$20 000 orchid

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by dravenxavier

I would imagine that a plant like that is geared mostly towards someone who's looking to produce something with the plant, and turn a profit.

Without doubt. They have listed the clone as the only release until 2016. That gives them 7 years to make whatever money they can from hybridising it. By offering the clone for sale they are at risk of another breeder buying the plant hybridising it and cutting into their profits. Consider the price tag as reflecting what they expect to lose in profits to the competition. Of course by selling the plant for so much, they get the money they would have made on the breeding without having to do any work which is probably why they dropped the price $15K to get a sale. Otherwise, they're left with the propagules taking up space while their stock plant does all the work.

High price orchids such as this one are not meant for the likes of most orchid growers. Sure there are people who spend bundles on rare plants, often of obsolete breeding, but it's really the breeders who can see true value in such high prices.

[Angurek]

That's too much money for one plant, IMO, even if it is gorgeous. My absolute price threshold would probably be $150, and that's cutting it close (the plant would have to be well worth my money).

[SP2340]

Wow, I guess it's the same as selling a buisness... like selling a Goose that lays golden eggs!

[Louise]

I won't buy it if I had the money..
I've heard about some orchids "amateurs" that have let's say only ten orchids but only rare and precious ones, I can understand that's a point of view even if it's not mine : I prefer to have plenty of different ones, for me it's more fun ...

[orkie]

Just a comment after reading through this thread, but (and keep in mind I don't know much about this genus as I have none), but aren't Phrags hard to clone? (or is it just paphs? I might be wrong here).

If in fact Phrags don't clone easily, then even if you are a breeder, it's not like you would be able to clone a million plants, it would still take a little while to profit from the breeding. Does this make sense?

Just wondering the profit margin on the plant.

Sara

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by orkie

Just a comment after reading through this thread, but (and keep in mind I don't know much about this genus as I have none), but aren't Phrags hard to clone? (or is it just paphs? I might be wrong here).

Yes, although I understand they've had maginally more success with Phrags than Paphs.

Originally Posted by orkie

If in fact Phrags don't clone easily, then even if you are a breeder, it's not like you would be able to clone a million plants, it would still take a little while to profit from the breeding. Does this make sense?

You're confusing breeding/hybridizing (sexual/seed propagation) with mericloning (asexual/vegetative propagation). While the popularity of mericlones has limited the market for seed grown Cyms, Phals, etc, seedlings still dominate the market for genera like Paphs and Phrags. If you're buying unflowered seedlings or seedling flasks, most people will look at the quality of the parentage to judge the quality of the plants you're buying. Award quality parents are usually seen as giving better odds at producing award quality offspring so good quality parents will atract more sales. Restricting the competition's access to your high quality breeding stock means you have a monopoly on selling that plant's seedlings.

[Quinn]

Although a stunning plant to say the least, by no means worth $20 000. Not even if your your going cross it with others for profit. And I hate to bash a company, but that entire sight is full of overpriced, under appreciated plants. Its a cash crop.

I have worked in greenhouses and suppliers all my life and there is no way i could ever sell a plant at that kind of money. I hope this is no indication of where this lovely hobby is headed. Because the price of the parents will be factored into the cost of the seedlings. Which will mean a more expensive plant for the general consumer or hobbiest.

Such a pity.