All the plants, particularly Phalaenopsis are grown in bulk strictly for the potplant trade to be purchased by NON orchid growers. They are probably cheaper to buy in flower than a bunch of garden type flowers. Their flowers last many weeks to months whereas a bunch of flowers may last a week to 10 days. They are a DISPOSABLE item, not a growers item. The plant finishes flowering and is to be thrown out like a bunch of flowers and replaced.