AboutOrchids

In Defense of Plants exposes The Deceptive Ways of the Calypso Orchid. This dainty, charming species grows in northern forests of North America, Europe, and Asia, where it’s pollinated by bumblebees. The bees are attracted by the orchid’s sweet fragrance, yellow hairs on the flower lip which mimic pollen, and nectar spurs. But the yellow hairs have no pollen, and the nectar spurs are empty. Disappointed, the bees quickly learn not to waste time at these blooms. That means Calypsos need naive bees which haven’t been tricked before. And, these insects must be slow learners to get fooled twice: once to pick up pollen, and again to deposit it on another flower. With the Calypso Orchid’s deceptions, it’s a complicated relationship.

The photos above show Calypso Orchids growing wild in the mountains of southwest Colorado.

Here on the Northern California coast, summers are often cool and foggy. Right on schedule for today’s summer solstice, we were greeted this morning by a heavy fog bank. It’s the perfect weather for Dave’s and my favorite orchids, Masdevallias, which live in high mountain cloud forests. These tropical, triangular beauties feature stunningly brilliant colors. The first photo in this post comes from my garden; the rest are from orchid shows. Have a happy, healthy, and peaceful solstice.

Sparkling white flowers make Angraecums look like shining stars. This fascinating genus is native to Madagascar, tropical Africa, and islands in the Indian Ocean. They are sometimes called Comet Orchids, because thin nectar tubes hanging from the backs of their flowers inspire thoughts of comet tails. The most famous is Darwin’s Orchid, Angraecum sesquipedale. It’s shown in the first row of photos, and also called the Star of Bethlehem Orchid. Its large, tropical blooms inspired Charles Darwin to predict that a moth with a 12 inch (30 cm) tongue lived hidden in Madagascar’s jungles. This insect species would be able to reach nectar at the bottom of the long nectar spurs, pollinating the flowers in the process. The famous scientist was ridiculed at the time, but the moth was discovered decades later, helping to confirm his ideas about evolution.

There are over 220 Angraecum species and a growing list of hybrids. Sadly, most species are highly endangered and at risk of extinction. Habitat destruction, climate change, and theft of wild plants are the greatest threats to their survival. Some types are large plants, while others are miniatures. They all have flowers with nectar spurs which are fragrant at night. In cultivation, they require regular water, high humidity, good air movement, winter dormancy, and bright light, but no full sun. Most don’t like to be repotted, so they’re usually grown on mounts. That makes these orchids best for advanced growers, or for those in the tropics who can more easily accommodate them outdoors.

It’s tough to capture the beauty of these white flowers in photos. Some Angraecums boast crystalline white blossoms. Their sparkling petals glisten like a collection of tiny gems reflecting the light. Others sport a cream or light green color. Angraecum relatives with similar traits include Jumellea, Mystacidium, and Oeoniella.

In Australia, a country full of extraordinary plants, the Queen of Sheba Orchids stand out. Their brilliant displays of purples, pinks, and gold make them Australian orchid royalty, and their admirers refer to them simply as “Queens.” The Sydney Morning Herald reports that this rare and endangered native of Western Australia may be making a comeback. After years of difficulties starting them from seed, scientists have finally cracked the tricky formula. In addition to precise soil conditions, the seeds need extra nutrients, unlike most orchids which only draw food from fungal partners. That breakthrough means they can now grow Queens in large numbers, and someday return them to the wild.

In Japan, BotanyBoy describes the plight of the Samurai Orchid. Cultivated for centuries, they’re now endangered in the wild. Populations have shrunk as native habitats have been destroyed or altered by humans. Old growth forests only remain in small, disjointed pockets. They include areas around temples, shrines, rivers, and the very tops of mountain ridges. Near a shrine in Kyushu’s Fukuoka Prefecture, he and his wife found a large colony thriving on a Ginkgo Tree.

The Samurai Orchid is still popular in cultivation, demonstrated by the photo examples above. Long known as Neofinetia falcata, the species has been moved into the Vanda genus. It’s now Vanda falcata, but the previous name persists. Whatever perils it faces in the wild, many orchid lovers are keeping it safe from extinction. Read more about the Samurai Orchid’s history at Atlas Obscura. The American Orchid Society has a detailed article about them with care info.

It’s well-established that gardening is good for our health, and a new British study augments the evidence. Researchers from the University of Exeter and the Royal Horticultural Society analyzed data from almost 8,000 people.

The study found the benefits of gardening to health and wellbeing were similar to the difference in health between people living in the wealthiest parts of the country, compared to the poorest. The benefits applied whether people spent their time gardening or simply relaxing. People who regularly spend time in their garden were also more likely to visit nature elsewhere once a week.

Spending time in my indoor and outdoor gardens has always helped my own mental and physical health. As we continue to shelter at home during the COVID19 pandemic, occasional immersions in nature feel essential. Of course, flowers can’t solve the world’s problems, but they can restore our strength and sanity. Even for those who don’t have ready access to gardens or green spaces, it’s easy to keep an orchid, or two or three, on a windowsill to enjoy the same advantages. For more, read how Gardening Could Be the Hobby That Helps You Live to 100.

As we continue to shelter in place and stay close to home, Dave and I have been taking walks around nearby neighborhoods, and enjoying great Pacifica gardens. Of course, we follow public health guidelines, keeping a safe distance, and wearing masks when we’re near other people, but these areas aren’t crowded, so it’s easy.

While walking, my eyes are always peeled for orchids. Many of our neighbors grow Cymbidiums outdoors, like those in the first photo. They usually bloom over winter and spring, and a few still sported fresh blossoms. Occasionally, we passed houses with more Cymbidiums than me.

Northern California coastal gardeners are spoiled with great plants. Our mild climate is subtropical. Exotic beauties from South Africa, Australia, the Andes, and the Mediterranean thrive here. Old standards like roses are popular, too.

South of San Francisco, Pacifica spreads over 6 miles (9.7 km) of the coast, with communities separated by hills and lots of green spaces. It’s a land of microclimates. Amazingly, these gardens about 1 mile (1.6 km) away are growing some plants that we can’t. They’re in valleys which offer a little protection from ocean winds. These neighborhoods have more tall trees and lush growth. Our part of town has shorter coastal scrub, but we’ve managed to create a vibrant garden of our own.

From London, RBG Kew explains how sneaky orchids can be. Many orchid varieties offer nectar or fragrant oils for their pollinators, but others are tricksters. Their colors, shapes, or scents deceptively advertise rewards, but they have none. Some temporarily trap their pollinators, like the remarkable Bucket Orchid, which makes bees squeeze past its pollen to escape. The insects are duped, but may fertilize the flower during the affair. Since many orchids are pollinated by only a single insect species, they’ve evolved to become perfect lures for that bug. It’s an efficient strategy, increasing the odds that pollen will be picked up and dropped off in the right place. However, it also means that the process is more vulnerable to extinctions and climate change. By studying these sneaky orchids and their complex relationships, scientists hope to protect them for the future.

The Pink Lady Slipper, or Cypripedium acaule, used to grow wild in the Philadelphia area, but now is uncommon. It’s one of the most enchanting and elegant orchids native to the Eastern USA and Canada. When local plants were discovered last June, experts from nearby Longwood Gardens jumped into action. They hand-pollinated the flowers, and collected the seed capsules. Now, Longwood has dozens of seedlings growing in their lab. They hope to return the young plants to the wild next year to bolster the population.

The Pink Lady Slipper isn’t considered endangered in other regions, but it is rarely grown, even in botanical gardens where it could be protected. Longwood is testing methods to learn more about cultivating these unusual plants. This will help with related Lady Slipper species, most of which are rare and highly endangered. In addition, this project has brought together several different groups. Longwood is cooperating with the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum, Garden Clubs of America, and the Springside Chestnut Hill Academy. They’re all working towards a common goal, and laying a path for future conservation work.

Are you staring with amazement at your gorgeous Mother’s Day orchid, and also wondering how to care for it? Don’t worry! Orchids don’t deserve their difficult reputations. It’s pretty likely that your new plant is a Moth Orchid, like those in the row of photos above. With a few basic care tips, it can continue to bloom for months.

Dancing Lady Orchids, or Oncidiums, are popular, too. Pictured in the row of photos above, their clusters of small yellow, brown, or red flowers make great displays. Oncidium Sharry Baby is one popular hybrid, shown in the first photo, which smells like chocolate.

Lady Slipper orchids boast some of the most incredible flowers in the plant world. The third row of photos presents a few examples, but there are many more varieties. They can also keep their blossoms for months. If you’re enjoying one of these orchids for Mother’s Day, basic care info will help your gift stay happy and bloom again.