AboutOrchids

Like people, orchids need to breathe fresh air. A stale or stagnant environment leads to pests and diseases. Moving air evaporates excess water, and cools leaves and roots. In their wild homes, orchids live in gentle breezes and strong winds. As air plants, their leaves and roots blow in the rainforest canopy. In homes and offices, […]

With today’s solstice, summer arrives in the northern half of the globe. Celebrate the arrival of the season with these orchid beauties: Summer’s warmth and long hours of daylight kick orchid growth into high gear. Check out these care tips so your plants can thrive: Increase watering during warm or windy weather. Plants with actively […]

Minnesota’s Bemidji Pioneer reports on efforts to save native Lady’s Slippers from destruction. It’s a lot of work on behalf of a beautiful pink, white, and yellow orchid. Cypripedium reginae, or the Showy Lady’s Slipper, has been Minnesota’s state flower for over a century. Construction on Beltrami County Highway 39 could destroy the rare orchids […]

With their incredible diversity, orchids take many forms. These Thunia flowers may resemble Cattleyas, but this large Thunia plant looks more like a cornstalk than an orchid. Possibly the fastest growing orchid, new Thunia stalks grow 3 feet (0.9 m) or more during spring. This fascinating species has lived in a west-facing room of our […]

The Nature Conservancy protects many vital orchid habitats. This nonprofit group began in 1951, and now works in all 50 US states and more than 35 countries. With over one million members, it’s one of the largest environmental groups in the world. By purchasing threatened lands, restoring native habitats, and fighting invasive species, the Nature […]

In a world full of hybrid Moth Orchids, it’s always a pleasant surprise to find a species. Typically seen with dark red spots and stripes, this species, Phalaenopsis mannii, also occurs with yellow flowers. This variation is known as Phalaenopsis mannii var. aurea. Its golden color, strange flower lip, and orange fragrance make it as […]