what's the most you've ever paid for an orchid?

[seamonkey]

The most I ever paid for a single orchid was $59 for a big robust Colmanara Wildcat that had dozens of flowers, from Southlands. I'd only just started collecting orchids at that time and of course, I wanted everything I saw. Every time I went in there that pretty baby was staring at me, and after over a year of barely controlled cupidity (by which time the plant had bloomed several times and been moved from here to there in the store) I finally caved and brought it home.

What are your stories of shelling out big bucks on coveted 'chids? Ever been sucked in by something you just had to have? Give me your stories of unrestrained greed and financial ruin...

[trdyl]

So far the most I've paid is $95.00 for a small seedling of Cattleya schroederae coerulea. Only time will tell if it is really what they said it was, about another 2 years. But I almost shelled out $415.00 for a division of Laelia anceps 'SanBar Super Spash'. But as luck would have it, I was out bid in the last few seconds of the auction. I am not bitter about it is going to be around for a long time and I know I will get another chance to get that little beauty.

[zxyqu]

Well I'm a cheapie for sure, as the most I've ever paid is 24.99 for a Phal. Minho Princess in bloom. I'm a sucker for phals on sale, and so far I've stuck with that. Love the stories though.

[Kaykay]

Well, I paid £60 for a Vanda Blue Magic, but that included £35 for the vase.... so I guess £25 for the plant which doesn't seem so bad. In your calculations are you including postage or vases?

On the other hand, the cheapest was £2.50 for a poor little rescued noID mini phal from homebase. (who is now sporting the most beautiful pink and white blooms- 10 of them!)

Out of interest, does anyone know what the most expensive (legal!) orchids come in at?
Kay

[zxyqu]

No idea on most expensive for sure, but Orchids.com carries a couple clones that are in the $500 dollar range, but I can't seem to find them right now to tell you which.

[musicloveranthony]

check out some of these beauties OrchidWeb.com: Elite Orchids

[Undergrounder]

As far as expensive goes, this is pretty good:

Orchid Web: Phrag. besseae 'Robs Choice' AM/AOS 4N

Certain awarded Paph and Phrags tend to go for a lot because those species are impossible to clone and take forever to reach flowering size.

[zxyqu]

Now that is a Big Number. I think I'll never reach this far into my pocket. Good find, beautiful bloom... But

[got ants]

Originally Posted by zxyqu

Now that is a Big Number. I think I'll never reach this far into my pocket. Good find, beautiful bloom... But NOT!!!

Fixed it for ya...

Most I've spent is $45 for the large Cyrtopodium andersonianum. I also have the Dendrophylax lindenii that cost $50 but fortunately that was a gift to me from my SIL.

[orchidbingo]

[/quote]
What are your stories of shelling out big bucks on coveted 'chids? Ever been sucked in by something you just had to have? Give me your stories of unrestrained greed and financial ruin... [/quote]

I guess I'm really cheap too--most I ever paid for an orchid was $30.00 for a large C. dowiana var. rosita.
It was originally $37.50 but it was on sale for 20% off.

bingo