AboutOrchids

Fitting enough for February’s “Obsession Issue” of Smithsonian magazine, there’s an engaging article about “The Orchid Olympics.” Last November’s World Orchid Conference in Singapore attracted over 300,000 visitors from 55 countries. Don’t miss the Smithsonian’s superb video tour of the event, highlighting the prize-winning Orchid Society of Papua New Guinea. Then check out the astonishing […]

Along with these previously mentioned orchid exhibits, many gardens are offering special winter displays. January 12 – February 20 The Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens presents hundreds of orchids in their Orangery. In other areas of the garden, orchids bloom alongside indoor waterfalls. January 14 – April 8 Orchids! Vibrant Victoriana offers a […]

Thanks to Patti R., who recently sent me a question about a confusing orchid care article. Patti was understandably stumped by a gardening column in a normally reliable California newspaper. The column has repeatedly advised Phal growers to water their plants only once every 3 weeks. Patti asked: I know this can’t be right. I […]

Coelia bella has a graceful beauty, a rich fragrance, and a musical name. Its delightful purple, white, and yellow flowers emerge like little trumpets, and have the sweet scent of marzipan or almond oil. This species is native to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Coelia is easy to pronounce; just ignore the “o” […]

Botanical gardens offer great escapes from winter’s doldrums. Visit these special orchid displays and transport yourself to the tropics. January 14 – March 4 Phipps Conservatory Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show welcomes guests to stroll through their spectacular gardens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The show highlights orchids like Phals and Paphs along with the Japanese art […]

Orchids are popular presents to welcome the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23rd. For those celebrating the Chinese New Year or Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, orchids make elegant gifts for family and friends. They’re most favored in red or yellow, the traditional colors for the occasion. At the Asian Garden Mall […]

I’ve already blogged about my objections to watering orchids with ice cubes. It doesn’t take a degree in botany to see that tropical plants, especially warm growers like the Phal in the first photo below, don’t like cold temps. But there’s another, less obvious reason why ice isn’t right for orchids — ice cubes don’t […]