“BG Regale”, a million-peso plant

by Chantal Krisandre M. Marquez

Horticulturists around the country gathered in SM Mall of Asia, Main Atrium to celebrate Agriculture Magazine’s four-day Cactus, Succulent, and Bromeliad Festival from June 20 – 24.

Different kinds of cactus, succulents, and bromeliads were being sold and exhibited that allured the attention of plant enthusiasts, hobbyists, and growers. The price of the plants ranged from Fifty pesos to One million pesos. Yes, you read it right! We had a million-peso plant in the atrium!

BG Regale, or Sansevieria rorida, a million-peso succulent, stole the spotlight among the exhibited plants in the Main Atrium. Enclosed with a glass box to prevent man-made damages, the succulent astonished many people due to its unbelievable price but the question that ensnared the shoppers’ minds was, “What does this plant possess that made it the most expensive among the rest?”

According to Lino Rom, a Horticulture expert, BG Regale earned its title as a “high-ticket plant” simply because it is one-of-a-kind. It is personally produced and nourished by Mr. Boyet Ganigan, secretary of Philippine Horticultural Society. Hence, the name “BG” in the plant. Mr. Ganigan is well-known in propagating hybrid plants, creating another masterpiece, the BG Regale.

Furthermore, the most expensive plant in the atrium takes several years to grow. It is said that BG Regale is only two years old. Imagine, owning a two-year-old plant that already costs a million pesos. How much more will it cost when it reaches its maximum growth?

It might be overwhelming to own such luxurious succulent, but it actually takes a lot of patience and passion to sustain it because of its very slow growth that needs careful monitoring and nourishment.

When will BG Regale reach its maximum growth? How much will it cost in the future? We will know when the right time comes.