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

Traveling the World with Orchid Videos

Posted January 10th, 2025 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Botanical Gardens, Videos

Too cold? Too much snow? You’ll probably enjoy visiting orchid gardens in Singapore, Honolulu, and southern Spain, courtesy of these video tours. First, soak up the tropical glory of Singapore’s National Orchid Garden and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Next, Honolulu’s Foster Botanical Garden will help you think warm thoughts. It boasts a diverse orchid collection beneath massive tropical trees.

Finally, feel the heat in Málaga, Spain, home to Orquidarium Estepona. Its three glass domes house thousands of orchids and a waterfall.

January Orchid Events

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

Happy new year! January brings wonderful orchid events, like these shows, sales, auctions, and talks, to brighten 2025. In Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory shows off its collection with the spectacular Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show, from January 11th to March 9th.

January 4 – 5
Sarasota Orchid Society Show & Sale, Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida
January 8
Growing Orchids – Tips for the San Francisco and Bay Area Climate, Lyngsø Garden Materials, 345 Shoreway Rd., San Carlos, California
January 9 – 13
All Japan Orchid Society World Show, Bunka Kaikan Culture Center, 2nd floor, Sunshine City, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1-4, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
January 10 – 11
Maclean District Orchid Society Show, Club Iluka, 75-79 Spenser St., Iluka, NSW, Australia
January 10 – 12
Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Society Show & Sale, Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Florida
January 11
Baton Rouge Orchid Society Louisiana Short Course, Rural Life Museum, 4560 Essen Ln., Baton Rouge, Louisiana
January 11
North of England Orchid Society Monthly Meeting & Show, Plumley Village Hall, Plumley Moor Rd., Plumley, Knutsford, Cheshire, UK
January 11
Illustrated talk: An Introduction to Native Scottish Orchids, by Dr. Roy Bailey-Wood, Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthen, UK
January 11
Beetham Nurseries Orchid Show, Beetham Nurseries, Pool Darkin Ln., Beetham, Milnthorpe, Cumbria, UK
January 11 – 12
Camden Haven Orchid Society Show, Laurieton United Services Club, Seymour St., Laurieton, NSW, Australia

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A Season of Orchids

Posted December 21st, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Photos

Caucaea phalaenopsis, AKA Oncidium phalaenopsis, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCaucaea phalaenopsis, AKA Oncidium phalaenopsis, orchid species flowers, miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMasdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flower, orange and purple flower, Gallo Gallo, waqanki, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Masdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', close-up of orchid species flower, orange and purple flower, Gallo Gallo, waqanki, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCochlioda vulcanica, orchid species flowers, miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium flowers, orchid hybrid flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Celebrate today’s solstice with orchids from our garden. All these photos are from this autumn. The season changes with some blooms already fallen, but others still going strong. As the days start to lengthen after the winter solstice, new cycles of growth will begin.

Cymbidium flowers, orchid hybrid flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLaelia gouldiana, orchid species flower, purple flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLaelia gouldiana, orchid species flowers, purple flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Arpophyllum giganteum subsp. alpinum, orchid species flowers, miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaPleurothallis palliolata, orchid species flowers, miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaPleurothallis palliolata, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

I’ve highlighted most of these orchids in past posts (although I’ve realized that I’ve never done a post about my old Pleurothallis palliolata, with flowers that resemble strange, striped clams, in the last two photos.) Check out the previous posts below:

This Vanda Orchid Is a Flower Machine

Posted December 12th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Growing, Photos, Warm Growers, Watering

(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, orchid hybrid flowers, big purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, orchid hybrid flower, big purple flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, orchid hybrid flowers, big purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

This Vanda is a flower machine. It keeps blooming, and it’s grown well enough to need a bigger vase. I blogged before about the handy Vanda trick I use. These orchids are normally kept mounted, in baskets, or bare root. Those methods can be challenging for home growers outside the tropics. They’re much easier to care for in a vase. This hybrid reliably blooms twice a year, boasting showy, purple blossoms for three months at a time.

(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, orchid hybrid flowers leaves and roots, big purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, orchid hybrid flowers leaves and roots in a glass vase, big purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, orchid hybrid flowers, big purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

Each flower is big and round, but not flat, with a dark lip sticking out of all that purple. When I moved the plant to the larger vase, I worked as many of its thick roots as I could inside the glass. They hold the plant in place, and counterbalance the big flower spikes.

(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, close up of flower lip, orchid hybrid flower, big purple flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, close up of flower lip, orchid hybrid flower, big purple flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, close up of color pattern on flower, orchid hybrid flower, big purple flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

Watering is done by regularly filling the vase, and letting the plant soak for a few minutes. Then pour out most of the water, leaving a shallow layer at the bottom to keep humidity high around the roots and leaves. It’s easy to fertilize weakly, weekly. I try to keep the roots clean of moss and algae. With warm days and morning sun, it’s relatively easy to enjoy lush, tropical orchids. With these growing tips, you may be able to have your own flower machine.

December Orchid Events

Posted December 1st, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

There are only a few orchid events I could find this month, but they span five continents. Check with your local orchid society for holiday parties and auctions, as well.

December 6 – 7
Orchid & Plant Market, Townsville Orchid Society Hall, 382B Charles St., Kirwan, Queensland, Australia
December 6 – 8
Iwitahi Native Orchid Reserve Working Bee, Iwitahi Reserve, Taupo-Napier Hwy., Taupo, New Zealand
December 6 – 8
Exposição Orquideas & Outras Plantas, Fundação Cidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande 380, Lisbon, Portugal
December 7 – 8
Ft. Pierce Orchid Society Show & Sale, River Walk Center, 600 N. Indian River Dr., Ft. Pierce, Florida
December 7 – 8
Orchid & Plant Festival, Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital, 3000 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs, Florida
December 7 – 8
Festival de Orquídeas, Orquidario Valverde, Alameda Alvorada, 175, Maracanã, Jarinu, São Paulo, Brazil
December 14 – 15
ExpOrquídea, Espacio Rastro Madrid, Calle de San Cayetano 3, Centro, Madrid, Spain
December 20
Orchid Odyssey, Orchid House, San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, California
December 21
Orchid Garden Tour, National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., Singapore

Wild Orchid Collectors: A Key Driver of Decline

Posted November 24th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, In the News

Orchid poachers are one of the biggest threats to orchid survival. Private collectors who take plants from the wild, or who buy wild plants, can wipe out native populations. Social media has worsened the problem, directly connecting poachers and buyers. Viral fads can cause rare varieties to be completely wiped out, and can even jeopardize common species. Conservation laws are often inadequate and difficult to enforce. It’s a huge issue in all orchid hotspots, including Southeast Asia.

Conservation groups like the Orchid Specialist Group at the IUCN are trying to tackle the problem. They’re publishing guidelines on sustainable practices, and doing outreach, too. While not condoning illegal collecting, they are trying to work with collectors to reduce risks of destroying wild populations. In Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines, they’ve been interviewing and educating people, trying to change behaviors with accurate info about laws and imperiled varieties. Learning how to sustainably propagate endangered species may lessen threats to native plants, while also providing income for local communities. Conservationists are hoping that poachers who are harming the environment might be part of saving it.

We can all help by never taking orchids from the wild, or buying plants which have been poached. Only purchase from responsible vendors, and be especially cautious of online vendors. Ask if you’re not sure. Instead of species, buy human-made hybrids. Check out these additional tips to know if a plant is illegally trafficked.

A Dancing Lady Orchid on the Rocks

Posted November 14th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Photos

Oncidium hybrid orchid flowers, Dancing Lady Orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid orchid flowers with water drops, Dancing Lady Orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid orchid flowers and buds, Dancing Lady Orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

A couple years ago, while repotting a Dancing Lady Orchid, part of the plant broke off. With a few leaves, roots, and pseudobulbs, I could have put it the small piece back the pot with the rest of the plant, but I decided to experiment. We have a few large stones in the backyard, shaded underneath a juniper tree. There was a shallow divot in a rock where the cutting fit well. With a little bit of glue and moss, I set it in place. Since then, it’s attached itself to the rock with new roots, and it’s been blooming for a couple months. Originally, I thought that it might be too shaded by the tree, and wouldn’t receive enough light to bloom, but it’s proven me wrong.

Oncidium hybrid orchid flowers, Dancing Lady Orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid orchid, Dancing Lady Orchid, plant with roots attached to rock, lithophyte, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid orchid, Dancing Lady Orchid, plant with roots attached to rock, lithophyte, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Dancing Lady Orchids, or Oncidiums, are popular houseplants, and some types are cool growers which enjoy our foggy climate. This one appears happy growing as a lithophyte, or “rock plant.” It started as an office orchid that Dave brought home years ago, without a nametag, thus earning its status as “Oncidium NOID.” There are lots of Oncidium hybrids, and it might be an impossible task to pin down a name.

Oncidium hybrid orchid flower, side view of flower, Dancing Lady Orchid, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid orchid flowers, Dancing Lady Orchid, blooming outdoors in San Francisco, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid orchid flower, Dancing Lady Orchid, blooming outdoors in San Francisco, California

While the mother plant continues to grow well outdoors in a pot, its flowers were devoured by snails this year. Maybe the rough stone keeps the snails away from the rock plant. Its flowers have already weathered strong winds and chilly nights, and they’re still going. It’s an orchid experiment that’s definitely been paying off.

November Orchid Events

Posted November 1st, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

From Calgary to Cape Town, from Ann Arbor to Boca Raton, the schedule slows this month, but there’s plenty on offer. Be sure to take advantage of these shows, festivals, sales, auctions, talks, and culture days around the planet.

November 1 – 2
Sapphire Coast Orchid Club Summer Show, Pambula Town Hall, 13 Quondola St., Pambula, NSW, Australia
November 1 – 3
Apopka International Fall Orchid Festival, Krull-Smith, 2800 W. Ponkan Rd., Apopka, Florida
November 1 – 3
La Magia de las Orquídeas en Cuernava, Museo Universitario de Arte Indígena Contemporáneo, Av. Morelos #275, Centro Histórico, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
November 1 – 3
International Horticultural Open House & Autumn Orchid Exhibition, International Horticultural Conservatory, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
November 2
Mid-Hudson Orchid Society Show & Sale, Wallkill View Farm Market, 15 Route 299 W., New Paltz, New York
November 2
Foothills Orchid Society Culture Day & Outreach Judging, Marda Loop Communities Association Hall, 3130 – 16th St. SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
November 2
Orchid Society of Great Britain Autumn Show, Wraysbury Village Hall, The Green, Wraysbury, Berkshire, UK
November 2 – 3
Utah Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale, Red Butte Gardens Orangerie, 303 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, Utah
November 2 – 3
Witwatersrand Orchid Society Spring Show, Wits Life Sciences Museum, Oppenheimer Life Sciences Building, Braamfontein Campus, Empire Road & Jorrisen St., Johannesburg, South Africa
November 2 – 3
North Shore Orchid Society Sarcochilus & Other Genera Show, Albany Village Hall, 21 Library Ln., Albany, Auckland, New Zealand

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Researchers Want to Learn the Secrets of the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid

Posted October 26th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, Cool Growers, Fragrant Orchids, In the News

The Western Prairie Fringed Orchid boasts showy white flowers standing on 2-foot (0.6 m) plants, but it’s not easy to find. Growing among tall prairie grasses, it blends in perfectly. Steve Travers, a biologist at North Dakota State University in Fargo, says “I have a hell of a hard time finding it sometimes. And when people see it the first time, there’s like almost this rapid intake of breath. I mean, it’s so big and it’s just spectacular.” Unfortunately, its prairie habitat has been disappearing, and the species is threatened. Native to the Midwest, from Oklahoma north to Manitoba, the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid is also known as Platanthera praeclara. It’s a relative of the Wood Rein Orchid I recently found here on the Northern California coast.

To save the last tallgrass prairies, it’s essential to understand their biodiversity. Scientists are focusing on the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid because it can be an early indicator of environmental problems. Like many native orchid species, it’s endangered by habitat loss, climate change, and declines in pollinator populations. Studying them in the field means dealing with mosquitoes, ticks, and possibly bears. Then there’s the problem of finding them. Fortunately, these orchids and some of their remaining prairie are protected by law, and researchers are working to uncover their secrets.