As winter arrives, Taizhou Baiqi Horticulture Technology in Hailing district is welcoming a bumper harvest of butterfly orchids from its smart greenhouses, redefining regional flower sales with tech-driven precision.
A sea of delicate pink orchids flourishes inside a greenhouse in Hailing district, Taizhou. [Photo/WeChat account: weihailing0523]
Since November, the company's smart greenhouses — equipped with IoT sensors — have maintained optimal conditions: temperatures between 20 C to 28 C and humidity at 75 percent to 80 percent. "A day-night temperature difference ranging from 15 C to 18 C during blooming is critical," explains Zhang Huafeng, the base manager. To ensure premium quality is maintained, the facility hired butterfly orchid experts for monthly technical guidance, covering seedling cultivation to flowering.
Launched in June 2023, this batch includes 80,000 pots, with sales channels spanning retail and wholesale across Nanjing, Shanghai, and nearby cities. Customers can also request custom styling services, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences.
Once focused on southern markets, Baiqi Horticulture now leverages smart agriculture to expand its footprint. The IoT system enables real-time environmental adjustments, while expert partnerships ensure crop health. By blending technology with horticultural expertise, the company is carving a niche in premium flower markets, proving that innovation can turn seasonal blooms into year-round success.