The Orchid Garden

Why stem props are so expensive

Question:

Why are stem props more expensive than a mericlone of the same plant?  Is it just the rarity (few) of stem props per plant vs thousand mericlones per plant?  Are stem props "more identical" to the parent plant than mericlones?  Can one still charge a high price for a stem prop of a plant that was a mericlone of an awarded plant ie not a stem prop of the _original_ awarded plant? — Yin-Chai CHEAH

Response:

Like you said, stem props are more expensive because only a few (typically one) plants are produced per node.  Unlike mericlones, stem props are less likely to introduce mutations (producing plants that do not look like the original plants).  However, this is not to say that there are no mericlones like the original.  It depends on how many mericlones were produced.  Some choose to produce hundreds of mericlones while other produce thousands of mericlones. In my opinion, anyone can charge whatever price for whatever plant.  It is possible for a seller to produce stem props off a mericlone plant that looks identical to the original one.  As a buyer, you may want to do comparison shoppings.  It’s a good idea to take the time to find out who has what and for what price.  Better yet, buy a plant in bloom so that you are not taking risks.  Visit orchid show and talk to the owners about plants that you like.  Find out from the owners if there are stem props/mericlones for sale or if the owners can tell you who has a piece of the plants.  If you have to buy an expensive stem prop without the flowers, buy it from reputable sellers.  If you are just starting out, ask for feedback from other growers.  At time, it can be confusing to hear different stories as to who you should buy plants from.  But I believe a good seller is likely to have many satisfied customers who will share their positive experiences…. Hope this helps, Website: http://www.phalaenopsis.net or http://www.geocities.com/~peterlin Plants for Sale/Trade: http://members.aol.com/peterjlin

Response:

Filed under: Phalaenopsis Orchid

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