Thailand is the worlds largest orchid exporter that boasts over one thousand different species both wild and cultivated hybrids. Last year (2007) orchid exports topped 61.2 million U.S. dollars and even in a bad economy they should surpass that this year.
The majority of orchid exports are to Japan followed by the United States and then Europe. Although there has been emerging competition from the likes of Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam they still only represent a small percentage of the orchids that Thailand exports. Even so Thailand has stepped up efforts in new markets such as China and the United Arab Emerites with a 70% to 100% increase in exports to China in the last year alone.
In Thailand orchids are grown mainly in Bangkok and surrounding provinces such as Chon Buri ( where Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens is located), Saphan Buri, Samut Sakhon, Ratchaburi, Pathum Thani, and Ayutthaya. Mainly because the climate in these areas is perfect for orchid cultivation. All together Thailand Orchid producers and plantations grow their beautiful crop on roughly 6000 acres of land.
It was about fifty years ago that the Thai’s became serious about growing and cultivating orchids when Prince Krompranakornsawanvorapinit got into orchid growing as a hobby and commercial interest.In 1957 the Orchid Society of Thailand was formed by Royal Patronage. Since then orchids have become their largest flower export shipping 54% of their crop overseas yearly with the remainder being sold locally.
Thailand’s orchids usually flower between July and October otherwise known as Thailand’s rainy season. The colorful rich tapestry of orchids can be seen throughout the country and are truly a sight to see.
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When we married we didn’t have much money.
Friends decided to give me my bouquet.
They knew I loved orchids, but ofcourse I didn’t expect them.
It was early july…
I can still remember how I felt when I discovered the soft, almost whitish pink between the green, and the roses.
They were ordered in Thailand and especially for me.
Thanks for making me smile again….
That’s awesome…I’m glad it brought back great memories that made you smile.
Orchids are one of my favourite flowers. I said that not because one of their species is Singapore’s national flower but because they are so elegant looking; give me the same feeling to a lotus. In the early days, we even have currencies with orchids printed on them.
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Lovely orchids. I photographed alot a few months ago but have yet to post…I’ll do it when the mood strikes me..:D
The photos are so beautiful. My Grandmother kept orchids and seeing them always reminds me of her. Thank you so much for a wonderful memory today.
Sawadee ka, Talen, I can remember that I took a great bunch of various orchids home on one of my Asia travels from Thailand and because I treated them carefully at home the last orchid I threw away after 10 weeks! Can you imagine that? No other cut bloom can last that long. It was awesome.
Btw – since then I am growing orchids at home…
lagon,
Petra
Petra Voegtles last blog post..Malva in Pink
Absolutely gorgeous!
hi,i am a sri lankan,and i am interesting in growing orchids. i have already started in a small scale, please advise me to develop it in big scale
thank you
suja
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Orchids are beautiful flowers and I’m not surprised how popular they are in the world. I really need to visit Thailand some day I’ve really been meaning too.
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