June Orchid Events

Posted June 1st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

Summer brings a slower show schedule in the Northern Hemisphere, but there are still plenty of events to be found on six continents. Be sure to check out any of these shows, sales, festivals, auctions, and workshops near you.

June 2 – 4
Long Island Orchid Festival, Conference Center, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, 1395 Planting Fields Rd., Oyster Bay, New York
June 2 – 4
New Orleans Orchid Society Show & Sale, Lakeside Mall, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, Louisiana
June 2 – 4
Conejo Orchid Society Show & Sale, Thousand Oaks Public Library, 1401 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, California
June 2 – 4
Eastern Province Orchid Society Show, Walmer Park Shopping Centre, Main Rd., Walmer, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
June 2 – 4
Mostra Orquídeas do Outono, Orquidário do Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
June 2 – 4
Exposição/Venda International de Orquídeas de Coimbra, Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal
June 3
North of England Orchid Society Monthly Meeting & Show, Hoghton Village Hall, Blackburn Old Rd., Preston, UK
June 3 – 4
Central Florida Orchid Society Show & Sale, Florida National Armory, 2809 S. Ferncreek Ave., Orlando, Florida
June 3 – 4
Calgary Orchid Show & Sale, Genesis Centre, 7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
June 3 – 4
Maitland & Coalfields District Orchid Society Show, St. James Church Hall, 19 Tank St., Morpeth, NSW, Australia

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More Photos from the Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show

Posted May 28th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Cymbidium (Fifi x Hokey Pokey) 'Dos Amigos', orchid hybrid flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaDendrobium kingianum 'TR Samara', Pink Rock Orchid, orchid species flower, bright purple flower, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaPaphiopedilum urbanianum x violascens, Lady Slipper orchid hybrid flower, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California

It wasn’t a big event, but there was plenty to enjoy at last month’s Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show in Redwood City. The variety of Cymbidiums was impressive. Their blooms ranged from large to small, and from spots to stripes to splashes of colors.

Cymbidium Clarisse Austin 'Pink', orchid hybrid flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaOncidopsis Onolicious 'Vivid', orchid hybrid flower, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaCymbidium Pamela Larson 'Elkhorn', orchid hybrid flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California
Cymbidium Splatters 'Flamenco', orchid hybrid flower, spotted flower, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaOdontoglossum Prince Vultan x Cochlioda Louis Posey, orchid hybrid flowers, pink flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaCymbidium Pele 'Kilauea', orchid hybrid flowers, red flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California

Of course, there were other orchids there, too. They included a strange little species I had never seen in person before, Strongyleria pannea. Its flowers are tiny, bright yellow, and covered with velvety white fuzz. Even nestled in a display with larger, showier blossoms, it was unusual enough to stand out to an orchid geek like me.

Strongyleria pannea 'Kayla Langland', Flag Eria, AKA Mycaranthes pannea, AKA Eria pannea, small yellow flower and flower buds covered with white fuzz, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaStrongyleria pannea 'Kayla Langland', orchid species flower, Flag Eria, AKA Mycaranthes pannea, AKA Eria pannea, small yellow flower covered with white fuzz, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaStrongyleria pannea 'Kayla Langland', orchid species flower and leaves, Flag Eria, AKA Mycaranthes pannea, AKA Eria pannea, small yellow flower and flower buds covered with white fuzz, thin succulent leaves, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California

Beware of Fake Orchid Care Videos

Posted May 21st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Problems, Videos

Social media has spawned some very bizarre, and very fake, orchid care videos. They deceive just to get clicks, likes, and ad money, featuring outrageous solutions to grab your attention. I don’t want to share any of these videos here, because I don’t want to give them more views, but it’s likely you’ve seen them. Usually, they include strange orchid care tips which have no basis in fact, may harm plants, and, at least, are a waste of your time.

I recently saw one labeled “Orchid Care Hacks” which claimed that steam from an iron will make an orchid bloom, and an almost-dead orchid can be revived to perfect health with honey and moss. Another showed a tiny keiki that’s grown into a full-sized plant with glorious blooms in only two months, thanks to magical concoctions of garlic and citrus. Tellingly, they rarely have info about proper growing conditions, such as light, water, or temperature needs.

Another elaborated a complex method to make a Moth Orchid rebloom: trim the old flower spikes, rub garlic on the cut ends, and paint the tips with nail polish. Then slide fresh Aloe vera leaves over the tops of the orchid spikes, and cover them with plastic bags. After a few weeks, remove the bags and aloe, and new growth will have emerged. Sound incredible? The most incredible thing about it is how they’ve complicated an easy process. All you need to do is trim the spikes. The garlic, nail polish, aloe leaves, and plastic bags are completely unnecessary.

I’m sure these absurdities, and many more like them, are leading people astray throughout the interwebs. Of course, there are plenty of great videos out there, too, with helpful, knowledgeable people who aren’t running a scam. How do you spot the difference? There are no simple answers. Generally, if it seems too good to be true, it’s probably not true. Think critically, and be skeptical. Remember that deceptive video editing is very easy. Don’t trust care hacks, especially if they seem too bizarre or too quick. Do your own research. Ask fellow growers at your local orchid society. Many videos are only posted for a short time before they’re reported as fakes and removed, so check on them after a while to see if they disappear.

This type of clickbait is appealing because it’s bizarre. Like old circus freak shows, they catch your attention. Orchids are fascinating enough without the gimmicks and falsehoods. And of course, you can always trust the advice here at AboutOrchids.com.

Spring Orchids in Our Garden

Posted May 10th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Photos, Problems

Coelogyne mooreana, orchid species flower, white flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMasdevallia Charisma 'Pink Glow' x Masdevallia uniflora 'Cow Hollow', orchid hybrid flower, pink flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium tracyanum, orchid species flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Masdevallia coccinea var. xanthina 'M Wayne Miller' AM/AOS, orchid species flower, large yellow flower, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

After a wet winter, our spring garden is full of orchids, especially Cymbidiums. Some of the flowers were mangled by strong rains, winds, and hail, but there’s still an impressive display. Along with the Cymbidiums in this post, there are also Masdevallias, a Coelogyne, an Epidendrum, and a Dendrobium. Originating from the Himalayas, the Andes, and Australia, these cool growers are tough enough to endure chilly rains and rough weather. Still, it’s incredible that they survived so many severe storms with winds over 60 mph (97 kmh,) and one with speeds over 71 mph (114 kmh.) Damage is evident on the blooms in the final two photos, especially the last one. Now that spring has arrived, the weather has calmed, and the flowers can really shine. It’s certainly a welcome change.

Dockrillia striolata, Dendrobium striolatum, streaked rock orchid, miniature orchid, orchid species flower and leaves with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium Green Zenith 4N x Tracyanum 4N, orchid hybrid flower with water drops, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaEpidendrum melanogastropodium, orchid species flowers, cluster of small purple flowers, miniature orchid, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

Cymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, white flowers with water drops, flowers damaged from storms and winds, grown outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaBadly damaged Cymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, flowers damaged from storms and winds, grown outdoors in Pacifica, California

May Orchid Events

Posted May 1st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

From Albuquerque to Glasgow, from Auckland to Rome, orchid lovers are gathering this month. Take advantage of these events around the globe.

May 5 – 6
New Mexico Orchid Guild Show & Sale, Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico
May 5 – 6
Tauranga Orchid Society Show, 1383 Cameron Rd., Greerton, Tauranga, New Zealand
May 5 – 7
Platinum Coast Orchid Society Show & Sale, Kiwanis Island Park Gymnasium, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Rd., Merritt Island, Florida
May 6 – 7
Oklahoma Orchid Society Show & Sale, Will Rogers Gardens Exhibition Center, 3400 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
May 6 – 7
Exhibició d’Orquídies, Jardí Botànic de la Universitat de València, C/ Quart 80, València, Spain
May 7
Devon Orchid Society Show, Public Hall, Station Rd., Budleigh Salterton, Devon, UK
May 10 – 13
Puerto Rico Orchid Festival, Centro del Sur Mall, PR-163, Ponce, Puerto Rico
May 12 – 13
New Zealand Orchid Society 75th Julibee Conference & Show, Western Springs Garden Community Hall, 956 Great North Rd., Western Springs, Auckland, New Zealand
May 12 – 14
Bundaberg Orchid Society Show<, Civic Centre, Bourbong St., Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
May 12 – 14
Exposition Internationale d’Orchidées, Distillerie de Biercee, Ferme de la Cour, 36 Rue de la Roquette, Ragnies, Belgium

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Orchidelirium: The Victorian Madness for Orchids at Any Price

Posted April 28th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Misc

Victorian England was obsessed with orchids. The trend was called Orchidelirium, like Dutch Tulip mania centuries before. Fortunes were made and lost, and tropical rainforests were deliberately stripped bare to ship plants to Britain. Many orchid hunters died in the process, and most of the orchids died, too. The few surviving plants which made it to England cost extravagant amounts, but rarely lived for long, as growers struggled to understand their care in the cold English climate. Britain’s richest competed to have the best collections long before 1886, when “Orchid King” Frederick Sander was named Royal Orchid Grower by Queen Victoria. Orchids became symbols of wealth and privilege, a mythos that they retain today, even as they’re sold at supermarkets. Orchidelirium may have subsided, but it certainly hasn’t disappeared. There are plenty of stories like The Orchid Thief to prove that many still suffer from the madness.

Salesforce Park Adds Life to Downtown San Francisco

Posted April 23rd, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: General Gardening, Photos

View of palm trees and skyscrapers from Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaTree Aloe and other plants, succulents, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaPride of Madeira, Echium candicans, flower spike with small purple flowers, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, California

Four stories above the streets of San Francisco, a beautiful garden oasis sits among the Financial District’s skyscrapers. Salesforce Park is a living roof for the city’s new transit center. This public park covers 5.4 acres (2.2 hectares,) and features thousands of trees and plants. It also contains walking trails, seating, a children’s play area, fountains, amphitheaters, and a beer garden. During my recent visit, I enjoyed the superb plantings framed by modern skyscrapers and a blue sky.

Rocket Pincushion, Leucospermum 'Blanche Ito', red flowers, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaConebush, Leucadendron, weird flower, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaAloe arborescens, Torch Aloe, succulents with bright orange flowers next to a railing, high-rise buildings in background, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, California

Aloe succulent with bright orange and yellow flowers, high-rise building in background, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaVeldfire Pincushion, Leucospermum 'Veldfire' flowers with skyscraper in background, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaStrelitzia reginae, Bird of Paradise flower, large flower, weird flower, orange blue and white flower, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, California

Salesforce Park doesn’t have any orchids, but there are vibrant plantings from Australia, South Africa, Mediterranean climates, and cloud forests. Their layout makes the space feel larger than it is. Tree aloes, pincushion flowers, palm trees, redwoods, and bamboos reach to the sky. Besides the human visitors, there are hummingbirds and dragonflies. It’s a lot packed into four city blocks, but it feels calming anyway. Salesforce Park is definitely a welcome green addition to downtown San Francisco.

Beer Garden, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaPalm trees and skyscrapers with blue sky, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, CaliforniaBamboo and redwood trees along a shaded path with benches, Salesforce Park, Salesforce Tower, Financial District, San Francisco, California

Click here for a park map and more info about the variety of plants in the gardens.

Confirming Extinction of the Everglades Orchid

Posted April 14th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, In the News

In this age of habitat destruction, poaching of wild plants, climate change, and pollution, extinction is tragically frequent. However, it can be difficult to know if a species has actually disappeared. For example, nobody has seen the small white flowers of the Everglades Orchid, Govenia floridana, since 1964. Vida Svahnström is an orchid scientist and a Florida native herself, and she’s trying to answer if this orchid is really gone for good.

I’ve always loved orchids, and a little unusually, I’ve always been interested in species already lost to time. As scientists, we’re always very hesitant to classify a species as extinct, just in case it isn’t, but if we can be certain (or as close to certain as possible) then we can free up limited resources for species that can still be saved, and learn lessons from what’s been lost.

Svahnström has studied plant surveys and collector notes from the 1950’s though 2022, and determined that there’s more than 90% probability that this species is extinct. All that’s left are a few photos in a textbook and a few dried specimens. The Everglades have been extensively explored, so it’s unlikely that the orchid is hiding out somewhere unnoticed.

The story of Govenia floridana is a reminder of why it is critical to assess each species before it is too late. Discovering species on the brink of extinction is inevitable, but through the work of our Conservation Assessment and Analysis team at Kew, and the possibility of targeted conservation actions based on their findings, we hope to see more stories of recovery than extinction.

More Than Cymbidiums at the Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show

Posted April 7th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, Photos

Cymbidium canaliculatum 'Mary Frances' HCC/AOS, orchid species flowers, orchid awards and prize ribbons, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Showm 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaCymbidium canaliculatum 'Mary Frances' HCC/AOS, large orchid species plant with flowers and leaves, orchid awards and prize ribbons, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show, Redwood City, CaliforniaCymbidium Amazing Ari 'Happy Face', orchid hybrid flowers, spotted flower, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California

Last Saturday’s Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show in Redwood City wasn’t all Cymbidiums, but there were plenty to be found. Arriving at the event shortly after it began, Dave and I were warned at the front door that the sales area was almost bare, having been quickly bought out by eager shoppers. I didn’t mind, since I already have more Cymbidiums that I can keep track of, and the small show was its own reward. As soon as we walked into the room, we were hit with the strong, honey-sweet scent of Australian Dendrobiums, one of my favorite fragrances. The orchids themselves were pretty spectacular, too.

Dendrobium Australian Goldrush 'Woodside', orchid hybrid flowers, fragrant flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaDendrobium kingianum, Pink Rock Orchid, orchid species flowers, fragrant flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaGold Coast Cymbidium Society Show display table, cymbidiums and dendrobiums, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California

Cymbidium Mighty Tracey 'Fran Weaver', orchid hybrid plant with flowers and long leaves, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaGold Coast Cymbidium Society Show display table, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaCattleya orchid hybrid flowers, Cattlianthe Golden Treat x Cattlianthe Trick or Treat, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California

The displays were impressive, and included some great specimens. The first two photos in this post highlight one of them, an enormous, prize-winning Cymbidium canaliculatum. This unusual Australian species grows in drier areas than others in the genus, and has thick, stiff, succulent leaves. They’re very different than the typical thin, arching leaves which dance in the breeze, and which have helped inspire centuries of Cymbidium admiration in East Asian cultures.

Cymbidium Kakadu Sunset 'Fireglow', orchid hybrd flower, peloric flower, yellow and red flower, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaBeallara Snowblind 'Sweet Spots', orchid hybrid flowers, white purple and yellow flowers, Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Show, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, CaliforniaGold Coast Cymbidium Society Show display table, cymbidiums and dendrobiums, Cymbidium Orchid Show 2023, Redwood City, California

Check back again for more pictures from this wonderful show.

April Orchid Events

Posted March 31st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

April is a busy month, with big events in San Diego, London, Mexico City, Tokyo, Singapore, and many more locales. Large or small, don’t miss the shows, auctions, or seminars near you.

April 1
Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Orchid Show & Sale, Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City, California
April 1
Northeastern Wisconsin Orchid Society Mini Show, Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N. Lynndale Dr., Appleton, Wisconsin
April 1
Orchid Society of Great Britain Spring Show, Cole Court, 150 London Rd., Twickenham, London, UK
April 1
Hinckley & District Orchid Society Show, Stoke Golding Club, 42 Hinckley Rd., Stoke Golding, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK
April 1
L’Assemblée Générale de la Fédération France Orchidées, Salle Paul Dukas, 5 rue Paul Dukas, Paris, France
April 1 – 2
Five Cities Orchid Society Show & Sale, San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., San Luis Obispo, California
April 1 – 2
Port St. Lucie Orchid Society Show & Sale, Polish American Club, 343 NW Prima Vista Blvd., Port St. Lucie, Florida
April 1 – 2
Cherry City Orchid Society Show & Sale, Keizer Lions Club, 4100 Cherry Ave. NE, Keizer, Oregon
April 1 – 2
Michigan Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale, Local 98 Plumbers Union, 555 Horace Brown Dr., Madison Heights, Michigan
April 1 – 2
Asheville Orchid Festival, North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, North Carolina

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