AboutOrchids

Here are additional photos from last fall’s Peninsula Orchid Society Show in San Mateo, which was packed with spectacular blooms, much more than I could put into my previous post. In the first row above, there are three Moth Orchids, very different from the types found in grocery stores. They feature one of my favorite Phal species, Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica, whose variable spot patterns inspire thoughts of Ancient Egyptian writing.

There are also great Dendrobium species, Cattleya hybrids, and other uncommon orchids pictured here. They include an incredible range of colors, sizes, shapes, and fragrances. It’s a small sample of the dazzling diversity of the orchid world.

Orchids are ringing in the new year on six continents. To offset the winter cold, botanical gardens in Denver, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and St. Louis offer extended exhibits in warm glasshouses. Large events or small, they’re all worth a visit.

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Don’t miss the stunning Lightscape show shining in the San Francisco Botanical Garden within Golden Gate Park. Nightly light displays are adding beauty to the garden. Even without orchids, it’s a spectacular botanical exhibit. I’ve been to the garden many times over the decades, but never at nighttime. It’s a very different experience. The lights constantly change colors along a mile-long (1.6 km) trail. There are luminescent dragonflies and giant glowing peonies. Highlights include a large tree with rainbow lights extended down its roots, and a balloon replica of the moon suspended between trees, against a background of twinkling lights and color spotlights. There are several food and beverage vendors among the displays. The show has been a big hit, and extra dates have been added. It’s great for the holiday season, and a perfect way to celebrate today’s solstice. Buy your tickets online in advance. Lightscape runs through January 4th.

The Orchid Pod Podcast features monthly episodes with interviews, care info, show reviews, and trends. Orchid experts Caleb and James are based on the Big Island of Hawaii, and are “just geeking out about orchids.” Recent topics include the 8th Andean Orchid Conference, Rupicolous Laelias, and answering listeners’ questions in Mailbag – Phrags and Terraria. Listen to their orchid chats and musings at your convenience.

December may be the slowest month for orchid events, but there are still big shows in Sydney and Madrid. Many orchid societies have holiday parties and auctions which are not listed here, so check with your local group for more.

Pleurothallis orchids don’t have the largest or most colorful flowers, but they can be fascinating. These two species exemplify their charms. In the photos above, the first is Pleurothallis viduata, a miniature from Ecuador.  I bought it at Orchids in the Park this past July. Its white and purple flowers bob in the breeze on thin, wiry stems, resembling little white birds in flight. So far, it’s stayed in bloom for over two months.

The photos below show the Clam Shell Orchid, Pleurothallis palliolata, native to Costa Rica and Panama. I’ve had it for ages, and it’s a very reliable bloomer. The unusual blossoms emerge from the tops of the leaves, and look like clams sticking out their tongues.

Both of these pleurothallids are cool growers from mountain cloud forests. They seem to be less demanding than other finicky species, at least when living outdoors on the foggy northern California coast. They need regular water and high humidity. I repot every few years using small bark and perlite. Despite their size, these mini orchids leave a big impression.

We’re spoiled on the California coast with year-round gardening. The rainy season has slowly begun, and we’re heading into our winter growing season. Cymbidium flower spikes are sprouting. Masdevallias and other pleurothallids are reveling in the cool conditions. The evidence is here in the brilliant colors from our garden. These cool-growers flourish despite pests and strong winds. Scratches or blemishes on the flowers are badges of toughness.

There are also non-orchids pictured below: a fuchsia, and a new addition to our garden, a splendid passionflower. It’s started vining around its trellis, and has popped open a few elaborate, fragrant blossoms. I’m looking forward to many more.

For more about the orchids shown above, check out these posts:

• Prosthechea vitellina
• Laelia gouldiana
• Masdevallia veitchiana
• Cymbidium hybrid
• Cochlioda vulcanica

November has shows, sales, auctions, and talks around the planet. Take advantage of any of these events near you. The Orchid Digest Cattleya Symposium offers an in-person option and an online option to attend or watch the talks later.

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Earlier this month, Dave and I headed to the Peninsula Orchid Society Show in nearby San Mateo. This event has repeatedly shown that small displays can be really spectacular, and this year did not disappoint. It was full of great flowers, unusual species, and new hybrids. The first row of photos above features two species that I don’t think I’ve ever seen in person before. There’s a Chaubardia, an interesting orchid with a strange lip resembling scary purple teeth. It seems appropriate for the month of ghouls and ghosts. In addition, the lovely white and purple Aganisia is in the Zygo family, and an important parent of many purple hybrids. These uncommon orchids with brilliant blooms were pleasant surprises.

They were far from the only highlights, and the room was packed with ribbons and awards. There were graceful white Habenaria flowers like birds in flight, and enormous Cattleya blooms that looked as delicious as candy. It’s not easy to pick a favorite. Check back here soon for more photos from the show.

Australian Underground Orchids are among the most mysterious plants. Nothing else flowers underground. Also known as Rhizanthellas, they’re rare, endangered, and very difficult to find. Habitat loss has decimated their numbers, and now climate change may wipe them out completely. They live entirely underground, where they germinate, grow, flower, and set seed. They may be pollinated by termites.

Fortunately, Kingsley Dixon has been fascinated by Rhizanthellas since he was a child. Now that he’s a botany professor at the University of Western Australia in Perth, he’s working to save them. That involves understanding the complex web of plants, fungi, and insects needed by these species to survive. He’s trying to protect remaining habitats, grow seeds in a lab, and maintain backup populations in case the plants go extinct in the wild. With a team of volunteers, he’s hopeful that they can save these astounding orchids.