AboutOrchids

Orchid shows are a great way to enjoy beautiful flowers, even if you don’t have a green thumb. Here’s a list of some shows happening in North America this month. There are many more in the USA and all over the world this spring, so keep your eyes open for shows near you. April 3-6 […]

There is no simple formula for how many times a week an orchid should be watered. I give some estimates on the pages that describe orchid care for common species, but they are really meant as general guidelines, not a strict set of watering rules. You have to factor in temperature, humidity, light, and time […]

… and the day is the first day of Spring. These beautiful Jumellea arachnantha blooms made for a great equinox celebration. It’s native to the Comoros Islands by Madagascar, and the flowers have a strong fragrance during the day.

Spring is on the way, which means I am already busy repotting. With the season bringing stronger sunlight and more warmth, most orchids start a cycle of growth. It’s the best time to replace old potting material and provide an open, fresh environment for new roots. Years ago, I was shocked when I first saw […]

This beautiful Helcia sanguinolenta flower has been open for a few days. They live as epiphytes at elevations as high as 10,000 feet (3000 meters) in the Andes of Ecuador. Its native climate is similar to San Francisco’s, with mild temperatures and foggy days.

No, they were not functional during the show. These hand-made porcelain urinals are the work of California artist Clark Sorensen, and were featured at last week’s Pacific Orchid Expo here in San Francisco. If anyone is in doubt about your love of orchids, these would certainly prove your devotion, and then some. I’m also including […]

Since we don’t own a car (a big hassle here in San Francisco,) Dave and I usually head to the SF orchid show with our friend Kim. She’s kind enough to give us a ride and help us transport our new orchid purchases home. But this year Kim couldn’t make it, so Dave brought me […]