AboutOrchids

If an orchid refuses to bloom over the course of a year, one of the most common culprits is insufficient light. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: • Light green or medium green leaves are a good indication that an orchid is receiving sufficient light. Dark green leaves may look attractive, but […]

Living in a city where space is at a premium, I can always appreciate the virtues of a small orchid. If it doesn’t need much room, it’s so much easier to rationalize why I should buy it. Many an orchid purchase has been preceded by the statement “I can squeeze it in somewhere since it’s […]

One of the most common questions I receive about orchids is how to force them to re-bloom ahead of their natural schedules. There is only one method I know to accomplish this, and it only works with Phalaenopsis. As soon as the last flower fades, cut the flower spike (the stem that holds the flowers) […]

The American Orchid Society, or AOS, promotes education, research, and conservation of orchids. Founded in 1921, the AOS publishes a monthly magazine, Orchids, filled with a wide range of orchid information and photos. From its headquarters, greenhouse, and botanical gardens in Delray Beach, Florida, the AOS educates about orchids and funds conservation efforts throughout the […]

Well, not dragons really, but dragonflies. This one landed on a branch and stayed long enough to pose for Dave’s camera. With a little research, we identified it as a Blue-eyed Darner Dragonfly (scientific name Aeshna multicolor,) native to North America west of the Mississippi River. So what does this beautiful blue creature have to […]

Labellum is the Latin word for “lip,” and the labellum of an orchid flower is a modified petal that is often its most ornate feature. This Paphiopedilum features a prominent labellum shaped like a cup. These Phalaenopsis flowers have a labellum with a yellow center surrounded by 3 lobes. Usually, an orchid labellum is at […]

In the early 90’s I received this Phalaenopsis orchid as a gift from a friend, and it’s been a reliable bloomer ever since. It usually starts to bloom in the spring, and continues through the fall. The large flowers can last for months. Each flower is about 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide. The photo below […]

Here is a sampling of orchid shows happening in July. If you have the opportunity, the Santa Barbara International Orchid Fair is considered one of the best shows in the world, so don’t miss it! July 11-July 13 Santa Barbara International Orchid Fair, Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA, 1-800-553-3387, www.orchidfair.com July […]