This is probably quite insane, and would take a masochistically long time to realise, but....

Is there anyone in the world that grows multifloral paphs as cut flowers? I was thinking of the big favourites like Lady Isobel, St Swithin etc. It would take probably a couple of thousand mature plants to provide enough flowers to make exporting viable, and the location would be very important (no heating costs). I would need to get an enormous amount of flasks (any suggestions where?) and grow them on for a very long time.

I have a certain amount of knowledge of the growing of cymbidiums for the cut flower market but there is precious little about paphs. The only paphs that seem to be used are complex hybrids and some novelties like maudiaes.

They would have to be outrageously expensive compared to chrysanthemums, but they would make an amazing display. Has anyone else been nuts enough to contemplate or actually do something like this?

I've entertained the idea, too! I think it would be awesome!!!

That is not an insane idea. Remember complex paph has been used for cut flower for many years. Japan has been using paph both multi and single for their Ikabana arrangements.

Ramon:D

Multiflorals are very slow growing plants so that is probably one of the main reasons we don't see multifloral cut flowers. Too expensive to produce I guess.

Hi Nick...welcome to the best forum!:thumbsup:

You want to....cut....an orchid? :eek:

LOL...are we going to get into our preferance for cut or uncut, now!!!! LOL! :eek:

I think cut slippers would look WONDERFUL in centerpieces...if you can find clients willing to pay big bucks for 'em!!! Can you imagine a wedding party with tons of Lady Izes on the tables!!! OMG...my jaw would drop and I'd think I was getting a glimps of heaven!!!!!

They are way more special than roses or hydrangeas or peonies or any other cut flower!!!

Yes, we have all seen the Phals on the tables but just imagine slippers...I think it would be quite a wowweee for all guests.

When I was at OZ, I saw a sea of Paph lowii...that would be so nice on wedding reception tables!!!!!!

My wife and I plan to redo our wedding vows someday soon (hopefully real soon...lol...I need to recommit...LOL...just kidding!!!!) and I think slippers should be used in abundance for the occasion!!! Oooo...I would totally invite my SOF friends to come!!!

I totally agree with you about using cut multifloral Paph flowers for weddings, something different, fresh for a change and they do have the WOW factor but I'm sure they will come with a hefty price. Can you imagine cut sanderianum flowers! :eek: Only the super rich could afford them.

I totally agree with you about using cut multifloral Paph flowers for weddings, something different, fresh for a change and they do have the WOW factor but I'm sure they will come with a hefty price. Can you imagine cut sanderianum flowers! :eek: Only the super rich could afford them.

Who is Super Rich? Is he a member, here? LOL...just kidding!

You guys aren't helping here. You were supposed to tell me it was a stupid idea!

@Bud I agree with you. I think they would be an amazing display at a wedding. The quantity would be quite limited, but that would only help to justify the price. Just think of all the bridezillas out there that would want something that the darlings of Hollywood would have. Plus there are alot of 5 or even 6 star hotels and resorts around the globe use their opulence and exclusivity as a sales point.

As for the time to get a crop, cymbidiums can take 4 years from flask to flower, so another couple of years is not a huge problem.

Just where would you go and order 200 flasks of the best multifloras possible? The I have to figure out how to pay for them.........

Just where would you go and order 200 flasks of the best multifloras possible? The I have to figure out how to pay for them.........

Why would they have to be 'the best' for the cut flower trade?
'The best' can be taken in a lot of different ways, so I'm not sure what you mean. I could see where you would want multis that go from flask to blooming as quickly as possible. This is a most desirable trait but could they have average flower quality?

What would be the best multiflorals for cut flowers? I assume hybrids would be a little quicker growing. any suggestions? St Swithin? PEOY? What would be the fastest maturing multifloral that would still have flowers with the "wow factor"?

Why would they have to be 'the best' for the cut flower trade?
'The best' can be taken in a lot of different ways, so I'm not sure what you mean. I could see where you would want multis that go from flask to blooming as quickly as possible. This is a most desirable trait but could they have average flower quality?

I think an "average" quality multi would still have a huge wow factor to it. Unless it is a wedding where all the guests are slipper faniatics! Just my opinion!!

I think an "average" quality multi would still have a huge wow factor to it. Unless it is a wedding where all the guests are slipper faniatics! Just my opinion!!

:lol:So true, I totally agree!

We're sorry! We are too good of enablers!
I would think that multifloral cut flowers would be great! I can imagine a bouquet of parishii!! Ahh!!

You want to....cut....an orchid?

Even if I had a sea of them in a greenhouse I don't think I would have the nerve to cut the flowers off. My wedding centerpieces (ok so I need to get a DATE first - I know) would have to include the whole plant somehow.

As far as Ralph goes - are you listening Ralph? - if you aren't committed already, maybe you should be! ha!

Min

LOL...always here, as I said...LOL!

I am quite committed...LOL...but I don't think that is what you meant!!!!

i'd like to be the one to tell you you're crazy but, alas, i've had the same dream....

I agree with the quality point, they need to be good but not that good. Definitely hybrids, probably primaries like Lady Isobel and St Swithin, but ones like Pink Sky could also have their uses. Most people couldn't tell that they are not a species, or would care.

Where would you go for 200 flasks, though? The genetics would need to favour early maturity so no parents that produce show winning flowers but take 3 years longer than anything else to do it. I suppose the Taiwanese producers would be the place to go, or am I underestimating the rest of the world. There are probably labs in Thailand that might have the parent material to get the ball rolling.