AboutOrchids

No matter where you live, every orchid lover needs A Bay Area Guide to Orchids and Their Culture by Mary E. Gerritsen and the San Francisco Orchid Society. This well-written book has hundreds of beautiful photos and lots of helpful orchid info. There are concise sections on care basics, explanations of the Bay Area’s varied microclimates, and lists of which orchids work best where. Don’t be fooled by the title — this book has more than the cool and intermediate orchids we’re lucky enough to grow outdoors here. It also has plenty of great info about warm growers, so it really is suited for everyone. Definitely add this one to your orchid reference library. Buy it from the Orchid Conservation Alliance, the British publisher Redfern Natural History Books, or Amazon. And if you’re not one already, this gorgeous book will turn you into an orchid addict!

How many botanical wonders can be found at Orchids in the Park? Lots!!! Here are more of our photos from this year’s event.

Big flowers or small, hybrid or species, fragrant or not — it’s just a tiny fraction of the orchid world’s diversity. The show included an Antelope Dendrobium, the aptly-named Dendrobium helix. There were also Coconut Orchids, Jewel Orchids, and an Oncidium species with small flowers that look like bumblebees. In other words, it was another great Orchids in the Park. I’m already looking forward to next year!

The Southern Hemisphere is the focus of this month’s schedule, but there are also events to enjoy in California, St. Louis, the UK, and Germany. Don’t miss these opportunities to celebrate orchids!

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The Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA) is happy to announce that the Rainforest Trust is doubling donations for the Dracula Orchid Reserve, an important nature sanctuary in Ecuador. Every contribution will be matched, dollar for dollar. The groups’ goal is to purchase 1450 acres (587 hectares) in one of the planet’s most important biodiversity hotspots. This rainforest in northern Ecuador is home to many rare plant and animal species, including lots of unusual Dracula orchids. You can help by donating to the OCA. The OCA is a non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Any amount is appreciated, and will go twice as far, thanks to the Rainforest Trust.

Year after year, Orchids in the Park is full of delights. Whether it’s the latest in Moth Orchid hybrids, or brilliant yellow Lycastes which smell like cinnamon, there’s lots for every orchid lover. I’m just starting to go through all the photos from this past weekend’s event, but it’s easy to see that it was a sensational show.

Among all these stunning blooms, Dave and I noticed lots of Sobralias and Stanhopeas on display this year. That’s a rarity, because both varieties have short-lived blossoms (some Sobralia flowers last less than a day!) They’re not often seen at shows, but this time, there was a bumper crop of both. I saw one vendor diligently misting his prize Stanhopea blooms to keep them fresh for the weekend. Fortunately, the flowers live on with these photos, and with more orchids to come in future posts.

Is anything more opulent than a Jewel Orchid? These mini terrestrials are treasured for their striking foliage, which boasts beautiful vein patterns on satiny leaves. The first row of photos below shows Ludisias, the easiest and most commonly grown Jewel Orchids. They’re usually seen with dark purple leaves and bright pink stripes, but there are other dazzling color variations, also.

Along with Ludisias, Jewel Orchid varieties include Macodes, Goodyeras, and Anoectochilus. Some kinds need special growing conditions, and are difficult or impossible to keep in cultivation. All need constant high humidity, which can be the most challenging aspect of their care. Give them bright light, but no full sun, and regular water. Many are warm growing tropicals, and do well in the moist air of terrariums. However, some Goodyera species are native to cold climates in North America, Scandinavia, Japan, or the Himalayas. There are an increasing number of hybrids on the market, and these are easier to grow than the species.

Jewel Orchids hold their small flowers high above their patterned leaves. Some are fragrant, but it’s that stunning foliage which always steals the show. There are other orchids with variegated or marbled leaves, like some Paphs and Oncidiums, but the term Jewel Orchid is properly used only for this family of mini terrestrials with tiny flowers. They’re fascinating gems of the orchid world.

San Francisco’s summer orchid show happens this weekend in Golden Gate Park. Orchids in the Park runs from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday in the SF County Fair Building at 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way. These photos from last year’s event should provide plenty of incentive to put it on your calendar.

This is the smaller of San Francisco’s two annual orchid shows, but it’s certainly just as amazing as the big winter one. With lots of blooms on display, over 20 vendors, orchid care demos, and raffles, Orchids in the Park is always an extraordinary event. It’s possible to purchase tickets in advance online, or at the door. Check back here soon for our photos from this year’s show.

When little Singapore throws an Orchid Extravaganza, it goes big. This year’s event is running until August 20th at the Flower Dome, which is the largest glasshouse in the world. Over 10,000 orchids are on display, with Moth Orchids, Vandas, Dendrobiums, Tiger Orchids, and many more varieties.  Learn more about the exhibit from The Straits Times.

What’s the difference between a Fen Orchid and a Bog Orchid? Best to consult A Beginner’s Vegetative Guide to the Orchids of the British Isles. This great, free resource from London’s Natural History Museum is expertly written, with beautiful illustrations and clear-cut explanations for botanical concepts. The guide focuses on identifying species by their leaves, so that orchid lovers can tell them apart even when they’re not in bloom. Helpful graphics, detailed descriptions, and numerous photos will have novices distinguishing a Bee Orchid from a Fly Orchid in no time.

Despite wind, fog, bugs, raccoons, and other gardening obstacles, our backyard in Pacifica is full of blooms for the start of summer. There’s lots of lush growth from our drought-busting winter. Even orchids that like a dry winter dormancy didn’t seem to mind the heavy rains, like the purple Zygo and white Dendrobium in the next two photos below. By the way, those same two orchids have powerful, sweet fragrances which are my favorite scents in the garden.

Among the non-orchids in bloom, nasturtiums have happily taken over parts of our yard, each a sunnier color than the last. Pink Clover has spread from nearby flowerpots to sprout out of cracks in the concrete patio. And I normally pull out any weeds growing in my orchid pots, but my biggest Cymbidium is hosting a few volunteer violets for now. I don’t know where they arrived from, but they’re my kind of weeds. Check back soon for more of our garden blooms.