More Blooms from a Legendary Masdevallia Orchid

Posted November 28th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Photos

Masdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flower, purple and orange flower, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMasdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flower, purple and orange flower, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMasdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flowers and leaves, purple and orange flowers, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

I’m captivated by this legendary Masdevallia veitchiana with its bold colors. In mid-October, it opened a gorgeous flower. A few weeks later, it was followed by a second, and then a third! The oldest blossom has been damaged by the elements, but it’s still standing tall. Together, all three are putting on a great show in our backyard. And, there are three more flower buds emerging. You can rest assured that I’ll be blogging and bragging about this beauty as its show goes on.

Masdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flower, purple and orange flower, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMasdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', close up of orchid species flower, purple and orange flower, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMasdevallia veitchiana 'Sheryll', orchid species flowers and leaves, purple and orange flowers, King of the Masdevallias., gallo gallo in Spanish, waqanki in Quechua, blooming outdoors in Pacifica, California

Would You Like to Name an Orchid?

Posted November 21st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, Misc

Would you like to name a new orchid? The American Orchid Society (AOS) has teamed up with expert growers who will let you name a new hybrid for a $1000 USD donation to the AOS. It’s the perfect gift for yourself or another orchid lover. The donations will be used to fund conservation, research, and education. Your chosen name will be officially registered with the UK’s Royal Horticultural Society. To start, go to the AOS donation page, and choose “Petals of Generosity: Legacy Orchid Program” from the “Distribution” field. You can also contact the AOS directly at TheAOS@aos.org, or call 305-740-2010 for more info. Hybrids available include Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Phals, Paphs, Catasetums, and more. This is a limited time offer. And just in case you can’t think of a good name, I’ll suggest that Cattleya Marc Cohen would sound really great.

An Elegant Lady Slipper Orchid

Posted November 13th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Intermediate Growers, Photos

Lady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, purple green and white flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, purple green and white flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, purple green and white flower on a tall stem, variegated leaves, blue flower pot, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

This elegant Lady Slipper reliably graces me with a single bloom over autumn and winter. It sits high above its mottled leaves on a curving stem, and lasts as long as three months.

Lady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, flower lip close up, purple green and white flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, flower lip close up, purple green and white flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, purple green and white flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

This year’s flower spike is 14 inches (36 cm) tall, and strong enough that the bloom doesn’t need staking. The rich colors are augmented by rich textures, as well. This is a bumpy, fuzzy flower. The stem is fuzzy, and the intricate bloom has hairs along the petals, lip, and staminode. The striking green stripes on the dorsal sepal (the top of the flower) aren’t just colors; they’re also raised lines. Reddish-purple spots on the petals are raised bumps. Everything about this bloom is elevated, curved, or fringed.

Lady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, purple green and white flower on a tall stem, variegated leaves, blue flower pot, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum flower, Paph, purple green and white flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaLady Slipper Orchid, Paphiopedilum hybrid flower, Paph, purple green and white flower on a tall stem, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

You can see the last time I gushed over this flower in this previous post.

November Orchid Events

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

Shows, sales, classes, and conferences fill this month’s calendar. Don’t miss these great orchid events.

November 1 – December 5
“Orchids for Everyone” 6-Class Master Series, webinars offered by AOS Education Committee & Pennsylvania Master Gardener’s Program; $10 USD per class, free to American Orchid Society members
November 3 – 4
International Vanda & Slipper Orchid Symposium, NOCIA Community Building, 4253 W. Ponkan Rd., Zellwood, Florida
November 3 – 4
Sapphire Coast Orchid Club Show, Pambula Town Hall, 13 Quondola St., Pambula, NSW, Australia
November 3 – 5
Apopka International Fall Orchid Festival, Krull-Smith, 2800 W. Ponkan Rd., Apopka, Florida
November 3 – 5
Massachusetts Orchid Society Show & Sale, Sons of Italy, 117 Swanton St., Winchester, Massachusetts
November 3 – 5
Exposición Internacional de Orquídeas, Parque Ecológico Yvaga Guazú, Km 12.5, Doble Vía La Guardia, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
November 4
Englewood Orchid Society Plant Sale, Christ Lutheran Church, 701 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood, Florida
November 4
Hawkes Bay Orchid Society Sarcochilus Show, Clive Hall, 162 Main Rd., Hastings, New Zealand
November 4
Orchid Society of Great Britain Autumn Show, Wraysbury Village Hall, The Green, Wraysbury, Berkshire, UK
November 4
Revesby Workers Australian Native Orchid Club Show, Revesby Workers Club, 2 Brett St., Revesby, NSW, Australia

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The IUCN Orchid Specialist Group Works for Conservation

Posted October 20th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation

The IUCN Orchid Specialist Group does vital conservation work. IUCN stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a global organization which strives to preserve nature and promote sustainable development. Thousands of experts volunteer their time to support IUCN’s projects, including the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Red List scientifically assesses the extinction risk for plants, animals, and all living creatures. The Orchid Specialist Group (OSG) was first created in 1984 to focus on orchid conservation. Thousands of orchid species have been studied, and many are listed as endangered, close to extinction, or already extinct. Most orchid species still need to be surveyed.

Orchid experts can volunteer with the OSG by contacting them online. Everyone can enjoy their wonderful orchid photo gallery, newsletters, and informative info on their website. Their work is essential to save endangered orchids.

Delighting in Indoor Orchid Blooms

Posted October 10th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, Intermediate Growers, Photos

Maxillaria marginata, orchid species flower, AKA Brasiliorchis marginata, cream-color flower edged in dark red, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMaxillaria marginata, orchid species flower, AKA Brasiliorchis marginata, side view of cream-color flower edged in dark red, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMexicoa ghiesbreghtiana, AKA Oncidium ghiesbreghtianum, orchid species flower, bright yellow and reddish-brown flower, fragrant flower, Mexican orchid species, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

After a few warm, sunny autumn days, we’re delighting in indoor orchids. The first two photos show my Maxillaria marginata, a great intermediate grower. Its flowers are similar to its close relative the Coconut Orchid, but not as fragrant. Long stems hold them away from the plant, so they don’t get lost in the leaves like the Coconut Orchid’s shy blooms. I bought this plant about five years ago, and after figuring out its growing conditions, it’s become a reliable bloomer. Next are two photos of sunny Mexicoa flowers. This plant seemed to struggle after repotting last year, so I was relieved when a few of its lemon-scented flowers popped open.

Mexicoa ghiesbreghtiana, AKA Oncidium ghiesbreghtianum, orchid species flowers, bright yellow and reddish-brown flowers, fragrant flower, Mexican orchid species, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaBrassia hybrid flowers, Spider Orchid, large flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaBrassia hybrid flower, Spider Orchid, large flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

The Spider Orchid features tall, skinny blooms with a spicy scent. This Brassia hybrid flowers frequently. I’m pretty sure it has the biggest orchid blooms I’ve ever grown, occasionally topping 14 inches (35.6 cm) tall. Finally, there are couple of pictures of a Phal hybrid rescued from Dave’s old office. It’s not fragrant, but it flowers almost all year long. It’s a fantastic orchid.

Brassia hybrid flowers, Spider Orchid, large flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaBrassia hybrid flowers, Spider Orchid, large flowers, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMoth Orchid flower, Phal, Phalaenopsis orchid hybrid, yellow flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaMoth Orchid flower, Phal, Phalaenopsis orchid hybrid, yellow flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

October Orchid Events

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

Orchid events span six continents in October. Don’t miss these opportunities to enjoy incredible flowers, take photos, buy plants, meet other orchid lovers, or learn from experts.

October 4 – 15
Central California Orchid Society Show at the Big Fresno Fair, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, California
October 5 – 6
Maitland & Coalfields District Orchid Society Show, Thornton Shopping Centre, Thomas Coke Dr. & Taylor Ave., Thornton, NSW, Australia
October 6 – 7
Gippsland Orchid Society Spring Show, Mid-Valley Shopping Centre, Princes Highway, Morwell, Victoria, Australia
October 6 – 8
Mornington Peninsula Orchid Society Spring Show, Bunnings Frankston, Mcmahons Rd & Gertrude St., Frankston, Victoria, Australia
October 6 – 8
Festival international des Orchidées à Fontfroide, Abbaye de Fontfroide, Rd 613, Narbonne, France
October 6 – 8
Exposição de Orquídeas Caraguá, Secretaria de Turismo, Av. Dr. Arthur Costa Filho, 25, Centro, Caraguatatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
October 7
Kansas Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale, Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, 701 Amidon St., Wichita, Kansas
October 7
North of England Orchid Society Show, Barton Village Hall, Preston, Lancashire, UK
October 7
Wairoa Orchid Society Show, Presbyterian Church Hall, 104 Queen St., Wairoa, New Zealand
October 7 – 8
Northwest Orchid Society Fall Show & Sale, Volunteer Park Conservatory, 1400 E. Galer St., Seattle, Washington

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China’s Lucrative Orchid Industry Is a Test for the Nation’s Commitment to Conservation

Posted September 28th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation, In the News

China is a hotspot of botanical diversity, and that includes orchids. Many have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, but are being threatened by habitat loss and overcollection. Dozens of species of Dendrobiums are among those collected from the wild. The dried plants are added into teas or soups to help a variety of ailments. As China’s orchids have become overcollected and rare, it’s importing them from neighboring countries.

Fortunately, China is starting to better conserve its orchids. In 2o21, the nation declared all 96 of its native Dendrobium species to be protected. It’s encouraging farmers to cultivate them in industrial greenhouses, or in native forest conditions, rather than collect wild plants. Challenges include enforcing new rules, and reversing the declines in orchid numbers. If China can balance traditional uses with conservation, it can be a model for other countries working to protect their native orchid species.

Autumn Orchid Colors

Posted September 22nd, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Paphiopedilum Winston Churchill 'Indomitable' FCC/AOS, Paph, Lady Slipper orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygoneria Adelaide Meadows, Zygo, orchid hybrid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaVanda orchid flower, blue and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Cochlioda densiflora var. flava 'Mango', orchid species flowers, brilliant yellow and white flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium hybrid orchid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDracula polyphemus 'J & L's Big Red', orchid species flower, weird flower, pleurothallid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

The seasons cycle on as fall arrives today in the northern hemisphere.  Autumnal orchid colors include the reds, yellows, oranges, purples, and browns of falling leaves, along with the blues of a crisp, clear sky. These photos are from last winter’s Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco. Happy equinox.

Cymbidium Strathdon Cooksbridge Fantasy, orchid hybrid flowers, peloric flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCattleya Fire Magic, Sophrolaeliocattleya Fire Magic, orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMasdevallia orchid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Dendrobium Hilda Poxon, orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPaphiopedilum Julius, Paph, Lady Slipper orchid hybrid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Wallamurra 'Jupiter', orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Demystifying Orchid Pollination

Posted September 16th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Books, Fragrant Orchids, Videos

The vast, diverse orchid family uses a mind-boggling number of strategies to attract pollinators and attach pollen to them. Check out a few of their fascinating methods in the videos below —

Lady in Black – Pollination in Vanilla

Blowin’ in the Wind – Wind mediated pollination in orchids

What Have I Done to Deserve This? – The unusual ecology of the bucket orchid Coryanthes

Your Latest Trick – Telipogon pollination

Comfortably Numb – Poisonous nectar and inebriated pollinators

Find additional orchid pollination videos at Adam Karremans’ YouTube channel, and discover more in his upcoming book, Demystifying Orchid Pollination.