Dollar (or any currency) "value" of orchids?
 

So perhaps some may consider this a 'dumb' newbie question, but I'm curious about thoughts around the value of Orchids?

Yes I realize the basic laws of supply and demand, and people paying more for things that they really want, and a seller selling something for way below value because they don't know what they have.

So, beyond all that - How do I know when a plant I paid $15 is worth $150, or vice-versa?

There are some Neofinetia falcata orchids that can cost $15, then some rare variety can cost up to $1000.
Its just a matter of covetousness and demand factors.
I cant afford it, so I am glad if I get one for free....

I think you already answered youself. :)

Awarded plants add the value for quality. Plants like paphs that cannot be mericloned and mass produced, hence only available as division or seedling (many or should I say most of which are usually crappy) also tend to be a bit pricier than some others.

New, rare plants...and then also forbidden plants since these are available through dark sourcese risking punishment by the laws.

Other than, worth is more personal to me. and because of that, most of the time, I feel I'm forced or left with not much choice, but then this is how many things are unfortunately.

Thre are some complex paphs I find very attractive, but they are thousands of dollars. and some, you have to wait for the division, and some, even if you had all the money, the owner won't give away or sell.

If an orchid gets awarded, it's value usually increases, especially with slipper orchids because they can't cloned by tissue culture. If an orchid is slow growing it will cost more, especially for bigger plants.

A bit off topic, but why can't certain orchids be cloned by tissue culture? Which genera can or can't be mericloned?

NOID's would be always cheaper.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...noid-noid.html

Depends on what attracts you. If I can get a similar to some trendy looking Phal and it's pretty to the eye of the beholder (mine) in the range of $5-15, that's good enough for me.

Others have different opinion on the subject and appreciate having name tags, Latin names and searchable records in the registry.
The International Orchid Register / RHS Gardening

The price tag reflects all those factors, I suppose.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...expensive.html

Most Expensive Orchid

It is a matter of demand for some of them.

Disas can be cloned, but yet they aren't cloned commercially on a large scale because the demand for them is low.

Same for Diuris.

These are just 2 examples.

I had a Phrag awarded this spring and one of the judges reminded me that it was now worth about 10 times what I paid for it !!! I laughed as I told him it was given to me!! Lets see
10 x 0...ohhh
...Jean

I have orchids that were given to me and they are priceless. I have some that I have paid the most for, awarded, ect and I would trade them without concern. A plants value is not monitary to me. If I want it, I will pay for it. At the same time I try and keep my expectations reasonable so I am not constantly diasppointed by what could be. Some days are better than others.

I am originally and always will be a paph grower. The ones that I want tend to be the most expensive. It is in my opinion, the more costly of my orchid habits.

To my knowledge, none of the slipper orchids can be cloned. It is imposible because of their makeup, I don't remember what exactly. This includeds the genera Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Cypripedium, Mexipedium, and Selenipedium. To get an awarded slipper orchid, you have to buy a division or get it awarded yourself. If a phal is awarded, it can be cloned and you can have many exact copies. Anyone know of other genera that it is impossible to clone?