AboutOrchids

We’re celebrating a milestone in our garden: orchids which have been in continuous bloom for over a decade! These brilliant red Epidendrums have thrived outdoors here in San Francisco, surviving 10 years of strong winds, heat waves, grey winters, heavy rains, close to freezing temps, occasional hailstorms, and battles with raccoons. Through it all, they’ve […]

What do Brazil nuts have to do with orchids? Their relationship illustrates the complex links between rainforest residents. The nuts grow on massive trees in the Amazon, and rely on bees to pollinate their flowers. The bees, in turn, rely on orchids. Male bees collect orchid fragrances to lure females. They prefer the sweet scents of […]

From forests in the mountains of Japan and Taiwan, the Yellow Pine Orchid boasts clusters of colorful flowers. This cute mini orchid is Gastrochilus japonicus, a Vanda relative. This species blooms with tiny flowers dangling beneath its leaves. The entire flower cluster is only 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide. Since the blossoms hang below the […]

Two recent news stories highlight fascinating discoveries about orchids. First, from the Imperial College of London, there’s news about orchid trickery. Scientists studied Trichocentrum ascendens, a member of the Oncidium family. Its cheery yellow blooms don’t have any reward for its pollinators. Instead, it mimics flowers of neighboring plants which are full of oil. The orchid […]

Are your orchids shrinking instead of growing? Changing your orchid care can help your plants grow larger. Healthy plants expand over the years. Added leaves can translate into added flowers. While bigger isn’t always better, it’s often an indication of vigorous plants. Address any of these potential problems which can cause orchids to shrink: Low light […]

Are these orchids really black? Though common in fantasy novels and perfume names, black orchids exist only in legend. Even varieties which appear black are actually dark purple or dark brown. The fact that they don’t exist in nature doesn’t stop the orchid world from trying. Many orchid breeders labor to turn myth into fact […]

What would it be like to travel the world visiting orchid shows? Let August’s events be your guide. Take an incredible orchid tour, from Brisbane to Singapore to Hilo to Toronto to London. August 2 Singapore Orchid Ball, Conrad Centennial Hotel, 2 Temasek Blvd., Marina Centre, Singapore August 2 – 3 Houston Orchid Society Summer […]