Orchid Retains Title Of UKs Most Popular Houseplant

Wed, 04 Nov 2009

The phalaenopsis orchid has been named the most popular houseplant in the UK for the second year running by the Flowers and Plants Association (FPA).

The flower, commonly known as the moth orchid, has continued to prove a popular choice among British shoppers, with supermarkets and high street stores reporting a significant rise in the number of orchids being sold.

Sainsburys, Britain’s third-largest supermarket chain, has reported a 30 per cent year-on-year increase in orchid sales at its stores, with at least 3,000 mini orchid plants selling each week.

Sales have also risen at Homebase, up 25 per cent on the same period last year, and by 10 per cent at high street chain Marks and Spencer, which currently offers 12 orchid variations.

Sarah Holland, a spokeswoman for the FPA, said: "The reason for the increase is because of changes in growing techniques and breeding, which mean commercially grown phalaenopsis have not been difficult to grow in the UK, and so in turn are now less expensive to buy and more readily available in retailers ."

"Previously orchids were only available through more specialist suppliers or retailers, but they are now far more available."

Single orchids are currently being sold for less than £10 at most high street stores and supermarkets, and can flower for up to eight weeks, if kept in the right conditions.

Holland added: "Now orchids cost no more than an average bunch of flowers - but they last longer and look fantastic."
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