In this turbulent world, it can be easy to forget that there is beauty everywhere. Yes, it’s a cliché, but it remains true. And if you can’t find beauty in your immediate vicinity, then you can certainly find it in these orchid photos. Let nature’s restorative powers work their magic. Happy solstice.
Which ones are Butterfly Orchids? Well, they all are. These very different plants have each been dubbed Butterfly Orchids, and that can be confusing. Common names vary, and that’s why scientific names are so important. With scientific names, everyone in the world can know they’re talking about the same plant. Common names are great for common use, and for avoiding long Latin words.
Butterfly Orchids may refer to the Psychopsis genus, like the row of photos above. Their large, showy flowers always impress. These spectacular warm-growers are Oncidium relatives.
Butterfly Orchids may also refer to the Sarcochilus orchids in the next two photos below. That’s their common name in their native home, Australia. Florida’s famous Ghost Orchid, in the final photo, is sometimes called a Butterfly Orchid as well.
Species in the large genus Platanthera, native to much of the Northern Hemisphere including the USA and Canada, are all nicknamed Butterfly Orchids. I’ve even heard people call Phals “Butterfly Orchids,” rather than their more popular name, Moth Orchids. Wikipedia’s list includes many more varieties sharing this same common name.
Check out 11 orchid flowers that look like animals, including humans, at Looseferspeaks.com. Bee Orchids, Monkey Orchids, and Flying Duck Orchids earn their names honestly. There are also Moth Orchids, Dancing Lady Orchids, and more. They all appear to stretch the definition of what a flower can be.
When Dave and I moved to Pacifica a few years ago, our new home had a very sad front lawn, dead but for the weeds. Over time, we’ve put in a garden full of succulent plants and drought-tolerant natives. This spring, it’s full of life, with lots of colorful blooms, and a steady parade of visiting birds, bumblebees, and admiring neighbors.
Since we’re close to the ocean, strong winds and some salt spray limit our plant choices. However, there’s still plenty to grow by the coast. Three native California species are in the previous row of photos. California Poppies, Giant Coreopsis, and tasty Beach Strawberries all do very well here.
All of these are low water plants (except for the orchids from the back garden in the final two photos. I had to throw a couple orchids into the post.) The African Daisies are in bloom most of the time. Sage, Sea Lavender, and Iris flower in the spring, along with many of the succulents. Besides the wind, gophers are our biggest problem. Despite the obstacles, we’ve built a colorful, drought-tolerant seaside garden.
From New Orleans to Calgary, from Adelaide to Guatemala City, orchids are beloved around the world. Check out this month’s listings to find events near you.
Explore the spectacular Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection online. Thousands of stunning photos and botanical art pieces reveal this remarkable treasure trove, which includes rare and endangered species from around the world. Don’t miss a visit to the real thing if you’re in Washington DC, but if you can’t make it there, it’s now easy to visit virtually. In addition, check out the video below to learn about orchid conservation efforts by the Smithsonian and its botanical partners.
The UK’s Wildlife Trusts make it easy for nature lovers to enjoy wild British orchids. There are dozens of Wildlife Trusts throughout the UK, which help promote conservation, manage nature preserves, and provide educational activities. Many of the groups offer expertly guided tours of Britain’s wonderful native orchids. Simply search their upcoming events for “orchids” to find walks all over the country. Below is a very small sample of future hikes. Many are free, but some require advance booking or a fee, so read instructions for each tour. Check their calendar for more!
May 23 — Evening Orchids in Flintshire
May 27 — Orchid Extravaganza – Walk at Parsonage Moor and Dry Sandford Pit
June 3 — Cross Hill Quarry Orchid Walk
June 3 — In Search of Amazing Orchids at Dancersend
June 10 — Marsh Orchids and Other Wetland Wildlife at Weston Turville Reservoir
June 17 — Orchid Extravaganza – Orchid Walk at Wendlebury Meads
Mother’s Day orchids are even better when you know that most are easy to care for. With a few orchid basics, you can enjoy their flowers for weeks, or even months.
Watering – Remove wrapping paper or decorative containers, at least temporarily, if they block the pot’s drainage holes. Drench the plant with room-temperature water, and let all excess drain out. Don’t let the flowerpot sit in water for too long, or the orchid’s roots may rot.
High humidity – Orchids need water vapor in the air and good air movement. Dry air can damage flowers and attract pests. To raise humidity, group plants together, or put plants in a humid place like a bathroom or kitchen. Use a cool mist humidifier, or a spray mister. Place flowerpots on top of a layer of pebbles in trays of shallow water, always keeping the pots above the water level.
Identifying your orchid – The most popular varieties are Moth Orchids, like those in the first row of photos above. Lady Slippers in the second row are also favorites. Cattleyas are in the third row, and are known as the classic corsage orchids. The final row of pictures shows a Cymbidium, a Coelogyne, and a Masdevallia, and there are many more. They all come in many colors, sizes, and patterns, so use these images as general guidelines, not exact models. Once you know what kind of orchid you have, you can learn more about its care needs. And have a happy Mother’s Day!
When it comes to spring blooms in our garden, the Masdevallias really stand out. There are still some Cymbidiums flowering, and the Epidendrums never stop, but these brilliant colors steal the show.
The orange flowers belong to a hybrid, Masdevallia ignea x falcata. Some of the blooms are battered by the elements, but they last for months anyway. The purple and yellow ones belong to two different plants which are variants of the same species, Masdevallia coccinea. Unlike many of their miniature Pleurothallid relatives, they boast large flowers. Standing on tall stems, they wave in the breeze like colorful orchid flags. These magical Masdevallias are certainly the stars of the show.
The world’s largest glasshouse is open for business again! Plant lovers can once again lose themselves in the newly refurbished Temperate Greenhouse at Kew Gardens in London. The 1863 building has been repaired many times, but this time it was thoroughly modernized. The Temperate Greenhouse dwarfs the nearby Palm House and Princess of Wales Conservatory. Thousands of plants, many endangered, have been returned from temporary homes after a 5-year renovation. Check out two BBC videos below about the news and Kew’s botanical wonders.
