What's a reasonable price for a Norton strain Phal violacea?

[camille1585]

I guess the title says it all.
I've turned into a Phal addict in the past year and am always looking for some nice phals to add to the collection. I know that for amazing blue Violaceas the Norton ones are some of the best, and one of my favorite growers here has some for sale. But I don't know what prices these usually go for.

The grower has seedlings for 21($30) or 35€ ($48) for a larger one and blooming size for 70€ ($97)

Are these prices considered normal for this particular orchid? I've never spent more than 20€ on an orchid, so this is a big leap for me! I don't want to end up buying it only to discover than it can be had much cheaper elsewhere.

[tucker85]

I've started collecting the smaller phals also. If you look at the websites of Joseph Wu orchids or Big Leaf Orchids you'll see that they can be very expensive. I think your growers prices are in line if the plants are good. There are a couple of advantages to buying locally. First, you can see the plant you're buying. Individual plants can vary. Some will have a little better color or a little more fragrance. Some will look healthier than others or hold the flowers higher on the plant (with seedlings you're just taking your chances). Second, you don't pay shipping. Shipping can really increase the price a lot. My attitude is that if I can get what I want locally, that's what I do. Good luck.

[tucker85]

I'm sorry I didn't see that your grower is asking $97 for blooming size plants. That's a little expensive. I pay between $25 - $50 for most of my small phals.. If the cheaper seedlings are within a year of blooming then the price isn't too bad. I hate to buy a seedling that doesn't bloom for two or three years. Good luck.

[Eyebabe]

If it's an actual cross from HP Norton, your prices are actually pretty good.
I have spoken to them personally and some of their blooming size violacea crosses are several hundred dollars.

[camille1585]

Hmmm, good point Eyebabe. The plant is listed as Phal violacea Norton strain. Don't know what that means exactly.

And thanks for your advice Tucker. I think I may stick with one of the seedlings since I can't see the plants in person. The seedlings are listed at being 1-2 years from blooming, so it's not too bad.

[tucker85]

Camille, is that a European grower you're buy from?

[camille1585]

Yes, a grower in Germany.

[eurytides]

I think that's about average right now. Last year I paid $100 USD for one of the latest Norton blue crosses. In a few years, prices may drop, but for now they can be that pricey. Especially if these crosses are hard to find in your area, some may charge a premium for their additional rarity.

[camille1585]

This is the only place in the EU that I've seen it, and it's new to their catalogue. There is a UK grower specializing in blues (among other things) but they only sell hybrids with Nortons.

I hope the grower knows the name of the cross. Doesn't matter, because since they're so darn hard to find I'll get one anyway!

[rangiku]

Camille, those are very reasonable prices given their pedigree. Just be aware that the indigo Norton phals grow slowly and you have to be careful with bacterial rot on the leaves. Also they like it warmth, no lower than 70°F.

I recommend you buy the largest size you can afford and find out what the exact cross is.