It can take a decade of hard work to bring a new orchid to market. While the rewards are significant—think hundreds of millions in global sales—the competition is fierce.

The laboratory plays at least as important a role as the greenhouse, with genetic markers speeding up selective breeding. These markers help identify traits such as colour and disease resistance early on, allowing breeders to discard unsuitable plants faster than ever before.

However, the process remains largely a closely-guarded secret. Each company develops its own unique techniques, with genetics playing a key role in both the development of new varieties and protecting intellectual property.

The use of meristems for cloning ensures that only the best traits are passed on to the next generation. The cultivation is resource-intensive, involving years of growth and selection before a new variety can even reach a greenhouse for production.