Why Are Callas Orchid & Cymbidium Expensive?

Slow Rate of Growth

• Orchid plants growing under very good conditions produce about one to three flower spikes each year. Forced conditions with highly regulated light, fertilizer and humidity conditions slightly speeds up and the number of flower spikes per year. Calla lilies are different in that they grow from underground tubers and can produce multiple flowers per bulb each year under ideal conditions. Both calla lilies and orchids can propagate themselves vegetatively in time adding new tubers or in the case of orchids, bulblets, but these pup plants can take years to produce flowers.

Specialized Growing Conditions

• Calla lilies and orchids are subtropical or tropical species needing bright light and do not tolerate frost. This limits where they grow outdoors or without climate-controlled greenhouses. The real estate, technology, breeding, water, nutrients, heating and labor costs among other necessary aspects of production, all add into the final cost of the plants, and hence, the cut flowers.

Relative Rarity

• Locally grown flowers are less expensive and more readily available than those imported. That callas and orchids require specific growing conditions and develop and flower slowly, compared to other species, makes them rare. The rarity translates makes them desirable, fashionable and exclusive, contributing to a higher market price.

Packing and Transportation

• Preserving the delicate blooms on the plants or as cut flowers while in transit is difficult. This is especially true when the plants are traveling from far-flung locations around the globe. In the case of orchids, the delicate buds can be snapped off, marring the flower spike so special packing sleeves, pellets and boxes are used to ensure the plants arrive intact. The arching trumpets of the calla lily must not be crushed and, the white petals discolor if touched by hands or creased, destroying their value. As with orchids, extremes of freezing or heat will stress the plants and flowers dictating travel in temperature controlled and at a rapid clip, adding to the cost.