Utopia Orchids - A Story From The Field

Meet Utopia Orchids - our featured In Season Now Cymbidium grower! Utopia Orchids is a family-owned and operated grower of miniature Cymbidium Orchids, based in rural Puni, South Auckland.

Peter Rensen and his son Michiel, work around the clock with their team to ensure they only grow the very best products for the NZ and export market - their miniature Cymbidium Orchids are enjoyed in homes as far as Japan! Specialising in miniature Cymbidium Orchids, they have been growing these flowers for more than 20 years.

Skilled and specialised work goes into carefully growing, nurturing and harvesting these star-shaped beauties using a system of 'pulleys', heated glasshouses and individual sleeved and water 'capped' stem ends. As Cymbidiums are a naturally trailing plant, when they first start to grow the stem is attached to a hook and a 'pulley' system is used to pull the stem upwards and straight. Each day, the pulley will straighten the stem as it continues to the grower and is ready to be cut - how cool and time-consuming is that?! The plants on average require 3 to 5 years before they are mature enough to produce the beautiful flowers we enjoy.

Cymbidiums are a long-lasting flower option to have in your home and offer a sweet fragrant scent. Gorgeous on their own or used in a bouquet arrangement, they come in a wide variety of different looks and colours. Cymbidiums will last between 4 to 6 weeks.

If you're looking for Cymbidiums, ask your local florist or visit your nearest supermarket.