More Photos from Pacific Orchid Expo 2024

Posted March 12th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Cymbidium orchid flower, white and purple flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaEpidendrum orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPaphiopedilum Ruby Paradise, orchid hybrid flower, Lady Slipper, Paph, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Propescapetalum Glicky 'Gold Country', zygopetalum orchid hybrid flower, zygo, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium Hsinying Chrysopense 'Marjorie' AM/AOS, orchid hybrid flowers, purple and orange flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display table with a variety of orchids, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

By the time I leave an orchid show, like last month’s Pacific Orchid Expo, I’m on orchid overload. Sorting through our photos, I find fascinating details I hadn’t noticed, and I’m even more amazed. Brilliant colors, showy flowers, and strange shapes reveal themselves. And there are always new hybrids, and species I’ve never seen before. Enjoy these orchids, and check back again for more finds from this year’s show.

Dendrobium orchid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California Masdevallia angulata, orchid species flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaAnoectochilus koshunensis, Jewel Orchids, orchid species, variegated orchid leaves, mini orchids, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Bonatea speciosa 'Green Egret', orchid species flower, weird flower, side view of flower, green and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display table with a variety of orchids, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOncidium Jiuhbao Gold 'Tainan' AM/AOS, orchid hybrid flowers, Dancing Lady Orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

March Orchid Events

Posted February 29th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

It’s no surprise to find big orchid events in places like Santa Barbara, Tampa, Philadelphia, Montreal, Dresden, and Tokyo. But there are also smaller shows in unexpected places like Alberta, Manitoba, and Estonia. Orchids are truly beloved around the globe.

March 1 – 3
Martin County Orchid Society Show & Sale, Martin County Fairgrounds, Building G, 2616 SE Dixie Hwy., Stuart, Florida
March 1 – 3
New Hampshire Orchid Society Show & Sale, Courtyard at Marriot, 2200 Southwood Dr., Nashua, New Hampshire
March 1 – 3
Central California Orchid Society Show & Sale, part of the Fresno Home and Garden Show, Fresno Fair Grounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, California
March 1 – 3
Orchid Society of the Ozarks Show & Sale, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, Arkansas
March 1 – 3
Key West Orchid Festival, West Martello Garden Club, Higgs Beach, 1100 Atlantic Ave., Key West, Florida
March 1 – 3
Expo-Venta de Orquídeas de Primavera, Casa de Coahuila, Prolongación Xicoténcatl N. 10, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
March 1 – 3
Festival de Orquídeas Escazú, Jardines Contraloría de la República, Sabana Sur, San Jose, Costa Rica
March 1 – 3
Exposition et Vente d’Orchidées, Salle Culturelle, Barberey-Saint-Sulpice, France
March 1 – 10
Orchid Days, Tallinn Botanic Garden, Kloostrimetsa tee 52, Tallinn, Estonia
March 2
Waitakere Orchid Club Ribbon Show, Whenuapai Hall, 41 Waimarie Rd., Whenuapai, New Zealand

Read the rest of this post »

Timeless Orchids at Pacific Orchid Expo 2024

Posted February 20th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Masdevallia Tiger King 'Elle', orchid hybrid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLaeliocattleya Candy Corn, AKA Cattlianthe Candy Corn, orchid hybrid flower, cattleya, yellow and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium cuthbertsonii, orchid species flowers, hot pink and white flowers, miniature orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Dendrobium Brimbank Fire 'Fantastic' FCC/AOS, orchid hybrid flowers, purple white and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCatamodes Dragons Glade, orchid hybrid flowers, black flowers, black orchids, catasetum, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPaphiopedilum charlesworthii, orchid species flower, Lady Slipper, Paph, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

San Francisco’s Pacific Orchid Expo is always spectacular, and this past weekend’s event did not disappoint. It was full of stunning flowers, and the eager visitors included a few old friends. We all enjoyed the exhibits, the awarded orchids, and the sales area. Among the vibrant colors, there was a purple Dendrobium with an FCC, which is a top award. It’s shown in the first photo of the second row. The picture after that has a remarkable Catasetum hybrid with some of the blackest orchids I’ve ever seen. The final row of photos features three exhibit tables out of the dozens there, each full of botanical wonders. Check back soon for more from the show.

Phragmipedium flower, Phrag, Lady Slipper orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium erythraeum 'Adrienne', orchid species plant and flowers, large orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum 'Golden Gate', orchid species flowers, small purple flowers, Hyacinth Orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Orchid display with many different orchids, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display with many different orchids, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display with many different orchids, Pacific Orchid Expo 2024, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Don’t Miss the Pacific Orchid Expo This Weekend

Posted February 12th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events, Growing Orchids in San Francisco, Photos

Caucaea olivacea, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, oncidium, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPaphiopedilum Leonard's Pride 'Petrus' FCC/AOS SM/CSA, orchid hybrid flower and bud, Paph, Paphiopedilum, Lady Slipper, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium Kurenai, orchid hybrid flowers, purple and white flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Cymbidium Fritz Wunderlich 'Sycamore Creek' AM/AOS, orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMasdevallia orchid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOncidium orchid flower, orchid hybrid, close up of flower lip, Dancing Lady Orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

The 71st Annual Pacific Orchid Expo runs from this Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 18th, with a special preview night on Thursday, February 15th. It happens at the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, at 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way, in San Francisco. Tickets are available in advance for a discount, or at the door. It’s always a spectacular show, with great vendors, expert care demos, activities for kids, and more. These photos from last year’s event offer just a taste of the orchid wonders to expect. Don’t miss it!

Paphiopedilum, orchid flowers, Paph, Lady Slipper, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaHabenaria orchid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCattleya orchid flowers, Laelia, orange flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Paphiopedilum Dot's Spots, orchid hybrid flowers, Paph, Lady Slipper, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCattleya orchid flowers, white purple and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Elle Ronis 'Cinnabar', orchid hybrid flowers, red and white flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

The Little-Known Truth about Vanilla

Posted February 8th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, In the News, Warm Growers

Vanilla is one of the world’s favorite and costliest flavorings, but many don’t know that it comes from an orchid. Considering this, it’s no surprise that most people aren’t aware of the deeper history of these fragrant, cured seedpods. Vanilla’s roots as a valuable food go back to Mexico’s ancient Totonacs and Aztecs, who harvested seedpods from wild plants. Europeans were captivated by vanilla, and tried to cultivate it in their tropical colonies. They found they could get the vines to grow and bloom, but not to fruit. I’ve blogged before about Edmond Albius, an enslaved child who was the first to figure out how to pollinate vanilla flowers by hand. His discovery was a breakthrough in the creation of the modern, global, natural vanilla industry. Albius’ ingenuity helped make vanilla an essential ingredient in foods, perfumes, and medicines. Sadly, he died in poverty.

February Orchid Events

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

February is a busy orchid month. Of course, I’m most excited about San Francisco’s Pacific Orchid Expo, but there’s plenty more on offer. The world’s largest orchid show takes place in Tokyo, and the 23rd World Orchid Conference happens in Taiwan, along with the Taiwan International Orchid Show. There are also long-term exhibits in New York City, London, and Paris.

February 1 – 3
Cymbidium Collector’s Auction, online auction; must pick up plants on Sunday, Feb. 4, 12:15 pm – 2:30 pm at San Mateo Garden Center, 605 Parkside Way, San Mateo, California
February 2 – 4
Susquehanna Orchid Society Show & Sale, Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory, Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, Pennsylvania
February 2 – 4
Gulf Coast Orchid Society Show & Sale, Gautier Convention Center, 2012 Library Ln., Gautier, Mississippi
February 2 – 4
Expo Orquídea de San José de Gracia, Plaza de San José de Gracia, Municipio de Marcos Castellanos, Michoacán, México
February 2 – 4
Salon International d’Orchidées, La Salle Vergèze, 169 Rue du Charron, Vergèze, France
February 3 – 4
Greater Cleveland Orchid Society Show & Sale, Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio
February 3 – 4
Venice Area Orchid Society Show & Sale, Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice, Florida
February 3 – 4
Orchid Growers Guild Show & Sale, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin
February 3 – 4
Three Rivers Orchid Society Show, Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhaun St., Ft. Wayne, Indiana
February 3 – 4
Orchid Fest, Olympic Hall, Nipomo High School, 525 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo, California

Read the rest of this post »

Pansy Orchids and Spectacular Waterfalls

Posted January 24th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Intermediate Growers, Photos, Problems

Miltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, pink yellow and white flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2014, San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, purple maroon and white flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2014, San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, yellow flowers, Shelldance Orchid Gardens, Pacifica, California

Pansy Orchids, or Miltoniopsis, have brilliant colors, sweet scents, and delightful waterfalls. This popular genus resembles pansies, and features pink, yellow, red, purple, or white blooms. Colorful patterns on their flower lips appear to flow downwards, and are called waterfalls.

Miltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, purple yellow and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2012, San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, flower close up, purple yellow and maroon flower, grown in San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, purple maroon and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2008, San Francisco, California

There’s lots of confusion between Miltoniopsis and Miltonia. Miltonias are a closely related genus, requiring warmer temps, less water, and brighter light. Miltoniopsis were called Miltonias until the 1970’s, and many hybrids have their old names. They’re often mistaken for Miltonias, and sometimes mislabeled. There are almost certainly old mislabeled photos on this website, although I hope I’ve learned better, and get them right nowadays.

Miltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, white yellow and red flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2017, San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, purple white yellow and red flower, Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltoniopsis Maui Fusion 'Pink Spider' x Harold Ripley 'Hansen', Pansy Orchid, pink maroon white yellow flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2020, San Francisco, California

Pansy Orchids are native to high elevations in the Andes and mountains of Central America. They need regular water, high humidity, and bright light, but no direct sun. Always keep them below 80°F (26.7°C,) with cooler nights down to 55°F (12.8°C.) They sulk in hot weather. Water less during winter dormancy, but maintain good humidity and air movement. Their thin leaves are notorious for wrinkling if they don’t get enough water. Looking like accordion folds or fan pleats, they don’t straighten out, even after watering is fixed. Underwatering may be the cause, but overwatering can make orchid roots rot. This ruins the plant’s ability to take up moisture, resulting in the same wrinkled leaves as underwatering.

Miltoniopsis flowers and leaves, Pansy Orchids, Cloud Forest Conservatory, Gardens by the Bay, SingaporeMiltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, maroon yellow and white flower, Orchids in the Park 2023, San Francisco, CaliforniaMiltoniopsis orchid hybrid, Pansy Orchid, maroon yellow and white flower, South San Francisco, California

Colorful drops and splashes create Pansy Orchid waterfalls. Their patterns may be symmetrical or irregular, setting yellow and white hues against bold purples and pinks. They’re spectacular orchid artistry.

Island Orchid Adapts to Find New Pollinator

Posted January 10th, 2024 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, In the News

Like all living organisms, orchids adapt to survive. An orchid arrived on a remote island, without the bumblebee species which pollinates it. Goodyera henryi lives in parts of east Asia, including the Japanese mainland. When it reached Kozu Island, it might have died out without reproducing. However, Goodyera similis, a closely related species, also lives on the island, along with its wasp pollinator. The wasps managed to cross-fertilize the new arrival. This created a hybrid, which looks similar to Goodyera henryi, but has a slightly different flower shape that accommodates wasps. Kobe University researchers were surprised to find the natural hybrid when they ran a genetic analysis. The discovery can help scientists understand how plants evolve in changing circumstances. If pollinators like bees become extinct, orchids may be able to adapt and survive. Be sure to click on the informative graphic at the top of the article.

January Orchid Events

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

Happy New Year! There are big shows in Tokyo and Miami this month, as well as extended exhibits in Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Filoli Gardens in the SF Bay Area. Many events are designed to counter winter’s chill with lush, tropical beauty.

January 5 – 7
Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Society Show & Sale, Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Blvd., Pembroke Pines, Florida
January 5 – 8
Sunshine City World Orchid Exhibition, Bunka Kaikan Culture Center, 2nd floor, Sunshine City, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1-4, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
January 6
North of England Orchid Society Monthly Meeting & Show, Plumley Village Hall, Plumley Moor Rd., Plumley, Knutsford, Cheshire, UK
January 6 – 7
Sarasota Orchid Society Show & Sale, Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida
January 12 – 14
Tamiami International Orchid Festival, Miami Dade County Fair Expo Center, Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami, Florida
January 12 – 14
North Jersey Orchid Society Show & Sale, Douglass Student Center, Rutgers Univ., 100 George St., New Brunswick, New Jersey
January 12 – 14
Taranaki Orchid Society Summer Show, Highlands School Hall, Coronation Ave., New Plymouth, New Zealand
January 12 – February 22
Orchid Display, Filoli Historic Estate and Gardens, 86 Cañada Rd., Woodside, California
January 13
Illustrated talk: The Basics of Orchid Taxonomy, by Dr. Kevin L. Davies, Aberglasney Gardens, Llangathen, Carmarthen, UK
January 13 – 14
Camden Haven Orchid Society Show, Laurieton United Services Club, 2 Seymour St., Laurieton, NSW, Australia

Read the rest of this post »

Moth Orchid Warms up the Winter Solstice

Posted December 21st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos, Warm Growers

Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis, Phal, orchid hybrid flowers, purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMoth Orchid, Phalaenopsis, Phal, orchid hybrid flowers and buds, purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMoth Orchid, Phalaenopsis, Phal, orchid hybrid flower, purple flower, close up of flower lip, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

The winter solstice comes and goes, but Moth Orchids keep on blooming. This purple beauty was a gift from a neighbor. It’s been flowering over two months already, and doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. Certainly, it inspires warm thoughts on the shortest day of the year.

Moth Orchid, Phalaenopsis, Phal, orchid hybrid flowers, purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMoth Orchid, Phalaenopsis, Phal, orchid hybrid flower and bud, purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMoth Orchid, Phalaenopsis, Phal, orchid hybrid flowers and leaves, purple flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

I admit that I’ve sometimes mocked Moth Orchids as “supermarket orchids.” Even though they may be common nowadays, they’re still stunning and fantastic. I love this orchid’s rich color, its elegant display, and that fascinating lip. As daylight returns, I’m looking forward to enjoying more months of flowers. Happy solstice.