeattleOrchid.com last night and I am wondering why this particular orchid is so expensive? Is it the rarity? does it take 20 years to bloom? is it tough to bring to a bloom? Just one of those random question i feel I've gotta ask.

[Angurek]

I've never grown this species. I'm not sure if they're slow growers, but I do know that there are many awarded forms of this species, and that they're expensive due to the high amount of breeding that goes into them, not so much because of the rarity (this is actually a fairly common species in the hobby). Then again, awarded orchids of any type tend to be pricier than their normal counterparts.

P. rothschildanum can get pretty expensive, too. I've seen awarded clones go for upwards of $300. So far, however, the most expensive slipper has to be Phragmipedium kovachii (I've seen this one being sold for over $1,000).

[prc11]

Well this plant is pretty hard to grow so it is more rare than others. There are some Paphs that go into the thousands because of their difficulty and rarity.

[Bayard]

Try Carter and Holmes.

They have 2.5 inch for $25 and 4 inch for $50.

I bought two of the smaller size at the nursery and all of the plants looked vigorous and healthy.

[Shirley]

Well, I had no idea! $50 for a 4 inch pot! I have a little baby that was a gift and it will be getting more TLC from now on, for sure.

[Ducky87]

OMG, I so would grown one of these from a seedling if i had the chance, i'm usually an impatient person when it comes to growing things, but this, this I would wait and grow, and make beautiful! I will add this to my list of Orchids!