Summertime, Summertime

Posted June 20th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Photos

Cymbidium flowers and leaves, orchid hybrid flowers, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium orchid in bloom, white flowers, leaves, pseudobulbs, hanging orchid, mounted orchid, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium kingianum, Pink Rock Orchid, orchid species flowers, small purple flowers, fragrant flowers, Australian orchid, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, California

In honor of today’s solstice, enjoy these photos from a recent visit to a friend’s garden. The plants thriving outdoors in her backyard in San Francisco’s Mission District include lots of orchids. Cool-growing Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, and Coelogynes put on a stunning show. Flowering maples, fuchsias, and a very happy orange clivia complement the orchids. Whether you’re celebrating the longest day of the year or the longest night of the year, have a happy solstice.

Coelogyne cristata, orchid species flowers, white and yellow flowers, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, CaliforniaYellow Abutilon flower, Flowering Maple, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium striolatum, Streaked Rock Orchid, AKA Dockrillia striolata, orchid species flowers and leaves, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, California

Orange Abutilon flowers, Flowering Maple, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, CaliforniaFuchsia boliviana, Bolivian Fuchsia flowers and buds, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, CaliforniaClivia flowers and leaves, Natal Lily, orange flowers, growing outdoors in a Mission District backyard, San Francisco, California

Saving India’s Orchids

Posted June 11th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, In the News

India is the most populous nation in the world, and also home to lots of orchids, from its tropical south to its mountainous north. As the country grows and develops, habitat destruction threatens biodiversity, including in the southern state of Kerala. Road construction results in trees being removed, with the loss of all the orchids attached to them. Fortunately, people are trying to save India’s orchids. With proper legal permission, scientists, farmers, and volunteers are working together with Kew Gardens,  and have salvaged 18,000 orchids from trees that were chopped down. Over two thirds were endemic species, occurring nowhere else. The rescues have been moved to a 200 acre (81 hectare) city park, where most have adapted nicely to their new home. Besides safeguarding the plants, they will help improve public awareness of conservation needs. In future years, it is hoped that they can imitate Singapore’s success conserving orchids in urban environments.

June Orchid Events

Posted June 1st, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

June offers events on six continents. They’re great opportunities to enjoy wonderful orchids, take photos, talk to experts, or buy plants. For those interested in Orchid Digest Speakers Day, there are both online and in-person options.

June 5 – 8
Orchid Friendship Association Exhibition, World Import Mart Building, 4th Floor, Sunshine City, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
June 6 – 7
Aiea Orchid Show & Plant Sale, Aiea Elementary School Cafeteria, 99-370 Moanalua Rd., Aiea, Oahu, Hawaii
June 6 – 8
Central Florida Orchid Society Show & Sale, Florida National Armory, 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, Florida
June 6 – 8
Eastern Province Orchid Society Show, Walmer Park Shopping Centre, Main Rd., Walmer, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
June 6 – 8
Exposição Nacional de Orquídeas de Ribeirão Preto, Rua Coronel Américo Batista, 2849, Bairro José Sampaio, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
June 7
Orchid Digest Speakers Day, online or in-person at Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino, California
June 7
North of England Orchid Society Monthly Meeting & Show, Hoghton Village Hall, Blackburn Old Rd., Preston, UK
June 7 – 8
South Australian Orchid Show, Campbelltown Function Centre, 172 Montacute Rd., Rostrevor, South Australia, Australia
June 7 – 8
Exposition d’Orchidées et Plantes Carnivores, Salle des Fêtes, 24 allée de Boissière, Audenge, France
June 7 – 8 & 14 – 15
Festival de Orquídeas, Orquidário Oriental, Sitio Hana No Mori, Estr. Taboão do Parateí, Km 27 s/n, Zona Rural, Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil

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Spring Blooms

Posted May 24th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: General Gardening, Photos

Fivespot flowers, Nemophila maculata, white flowers with 5 purple spots, California native species, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CalforniaAristea capitata, AKA Aristea major, blue flowers, blue sceptre, blousuurkanol, South Africa native species, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CalforniaCalifornia poppy, Eschscholzia californica, orange flower blooming with purple geranium flowers, Pelargonium, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, Calfornia

It’s not just orchids in our garden. While I recently boasted about the orchids in bloom, the rest of the plants are springing up, too. They include succulents, Mediterranean-climate plants, and California natives. Some really stand out, like the adorable Fivespots in the first photo above, and the stunning blue Aristea in the second photo.

Pink Clover, Polygonum capitatum, clusters of small pink flowers, variegated leaves, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CalforniaNasturtium flowers, multicolor flowers, orange flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CalforniaVeltheimia flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, Calfornia

Other plants are unsung heroes. Pink Clover first arrived as a weed, but it was cute, so it stayed. Now it reappears annually as a ground cover, with a perpetual supply of cheery, pink pom-pom flowers. The bees love it, and it delightfully fills up the cracks in the concrete patio.

Aeonium succulent, plant growing outdoors in Pacifica, CalforniaCalifornia poppy, Eschscholzia californica, orange flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CalforniaAlstroemeria, Peruvian lily, multicolor flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, Calfornia

There are more plants which thrive on their own, and need very little care. Nasturtiums reseed each year. They wind across the patio and around flowerpots, with a kaleidoscope of orange, yellow, and red blossoms. Brilliant orange California Poppies proudly demonstrate why they’re the official state flower. Close to the coast, many have bright yellow on the ends of their petals. That variety doesn’t seem to occur inland. It’s a joy to have it among our spring blooms.

Our Spring Garden Orchids

Posted May 13th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Fertilizing, Photos

Zygopetalum BG White 'Stonehurst', orchid hybrid flowers, Zygos, purple green and white flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCoelogyne mooreana, orchid species flowers, yellow and white flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaEpidendrum orchid flowers, pink flowers, Crucifix Orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Our garden has been bursting with spring orchid color. With mild weather and regular rains, these cool growers are loving life on the Northern California coast. When I remember to fertilize, I use 20-20-20 orchid fertilizer, but also alternate with light sprinklings of worm castings or compost. The natural fertilizer often kicks them into flower within a few weeks.

Masdevallia coccinea alba 'Blanca', orchid species flowers, white flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium hybrid orchid flower, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium tracyanum, orchid species flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Cymbidium orchid flowers, hybrid orchid, pink and white flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaStreaked rock orchid, Dendrobium striolatum, a.k.a. Dockrillia striolata, orchid species flower, mini orchid, Australian orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid flower, hybrid orchid, yellow and white flower, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Cymbidiums are reliable bloomers here, so it’s no surprise that this post includes lots of them. Many started blossoming over the winter, even before the worm castings. The nutritional boost extends their blooming period, and prompts additional flower spikes.

Large boulder orchid, Sarcochilus hartmannii, orchid species flowers, white flowers, mini orchid, Australian orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium Green Zenith 4N x Tracyanum 4N, orchid hybrid flower, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaHolcoglossum quasipinifolium, orchid species flower, mini orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Cymbidium orchid flower, hybrid orchid, pink and white flower, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaGiant Hyacinth Orchid, Arpophyllum giganteum, orchid species flowers, small purple flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid flowers, hybrid orchid, flowers with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Orchids add a lot of life to our back garden. I’m spoiled that beautiful cool growing orchids love this climate.

Check out these links about the orchids pictured above:

May Orchid Events

Posted May 1st, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

May’s orchid events span the globe. Each month, it’s a challenge to find as many as I can online. I know that I miss a lot, too, due to language barriers or imperfect search algorithms. But there are more than enough events listed here to demonstrate how much orchids are loved all over the world.

May 1 – 3
Hawkesbury District Orchid Society Show, Richmond Market Place, 78 March St., Richmond, NSW, Australia
May 1 – 4
Festival de Orquídeas, Centro del Sur Mall, 296X+42C, PR-163, Ponce, Puerto Rico
May 2 – 3
New Mexico Orchid Guild Show & Sale, Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
May 2 – 3
Redcliffe District Orchid Society Autumn Show, Web Hall, Redcliffe Showgrounds, Scarborough Rd., Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
May 2 – 4
Platinum Coast Orchid Society Show & Sale, Kiwanis Island Park Gymnasium, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Rd., Merritt Island, Florida
May 2 – 4
Exposición Primaveral de Orquídeas, Facultad de Enfermería de la UMSNH, Av. Ventura Puente No. 115, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
May 2 – 4
Exposição de Orquídeas de Mogi Guaçu, Big Bom Bandeirantes, Av. Bandeirantes, 1521, Parque Cidade Nova, Mogi Guaçu, São Paulo, Brazil
May 2 – 4
Exposição Nacional de Orquídeas de Catalão, Av. Raulina Fonseca Paschoal, em frente ao CRAC, Catalão, Goiás, Brazil
May 2 – 4
Exposição Nacional de Orquídeas, Pavilhão Sagrada Família, Rua Cap. Geraldo 26, Itumirim, Minas Gerais, Brazil
May 2 – 11
Festival de la Orquídea Laelia speciosa, Centro Cultural, Belén Atzitzimititlán, Tlaxcala, Mexico

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Detector Dogs Sniff Out Endangered Orchids in Virginia

Posted April 24th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, In the News, Videos

In Virginia, orchid biologist Melissa McCormick searches for the Small Whorled Pogonia, Isotria medeoloides. This endangered orchid is native to eastern areas of the USA and Canada. It’s a small plant with green flowers, it resembles other plants, and it can go dormant underground for years. Humans have a difficult time finding it, but for dogs, it’s pretty easy. Labradors named Encore and Grand have learned to locate the Pogonias. With their powerful sense of smell, the dogs lead scientists to the orchids. So far, they’ve sniffed out previously unknown Pogonias, and areas where there may be dormant plants. Dog detectors like these usually come from shelters, and can be trained to find animals, plants, and even do search and rescue missions. When it’s time for them to retire, they’re adopted by their trainers, or by other dog lovers.

Check out this short video of an excited dog finding an orchid –

Look back at these previous posts about dogs helping with orchid conservation –

Stenia: A Charming, Unusual Mini Orchid

Posted April 14th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Growing, Intermediate Growers, Mini Orchids, Photos

Stenia vasquezii, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaStenia vasquezii, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaStenia vasquezii, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, California
Being an orchid geek, one of my favorite things is blooming a species for the first time. When this unusual Stenia pushed out a single flower bud, I was excited. Over several weeks, the bud fattened up, and finally opened to reveal a fascinating blossom. Stenia vasquezii has a spotted flower with a lip folded into a pouch. It’s one of the few orchids with a pouch-shaped lip that’s outside the Lady Slipper family.

Stenia vasquezii, close up of flower lip and column, flower pouch, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaStenia vasquezii, side view of flower, orchid species, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaStenia vasquezii, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

Stenia qualifies as an orchid name that’s easy to pronounce. I bought this plant a year ago at an orchid show. It’s a Zygo relative, native to Bolivia and Peru. With thin leaves, it needs regular water, good humidity, and bright light. It can tolerate morning sun if temperatures aren’t too warm. The blooms hang from the base of the plant, so it should be potted to sit level with the top of the flower pot. If not, the buds may get stuck inside the pot rim. It could also be mounted.

Stenia vasquezii, close up of flower bud, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaStenia vasquezii, partially open flower, orchid species, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaStenia vasquezii, orchid species plant with flower in small clay pot, miniature orchid, Bolivian orchid, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

These photos include flower views from varying angles to better appreciate that intriguing lip. I’m looking forward to coaxing more blooms from this attractive, uncommon orchid.

April Orchid Events

Posted April 1st, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

April features events on six continents, including shows, sales, auctions, talks, and tours. Additionally, check with your local orchid society for meetings, expert speakers, and others events not listed here.

April 4 – 5
Bay of Plenty Orchid Society Show, War Memorial Hall, Main St., Te Puke, New Zealand
April 4 – 6
Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society International Show & Sale, Oaks Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pennsylvania
April 4 – 6
Orchid Society of Alberta Show & Sale, Enjoy Centre, 101 Riel Dr., St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
April 4 – 6
Townsville Orchid Society Autumn Show, Townsville Orchid Society Hall, Charles St., Kirwan, Queensland, Australia
April 4 – 6
Exposición Nacional de Orquídeas Cartago, Centro Comercial, Paseo Metrópoli, La Lima, entrada a Cartago, Cartago, Costa Rica
April 4 – 6
Exposição / Venda Internacional​ de Orquídeas do Porto, Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda, Av. da Boavista 4245, Porto, Portugal
April 4 – 6
Exposição de Orquídeas de Pernambuco, Museu do Estado de Pernambuco, Av. Rui Barbosa, 960, Graças, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
April 4 – 6
Festival de Orquídeas, Orquidário Orquídea & Cia, R. Paiquerê, 1600, Jardim Paiquere, Valinhos, São Paulo, Brazil
April 4 – 6
Exposição Nacional de Orquídeas de Presidente Venceslau, AREA, Rua Almirante Barroso, 21, Presidente Venceslau, São Paulo, Brazil
April 5
South West Orchid Society Show, West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton, Taunton, UK

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More Photos from Pacific Orchid Expo 2025

Posted March 20th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Cymbidium goeringii, orchid species flower, Noble Orchid, chun lan, green flower, peloric flower, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium sichuanicum, orchid species flowers and leaves, Chuan Xi Lan, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium goeringii 'Kyokkou', orchid species plant with flower and leaves in moss in traditional flowerpot, Noble Orchid, chun lan, green flower, peloric flower, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Cymbidium Loren's Fantasy 'Papillion', orchid hybrid flower, peloric flower, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium wenshanense, orchid species flowers, Wen Shan Hong Zhu Lan, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Ruby Pendant, orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Celebrate today’s equinox with more pictures from the recent Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco. Begin with six terrific Cymbidiums, shown in the photos above. It’s no surprise that they were in abundance at the show. They’re relatively easy to grow on the California coast, and many are blooming at this time of year. The six photos below are a small sample of the other orchid varieties on display. They include a glorious Monja Blanca, or “white nun,” a Lycaste which is the national flower of Guatemala, and revered by the Maya. No matter where in the world you are, enjoy the start of the season.

Masdevallia ignea, orchid species flower, red and orange flower, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLycaste skinneri var. alba, orchid species flower, large white flower, Monja Blanca, national flower of Guatemala, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltonia kayasimae, orchid species flower, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Arpophyllum giganteum 'Golden Gate', Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers, clusters of small purple flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium Australian Goldrush 'Woodside' HCC/AOS, orchid hybrid, large plant with yellow flowers and award ribbon, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaRynchostele cervantesii, orchid species flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California