October Orchid Events

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

Check out these orchid events across six continents. They’re great opportunities to enjoy incredible flowers, take photos, meet fellow orchid lovers, and buy plants for your collection.

October 2 – 14
Central California Orchid Society Show at the Big Fresno Fair, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, California
October 3 – 4
Maitland & Coalfields District Orchid Society Show, Thornton Shopping Centre, Thomas Coke Dr. & Taylor Ave., Thornton, NSW, Australia
October 3 – 6
Feira de Orquídeas, Ana Shopping, Piso 1, Av. Universitária, n° 2221, 1, Vila Santa Isabel, Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
October 4 – 5
Bay of Islands Orchid Society Show, Cornerstone Church, 144 Kerikeri Rd., Kerikeri, New Zealand
October 4 – 5
Bribie Island Orchid Society Show, The Orchid House, 156A First Ave., Bongaree, Queensland, Australia
October 4 – 5
Bendigo Orchid Club Spring Show, Truscott Reserve, 18 Murdock St., Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
October 4 – 6
East Everglades Orchid Society Show & Sale, RF Orchids, 28100 SW 182 Ave., Homestead, Florida
October 4 – 6
Orchids Central, Club Condell Park, 178 Eldridge Rd., Bankstown, NSW, Australia
October 4 – 6
Gippsland Orchid Society Spring Show, Mid-Valley Shopping Centre, Princes Highway, Morwell, Victoria, Australia
October 4 – 6
Mornington Peninsula Orchid Society Spring Show, Bunnings Frankston, Mcmahons Rd & Gertrude St., Frankston, Victoria, Australia

Read the rest of this post »

Orchid Ecotours for 2025

Posted September 27th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, Misc

If your idea of a dream vacation is to visit wild places with orchid experts, then you’re in luck. Orchids in the Wild Ecotours has lots of great trips planned for 2025. They include orchid hotspots like the Amazon, Himalayas, New Guinea, and closer destinations like Michigan. The tours are organized by the Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA), which is a superb non-profit group fighting to save orchids around the world. Check out the travel choices below. More details, including photos of previous trips and current prices, can be found on the OCA website. Sign up while spaces are still available!

2025 Dates:

  • January 6 – 20 in Zimbabwe
  • March 30 – April 6 in Rhodes, Greece
  • April 1 – 15 in Sikkim (waiting list only)
  • May 1 – 12 in Rio Negro, Brazil
  • May 15 – 21 in Rio Negro, Brazil (short tour)
  • June 21 – July 3 in Sichuan, China
  • July 13 – 20 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
  • August 8 – 20 in Papua New Guinea (approximate dates, final dates to follow)

Orchids for September’s Equinox

Posted September 22nd, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Masdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flower, purple and orange flower, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaEpidendrum orchid flowers, yellow and orange flowers, flower with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flower, yellow and white flower, flower with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Coelogyne mooreana, orchid species flowers, yellow and white flowers, flowers with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink purple yellow and white flowers, flowers with water drops, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaElleanthus amethystinus, orchid species flowers, clusters of small purple and white flowers, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

With the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it seems like a good opportunity to show off a few of our summer orchid blooms. The first seven photos are outdoor orchids, and the last five are indoor ones. Our cool, foggy weather, interspersed with sunny days, has kept them happy and flowering. For most, autumn brings cooler temps. On the Northern California coast, however, it’s often our warmest season, and there’s a promise of warmer days this week. Happy equinox.

Masdevallia coccinea, orchid species flower, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaPhragmipedium schlimii, Phrag, Lady Slipper orchid species flower, blooming indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMaxillaria marginata, orchid species flowers, blooming indoors in Pacifica, California

Paphiopedilum hybrid, Paph, Lady Slipper orchid, blooming indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaVanda falcata Higashidemiyako, Neofinetia falcata Higashidemiyako, orchid species flowers, Furan, Fukiran, Samurai Orchid, white flowers, variegated leaves, blooming indoors in Pacifica, California(Vanda Prayad Muang Ratch x Ascocenda Lena Kamolphan) x Vanda Srakaew, Vanda orchid hybrid flowers, large purple flowers, tropical orchid, blooming indoors in Pacifica, California

Check out past posts to learn more about these orchids:

A Wood Rein Orchid Popped up in Pacifica

Posted September 15th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Orchids in the Wild, Photos

Platanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans, 2 flower stems with flowers and seedpods, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, growing wild in Pacifica, California

Until recently, the only wild orchids I’d seen around the SF Bay Area were non-native Weedy Orchids. So it was an exciting moment earlier this month when I spotted two beautiful flower spikes by a Pacifica hiking trail. They had dense clusters of small, unusual blooms. Dave and I could both see that the tiny flowers had lips and columns, and were orchids. We had found the native Wood Rein Orchid, or Platanthera elegans.

Platanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans, 2 flower stems with flowers and seedpods, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of small white and green flowers with nectar spurs, growing wild in Pacifica, California

The Wood Rein Orchid is also known as the Elegant Piperia, or the Many Flowered Piperia. It lives along the West Coast of the USA and Canada, from California to British Columbia. The blooms we saw were white and green with nectar spurs. Other flowers were dried, still attached to swelling seedpods. The plant was growing at the base of a Eucalyptus tree, but didn’t have any leaves when we saw it. That’s not surprising in our Mediterranean climate with rainless summers. At this time of year, the area solely receives moisture from fog-drip.

Platanthera elegans flowers, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, small white and green flowers with nectar spurs, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans flowers and seedpods, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, close-up of seedpods and flowers, growing wild in Pacifica, CaliforniaPlatanthera elegans, 2 flower stems with flowers and seedpods emerging from the ground, Wood Rein Orchid, Elegant Piperia, Many Flowered Piperia, Coast Piperia, orchid species, native California orchid, growing wild in Pacifica, California

Both of us were thrilled to see our first local, native orchid. While this species is not endangered, all are threatened by climate change, habitat destruction, and sometimes, being loved to death. Please remember to never take orchids from the wild. It’s illegal, and the plants will die from the stress. Take only photos and memories. Don’t damage them, pluck their flowers, or disturb them in any way. Be careful not to trample them or surrounding plants. Leave them to thrill future generations.

More Photos from Orchids in the Park

Posted September 9th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Oncidium Alosuka 'Claire', Dancing Lady Orchid, orchid hybrid, yellow and purple-brown flowers, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaMoth Orchid, Phalaenopsis hybrid, Phal, peloric flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaBrassavola flagellaris 'Valley Isle', orchid species flower, white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

Vanda coerulea, orchid species flower, purple and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium secundum, cluster of orchid species flowers, small purple orange and white flowers, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium cuthbertsonii, orchid species flower, orange flower and bud, miniature orchid, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

Every year, Orchids in the Park has plenty to offer. I’m always amazed by the flowers, so diverse that it seems impossible that they’re all related. In addition to my earlier post, here are more examples of their incredible variety. With so many stunning blooms, sweet scents, and friendly orchid lovers, it was another successful event by the San Francisco Orchid Society.

Zygopetalum Blue Hawaii, orchid hybrid flower, purple green and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaDracula Malli, Monkey Orchid, Monkey-face Orchid, orchid hybrid flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum Hilo Platinum 'Platinum Blonde' x Hilo Super Duper 'Magic Wings', orchid hybrid flower, Paph, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

Vanda orchid flowers, possibly Vanda sanderiana, Waling-Waling, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaRestrepia orchid flower, weird flower, miniature orchid, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaBurrageara Mayor Billy, orchid hybrid flowers, oncidium hybrid, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

September Orchid Events

Posted August 31st, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

September brings lots of orchid events on six continents. The southern hemisphere is especially busy, with many shows in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and South Africa. Be sure to take advantage of events near you.

September 1
Durham Orchid Society Show, Josephine Butler College, Durham Univ., South Rd., Durham, UK
September 3 – 8
Encuentro Mexicano de Orquideología, Museo de Paleontología y Parque Agua Azul, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
September 4
Santa Clara Valley Orchid Society Auction, American Legion Hall, 1504 Minnesota Ave., San Jose, California
September 4
Sacramento Orchid Society Auction, Odd Fellow’s Hall, 1831 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, California
September 5 – 7
Eastwood & District Orchid Circle Show, Eastwood Shopping Centre, 152-160 Rowe St., Eastwood, NSW, Australia
September 5 – 7
Five Dock RSL Orchid Society Show, MarketPlace Leichhardt, Flood St., Leichardt, NSW, Australia
September 5 – 8
Festival de Orquídeas, Céntrico, Carr. 3 km. 134.7, Guayama, Puerto Rico
September 5 – 8
Festa das Orquídeas, Parque Vila Germânica, R. Alberto Stein, 199, loja 109, Velha, Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil
September 5 – 15
Expo de Orquídeas e Plantas Ornamentais, Estacionamento do Boulevard Maricá, Maricá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
September 6 – 7
East Rand Orchid Show & Market, Greenstone Shopping Centre, Modderfontein Rd., Edenvale, Gauteng, South Africa

Read the rest of this post »

Record-Breaking New Orchid Species Found in Madagascar

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

The enormous orchid family grows larger all the time, with new scientific discoveries happening on a regular basis. Still, it’s surprising when a showy species is identified for the first time. Solenangis impraedicta has hidden in Madagascar’s forests, despite a 13 inch (33 cm) nectar spur. Growing from the back of a 3/4 inch (2 cm) flower, the spur is proportionally the longest of any plant. It’s reminiscent of its relative, Darwin’s Orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale. That species has an impressively long nectar tube with a much bigger flower, and is also from Madagascar.

Sadly, Madagascar’s unique wildlife is being devastated by habitat loss and climate change. These orchids are threatened by mining activities. Fortunately, the mining company involved has helped create a conservation program. They’ve monitored the species, and set aside protected forest habitat. Tariq Stévart from the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Africa and Madagascar program stated “I feel confident that the species will not disappear if they continue to support all these conservation actions.” He added “I really hope this species will help to draw people’s attention to Madagascar and to the current situation, which is not good.”

Big Crowds Attended Orchids in the Park 2024

Posted August 9th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Lady Slipper Orchid flower, Paph, Paphiopedilum, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid flower, Paph, Paphiopedilum, dark purple flower, almost-black orchid flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaMexipedium xerophyticum, Lady Slipper Orchid flower, small white and purple flower, native Mexican orchid species, Zapatilla de dama, AKA Phragmipedium xerophyticum, AKA Paphiopedilum xerophyticum, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

The San Francisco Orchid Society put on its annual Orchids in the Park show at the end of July. It was a great event, crowded with plants and with people. The displays included lots of amazing flowers, like the Lady Slippers shown in the first row of photos above.

Tsubotaara Melinda Marie 'Blue Sapphire', orchid hybrid flower, zygo, purple and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygo orchid flower, zygo, Zygopetalum, purple green and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaAnguloa orchid, Tulip Orchid, yellow flowers, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

Disa uniflora, orchid species flower, red flower, Pride of Table Mountain, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaWarscewiczella discolor, AKA Cochleanthes discolor, orchid species flower, purple and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaDisa orchid flower, yellow flower, possibly Disa uniflora, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

An impressive variety of orchids, from Anguloa species to Zygo hybrids, were also on display and on sale. Many plant lovers were enjoying the sights and scents all around. It seems like more and more folks are fascinated by orchids. Check back again soon for additional pictures from Orchids in the Park 2024.

Vanda orchid flowers, blue and white flowers, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaVanda falcata Higashidemiyako, AKA Neofinetia falcata Higashidemiyako, plant with variegated leaves in moss, Samurai Orchid, traditional Japanese flower pot, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, CaliforniaEpidendrum Pacific Girl 'Primavera' AM/AOS x Pacific Hero 'Knockout', orchid hybrid flowers, red orange and yellow flowers, Orchids in the Park 2024, Golden Gate Park, Hall of Flowers, San Francisco, California

August Orchid Events

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

Orchid shows, expos, and extravaganzas are happening all over the globe this month. Be sure to take advantage of any near you.

August 2 – 4
Manly Warringah Orchid Society Show & Sale, HomeCo Belrose, 4/6 Niangala Close, Belrose, NSW, Australia
August 2 – 4
Exposição Nacional de Orquídeas de Uberlândia, Centro Municipal de Cultura, Praça Jacy de Assis no. 9, Centro, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
August 2 – 4
Exposição de Orquídeas, Parque Lacerda Werneck, Santana, Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil
August 3
Houston Orchid Society Summer Workshop, First Christian Church, 1601 Sunset Blvd., Houston, Texas
August 3
Sacramento Speakers Day, Sale, & Auction, Odd Fellow’s Hall, 1831 Howe Avenue, Sacramento, California
August 3
Fairway Orchid & Rare Plant Fair, Fairway Guest House, 118 Fairway, Durban North, Durban, South Africa
August 3
Simpósio Anual de Orquídeas, Centro de Recepciones de Vega Alta, CM7C+RR2, PR-2, Vega Alta, Puerto Rico
August 3 – 4
Harrogate Orchid Society Show & Sale, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Ln., Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK
August 3 – 4
Warringal Orchid Society Winter Show, St. Sava Community Centre, 212 Diamond Creek Rd., Greensborough, Victoria, Australia
August 4 – 11
Festival Anggrek, Serba Guna Hall, Jl. Nusantara No.2, Kaliwates Kidul, Kaliwates, Kec. Kaliwates, Kabupaten Jember, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

Read the rest of this post »

Head to Orchids in the Park This Weekend in San Francisco

Posted July 23rd, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events, Growing Orchids in San Francisco, Photos

Disa orchid flower, pink flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygonisia Murasakikomachi x Zygopetalum Jumpin Jack 'K', orchid hybrid flower, Zygo, purple and white flower with wavy lip, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMoth Orchid, Phal, Phalaenopsis orchid hybrid flower, purple pink white and yellow flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Colmanara Bobcat, orchid hybrid flowers, oncidium hybrid, yellow flowers, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaEpidendrum orchid hybrid flowers, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPaphiopedilum Via Del Rey, orchid hybrid flower, Lady Slipper orchid, Paph, Orchids in the Park 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s annual Orchids in the Park sale happens this weekend! It will be held on Saturday, July 27th and Sunday, July 28th, in the SF County Fair Building at 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way. There will be lots of vendors, orchid care demonstrations, activities for kids, and loads of amazing flowers. These photos from last year’s event offer just a taste. Buy discounted tickets in advance online, or buy them at the door. Don’t miss it!

Dendrobium cuthbertsonii, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, purple flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOncidium hybrid flower, red yellow and white flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium cuthbertsonii, orchid species flowers, miniature orchid, purple and white flowers, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Masdevallia orchid flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaVanda Redland Chocolate 'Dark Chocolate' HCC/AOS, orchid hybrid flower, brown purple and yellow flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOncostele Red Silk, orchid hybrid flower, oncidium hybrid, red orange and white flower, Orchids in the Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California