Most Expensive?

[Ray]

I would not call them a "culprit" for those prices. Every new introduction starts high, then gets more sane as the availability increases. Something as revolutionary as Phag. kovachii was bound to be pricey at first.

[Pelepel]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I don't see it discussed very often but, just like a litter of puppies, orchid plants can be the pick of the litter or the runt of the litter. When breeders discover a hybrid that has some qualities that make it very desirable as a parent for breeding, then exceptional individual plants of that hybrid (the pick of the litter) become valuble to those breeders. There are certain individual plants that a breeder may not be willing to part with for any price because it's so valuble to him or her as a breeding plant. Those are the plants that you sometimes hear of selling for thousands of dollars.

Never thought of orchids in the same category as AKC pups! So, out of a "litter" of orchids, how is it determined a prized specimen is produced? As I know in dogs, you'll have a standard of perfection. Those dogs are judged against their standard (people mistake against each other) and the dog most close to said standard more often wins (also depends on the judges of the day).

So, does the same hold true in orchids? Can one plant produce different offspring opposed to its "brother"? Colors, size, so on? Hence why a stud becomes so prized and valued? Never really thought about the breeding aspect. I know the difference between clone and cross. Just curious what makes an orchid $10,000 opposed to $40 for the same species.

[Pelepel]

Originally Posted by Ray

In the early-to mid-80's (if I recall correctly), a single blue Phal violacea was collected in Indonesia and offered for sale for $30,000 (over $80,000 in current dollar value). It is the only blue one ever found, and is the ancestor of every coerulea phal out there today.

I don't know if that was the price paid, but even so, it was one helluva investment!

Imagine the tears if that investment accidentally bit the dust! Like when I had an 80 gallon tank with a few expensive chiclid fish that went belly up. That was sad sacrifice to the porcelain god that evening.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You mean Flowerhorns? You were probably spared quite a big headache in dealing with people who don't want to pay high end prices for fish that were bred on the high end scale.

As far as orchids go, generally the most expensive ones tend to be older generation plants, huge specimen plants, or newly discovered plants that sellers know would have people scrambling.

Paphs, Phrags, and Cyps have this reputation in general. They still command rather high prices even after they've been circulating around in the hobby. Growing some of these from seed can be painstaking, particularly those from the genus Cypripedium.

Phals, Cymbidiums, and Laelias can command high prices as well. Some Laelias can be several hundred dollars.

[s.kallima]

It depends in which part of the world you are talking about...
If you have a look at Neofinetia falcata auctions in Japan, $10,000 is not uncommon for a SINGLE growth plant ! I have seen some one a fuukiran specialized website for over $100,000
Just have a look at this one: $8,000
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[Pelepel]

King, I've had my eye on flowerhorns but man, are they aggressive at times and cost a mint. I made the bad decision to one day purchase a pair of convicts and an oscar. Puppy dogs of the tank but...yeaaahhhh....convicts bred faster than rats and get ready for 120+ gallon with oscars!

I had some specialized angels and discus. They weren't flowerhorn expensive, but pretty up there.

I guess by the time I'm 60, I'll be able to retire on some of these 'chids, haha!

Wow, neos are seriously one of my favorite orchids; however, 10K for a single growth? I would rather invest in some Real Estate. But I suppose if you're a multimillionaire, that is a drop in the bucket!

[Rowangreen]

At the RHS London Orchid show recently there was a Japanese stall selling Lycate hybrids. They started at about £150 ($300 US?) for the 'cheap' ones! One that got an award of merit was on sale for £1000.

Definitely seems to be a Japanese thing. Not orchids, but heres some stuff on Japanese very expensive fruit:

BBC News - Japan's obsession with perfect fruit

BBC News - In pictures: Japan's perfect fruit

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Pelepel

King, I've had my eye on flowerhorns but man, are they aggressive at times and cost a mint. I made the bad decision to one day purchase a pair of convicts and an oscar. Puppy dogs of the tank but...yeaaahhhh....convicts bred faster than rats and get ready for 120+ gallon with oscars!

I had some specialized angels and discus. They weren't flowerhorn expensive, but pretty up there.

I guess by the time I'm 60, I'll be able to retire on some of these 'chids, haha!

Wow, neos are seriously one of my favorite orchids; however, 10K for a single growth? I would rather invest in some Real Estate. But I suppose if you're a multimillionaire, that is a drop in the bucket!

Well...you're in luck, 'cause you're in the good ol' US of A, where Neofinetia falcata can go as cheap as $7 - $9 for a single growth for the wild forms.

For specialty forms they can get pricier.

I'm not an expert on the many different breeds of Neofinetia falcata and their price tags, but there are plenty of people here who can guide you through the treacherous waters in this department.

[Pelepel]

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

At the RHS London Orchid show recently there was a Japanese stall selling Lycate hybrids. They started at about £150 ($300 US?) for the 'cheap' ones! One that got an award of merit was on sale for £1000.

Definitely seems to be a Japanese thing. Not orchids, but heres some stuff on Japanese very expensive fruit:

BBC News - Japan's obsession with perfect fruit

BBC News - In pictures: Japan's perfect fruit

I for sure noticed that. Especially when it comes to neos and Japanese miniatures, it get's insane! They are truly prized; more than gems. Or "green gems" though, I must admit I would love an emerald, too!

I'll check those links out. All I care about with my fruit is that it's not overripe by the time I bite into it.

[Pelepel]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Well...you're in luck, 'cause you're in the good ol' US of A, where Neofinetia falcata can go as cheap as $7 - $9 for a single growth for the wild forms.

For specialty forms they can get pricier.

I'm not an expert on the many different breeds of Neofinetia falcata and their price tags, but there are plenty of people here who can guide you through the treacherous waters in this department.

I know, right? I often get mine from Seed Engei, and she is literally up the road from me. Good..yet bad for the wallet. Very reasonable and a huge variety. I met them at the Pacific Orchid Expo in February; I was in HEAVEN. That was a great show. I especially love a lot of Japanese and Chinese species, especially "heirloom" types. Cymbidium sinese and goeringii are for sure on my list. Have yet to Visit Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, though I'm spitting distance from there as well.