Hundreds of stunning chartreuse cymbidium blooms in the lobby of the Sofitel, Manila. Floral displays in snazzy hotels have improved over the last few years; in fact, for several real five star properties in many countries, the flowers are a major part of the customer experience, particularly in the entry foyer. Hotels in Philippines have often put token arrangements, usually unimpressive and almost certainly low budget. Even the Shangrila and Peninsula Makati have often underwhelming arrangements… So imagine my surprise when Mrs. MM and I walked into the Sofitel, Manila last night and was greeted by this spectacular display of cymbidiums!
It was impressive not just for the type of flower, but the masses of it as well. At least 50 luscious stems of chartreuse blooms here and elsewhere in the lobby were a feast for the eyes. Clearly, the hotel has a substantial floral budget. At even just $20 per stem wholesale and these are definitely imported, this was probably at least $1,000 or PHP40,000 worth of blooms… Beautiful AND extravagant.
With hundreds of rooms, thousands of guests and visitors every day, the arrangement will be enjoyed by many, and its cost amortized over the 7-10 days it will remain there. Most folks may not have realized how unusual and costly this display was, but kudos to the Sofitel’s housekeeper, is all I can say!
P.S. I have stayed at the Radisson, Cebu for the past two years or so, and I have to say, they are one of the few hotels in the South that really pay attention to the floral display in their lobby and other public areas… and they often use all locally sourced flowers and foliage.
23 Responses
I got a pot of a different variety on my desk right now, with 6 blooms. They are indeed beautiful.
Ebba, me too, but I have it on my fireplace mantle. Bought 2 pots of Cymbidiums from Costco a few weeks ago. Fixed them up on a nice planter and covered with moss.
Cymbidiums are a luxury in equatorial climes just as vandas are to temperate ones.
I wonder what kind of cymbidiums those are… they look similar to dendrobiums.
I don’t think that arrangement cost $1000. Those are mini cymbidium stems which make them alittle more in expensive. At wholesale prices, they are not as expensive as you would think, even if they were imported. I used to work for an Orchid company. Too bad cymbidiums will not grow there. I do agree that the arrangemet is beautiful. It is one of my favorite orchids.
faithful reader, good to know that, because in local flower sources, cymbidiums can cost as much as PHP100 per bloom wholesale, or $2.50. A single stem at Dangwa market yesterday could easily run PHP1,500 for the nice ones, or roughly $35… And thanks for pointing out that they are, indeed, “mini-cymbidiums” not their larger more voluptuous cousins… myra_p, they could be these “green mini-cymbidiums” or something similar. A little googling suggests these are available wholesale from Thailand (nearest source) or the flower markets in Holland… Here’s another source. Hmmm. I want to know who brings these in… :)
Stunning indeed!
I bought mine for $18.00 for a medium small pot. More expensive than catleya.
Those leaves are quite expensive too if you have the plant. There was a mad rush to supply these plants in the anthurium family. A mature plant was around 30k to 40k at that time. And it took at least 10 years to grow to that size. Leaves, when cut, last weeks and weeks in water and are a thick shiny deep green.
Any idea what those are?
Perhaps you should also factor in the cost of professional fees because in all probability, this stunning ensemble is the work of a high-end floral designer, who may have likewise specified the lighting to give the masterpiece an ethereal quality. =)
Risa… The leaves are called “renaissance”.. P70@ and lasts about 6 months – just change water regularly…
I agree with Radisson in Cebu. When I stayed there I was impressed that they had a beautiful and huge arrangement. Hope it stays that way :)
i wonder if they’ll have the same effect if one will use grammatophyllums?
I think they are locally grown. I saw cymbidiums of that type growing very well in gardens in the Baguio and Sagada areas.
I’ve seen those flowers in BKK’s Lumphini Park – as well as other luscious blooms. They cost a pretty penny but they travel well (hand-carried, of course) and live up to 10 days.
jj, you mean like these? Yes, they would look nice too, but they tend to turn yellow and fall off pretty fast in an indoor setting I find. But they would cost less, definitely. :)
agree, stunning!
Stunning, where can we buy this flower? And gano katagal ang life span nung bulaklak?
Cymbidium orchids are native to tropical Asia and Australia.
Sofitel’s flower arrangements at the lobby have always impressed people. Their Christmas arrangement with the red and white glass ornaments last December was also very pretty.
Ganda! :)
ganda ng australian yellow. meron kaming maraming seedling dito sa baguio ng ganyan may kamahalan nga lang. price range from P200-P400 nasa 6 inch na plastic pot. Pag may bulaklak na ang price ay nasa P1500-P3000 depende sa dami ng pseudobulbs.