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.
A team of Korean researchers have developed smaller, more affordable orchid varieties... which are not only cheaper,... but last longer as well.
Park Se-young has more.
In the midst of winter, this greenhouse is filled with colorful flowers.
Moth orchids are said to bring happiness and are a popular choice for gifts.
This new variety, named Little Prince, is less than half the height of ordinary moth orchids.
It comes with 20 flowers per stalk, …which bloom for 90 days.
These mini orchids cost around ten dollars, …which is about one-third the price of other species of orchid.

"Mini varieties cost around ten to fifteen dollars, and because of their small size, they can be casually used as houseplants."

Cymbidium orchids are used to make flower arrangements and bouquets.
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.
The researchers are hoping for positive feedback from consumers and farmers …so the newly-developed varieties can help Korea's rapidly shrinking orchid market.
Park Se-young, Arirang News.