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

“Orchids in the Clouds” Was Heavenly

Posted March 6th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Phalaenopsis schilleriana 'Sunrise Clouds', orchid species flowers, Phal, Moth Orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaRhyncattleanthe Young-Min Orange, orchid hybrid flowers, cattleya hybrid, orange and red flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slipper orchids, Paphiopedilum, complex Paph hybrids at vendor's table, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Dendrobium Aussie Parade 'Carrot Splash' x Den. Jannine Banks, orchid hybrid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDancing Lady Orchid, Oncidium orchid flowers, yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium goeringii 'Kyokkou', orchid species flower, Noble Orchid, Japanese name - shun ran, Chinese name - chun lan, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Last weekend’s Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco was spectacular. The theme, “Orchids in the Clouds,” inspired heavenly displays. Dave and I took lots of pictures, and I’m just starting to sort through them. As always, there were amazing flowers, captivating fragrances, and friendly orchid lovers. I came home with a couple of miniatures, a small Dendrobium and a smaller Platystele. Maybe you’ll see these orchids in future blog posts if I can convince them to bloom. Check back soon for more photos from the show.

Lycaste orchid flower, large red and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display table with different types of orchids and award ribbons, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMasdevallia x mystica, orchid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Nottara Lucy's Sassafras, orchid hybrid flowers, zygo hybrid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slipper orchid, Paphiopedilum, Paph hybrid, greenish yellow flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display table with different types of orchids and award ribbons, Pacific Orchid Expo 2025, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

March Orchid Events

Posted February 28th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

March is a busy month for orchid events. They’re great opportunities to enjoy incredible flowers, buy plants, take photos, talk to experts, and meet other orchid lovers. Major shows include Tampa, Santa Barbara, Taiwan, Vancouver, Dresden, and Montreal.

March 1
Gardena Orchid Show, Nakaoka Community Center, 1670 W. 162nd St., Gardena, California
March 1
Wessex Orchid Society Spring Show, Portchester Parish Hall, 1 Assheton Court, Castle St., Portchester, Fareham, Hampshire, UK
March 1
Sheffield Orchid Society Spring Show & Exotic Plant Fair, St. John’s Church Hall, Abbeydale Road S., Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
March 1 – 2
Tampa Bay Orchid Society Show & Sale, Sons of Italy Hall, 3315 W. Lemon St., Tampa, Florida
March 1 – 2
Wisconsin Orchid Society Show & Sale, Milaeger’s Garden Center, 4838 Douglas Ave., Racine, Wisconsin
March 1 – 2
Fiesta de las Flores / Tucson Orchid Society Show & Sale, Mesquite Valley Growers Nursery, 8005 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona
March 1 – 2
Greater Akron Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale, Petitti Garden Center, 311 West Ave., Tallmadge, Ohio
March 1 – 2
Irish Orchid Society Spring Show & Exhibition, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
March 1 – 3
Exposición Occidental de Orquídeas y Plantas Ornamentales, Colegio La Salle, Av. Urdaneta, Mérida, Venezuela
March 1 – April 13
Orchid Delirium, Powell Gardens, 1609 US-50 E., Kingsville, Missouri

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San Francisco’s Big Orchid Show Arrives Next Week

Posted February 20th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events, Growing Orchids in San Francisco, Photos

Cattleya Pink Diamond, AKA Sophrolaelia Pink Diamond, AKA Sophrocattleya Pink Diamond, pink flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Sandra Kunning 'Woodside' HCC/AOS, orchid hybrid flowers, red white and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium Avril's Gold, orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, California

Masdevallia yungasensis x Tourmaline, orchid hybrid flowers, purple and white flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaBonatea speciosa 'Green Egret', orchid species flowers, green and white flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaOncostelopsis Brazilian Sun, orchid hybrid flower, oncidium hybrid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, California

The 72nd Annual Pacific Orchid Expo arrives next week at the SF County Fair Building, 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way, in Golden Gate Park. This year’s theme is “Orchids in the Clouds.” Opening with a special preview night on Thursday, February 27th, the show runs until Sunday, March 2nd. It promises incredible flower displays, dozens of vendors, expert care advice, and kids’ activities. Enjoy more orchids and more orchid varieties than you’ve ever imagined. Buy advance tickets online for a discount, or pay full price at the door. Check out these photos from last year to have a taste of what’s coming.

Lady Slipper Orchid, Phragmipedium, Phrag, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum, Paph, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaStenorrhynchos speciosum, orchid species flowers, red flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, California

Vendor booth with a wide variety of orchids at Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaVanda orchid flower, purple flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, CaliforniaVendor booth with a wide variety of orchids at Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, San Francisco, California

A Rose by Another Name

Posted February 11th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Fragrant Orchids, Mini Orchids, Photos

Caucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flower, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, flower with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCaucaea phalaenopsis, close-up of orchid species flower, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, flower with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCaucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flowers, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, flowers with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

When is a rose not a rose? Maybe when it’s an orchid that smells like a rose. This mini orchid has small flowers with big fragrance. I’ve blogged before about this beautiful Caucaea species. It’s an easy cool grower with a delicious rose scent.

Caucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flowers, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCaucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flower, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCaucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flower, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Last autumn, this plant’s blooms were damaged during a windy storm. Happily, it grew a replacement spike last month. Despite its diminutive size, I can catch its perfume from several steps away in our back garden. It’s proof that a rose by another name can smell just as sweet.

Caucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flowers, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, flowers with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCaucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flower, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, flower with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCaucaea phalaenopsis, orchid species flower, Phalaenopsis-Like Oncidium, fragrant miniature orchid, flower with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

February Orchid Events

Posted January 31st, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

The shortest month is packed with orchid events, including terrific Valentine’s Day opportunities. There are major shows like San Francisco’s Pacific Orchid Expo and Tokyo’s Grand Prix Exhibition, months-long exhibitions in New York City, London, St. Louis, Paris, and lots more.

February 1 – 2
Orchid Growers Guild Show & Sale, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Dr., Madison, Wisconsin
February 1 – 2
Orchid Society of Greater St. Louis Show & Sale, Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri
February 1 – 2
Venice Area Orchid Society Show & Sale, Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice, Florida
February 1 – 2
Three Rivers Orchid Society Show, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhaun St., Ft. Wayne, Indiana
February 1 – 9
Okinawa International Orchid Show, Tropical Dream Center, Ocean Expo Park, 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa, Japan
February 1 – March 2
Orchid Escape, Bolz Conservatory, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Olbrich Park, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin
February 1 – March 2
Orchids – Inspired by the Beauty of Peru, Princess of Wales Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, UK
February 1 – March 9
Missouri Botanical Garden Orchid Show, Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, Emerson Conservatory, Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri
February 1 – March 31
Orchids: Colorburst, Lucile Halsell Conservatory, San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, Texas
February 3
Hertfordshire Gardens Trust Event: The Rothchild Orchids, presented by Francesca Murray, Woolmer Green Hall, Hall Ln., Knebworth, Hertfordshire, UK

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Orchids with the Easiest Names

Posted January 22nd, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Misc, Orchid Names, Photos

Moth Orchids, Lady Slippers, and Pansy Orchids have easy common names, but most orchids don’t. They have their Latin names, which can be daunting. Understandably, many people are intimidated by long, scientific words. Fortunately, not all of them are difficult. Check out this list of 10 orchids with Latin names that you don’t have to stumble over.

Ada – This genus has been renamed as Brassia, which is also included in this post. Some are cool growers, like the brilliant orange Ada pictured below.
Bletilla – Bletillas, or Chinese Ground Orchids, are good garden plants. They can be grown as tender bulbs in rich soil.
Brassia – With long petals, Spider Orchids come in a variety of species and hybrids.

Ada aurantiaca 'Valencia', Brassia aurantiaca, orchid species flowers, orange flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2009, San Francisco, CaliforniaBletilla striata, orchid species flower, peloric flower, Chinese Ground Orchid, purple flower, 白芨, Peninsula Orchid Society Show 2024, San Mateo, CaliforniaBrassia orchid hybrid flowers, Spider Orchid, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Eria – These Dendrobium relatives aren’t common in cultivation. They can be very striking, like the white blooms below.
Ida – This is another uncommon genus. Idas can be large plants with big flowers, including dazzling green ones.
Laelia – Members of the Cattleya family, many feature elegant blossoms with bold colors, like Laelia anceps, Laelia gouldiana, and the purple hybrid pictured below.

Eria coronaria, orchid species flowers, grown indoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaIda locusta, AKA Sudamerlycaste locusta, orchid species flower, green flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2019, San Francisco, CaliforniaLaelia Pacavia x Laelia purpurata, orchid hybrid flower, purple and burgundy flower, San Francisco Orchid Society meeting, California
Mexicoa – These charming Oncidium relatives have a lemony fragrance. As their name suggests, they’re native to Mexico.
Thunia – Fascinating Himalayan orchids, Thunias look like corn stalks with big, showy flowers dangling from the top.
Vanda – Emblematic of the tropics, Vandas come in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
Vanilla – Vanilla vines are fairly easy to grow, but challenging to bloom outside the tropics. Many forms sport variegated leaves.

Mexicoa ghiesbreghtiana, AKA Oncidium ghiesbreghtianum, orchid species flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaThunia alba, orchid species flowers and leaves, grown indoor in Pacifica, CaliforniaVanilla planifolia, orchid species flower, Botanical Garden of the Univ. of Zurich, Switzerland