Orchids are some of the most popular flowers in Korea... that are often bought as a gift,... but they come with a hefty price tag.<br />A team of Korean researchers have developed smaller, more affordable orchid varieties... which are not only cheaper,... but last longer as well. <br />Park Se-young has more. <br />In the midst of winter, this greenhouse is filled with colorful flowers.<br />Moth orchids are said to bring happiness and are a popular choice for gifts.<br />This new variety, named Little Prince, is less than half the height of ordinary moth orchids.<br />It comes with 20 flowers per stalk, …which bloom for 90 days.<br />These mini orchids cost around ten dollars, …which is about one-third the price of other species of orchid.<br /><br />"Mini varieties cost around ten to fifteen dollars, and because of their small size, they can be casually used as houseplants."<br /><br />Cymbidium orchids are used to make flower arrangements and bouquets.<br />They're distributed as cut flowers instead of in flower pots, …and they can be exported to Southeast Asian countries and the United States because the flowers last for about 27 days.<br />The researchers are hoping for positive feedback from consumers and farmers …so the newly-developed varieties can help Korea's rapidly shrinking orchid market.<br />Park Se-young, Arirang News. <br />
