Archive for December, 2014

Gift Orchid Care

Sunday, December 28th, 2014

If you’re enjoying a beautiful gift orchid, but wondering how to take care of it, you’ve found the right place. Despite their reputations as difficult plants, orchids are easy. Check the orchid care tips below the photos to learn how to keep your plant happy. Identify your orchid –  Different orchids have different care needs, […]

The Sun’s Return

Wednesday, December 24th, 2014

Please forgive me for being a few days late with my customary solstice post. We traveled to a family celebration in Maryland, and I had no blogging time. Spending a few days in wintry weather, however, reminded me of the warming power of orchids. Nursing a tropical plant though a cold, sun-starved winter can be […]

Coy Australian Orchids

Wednesday, December 17th, 2014

Koalas and kangaroos are well-known Australian wildlife, but many people don’t realize how many fascinating orchids are also Aussie natives. Australian Geographic showcases some of the most remarkable in “Orchids: The coy seduction.”  Natives like the Sun Orchid, Purple Enamel Orchid, Hammer Orchid, and Giant Spider Orchid are rarely seen outside the country. Check out […]

Orchid Books

Friday, December 12th, 2014

Worried that a gift orchid might freeze its blooms off? Give an orchid book instead! Orchid books are full of gorgeous flowers, make great holiday presents, and don’t need water or fertilizer. Check out the five popular examples below: Growing Windowsill Orchids Master experts from Kew Gardens share their orchid success tips. Short but thorough, […]

How the Cymbidium Industry Came to Santa Barbara

Saturday, December 6th, 2014

The next Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will recall how World War II turned the area into an orchid haven. England was the world’s leading Cymbidium grower before World War II. During the war, the UK’s valuable plants were threatened by aerial bombings and fuel shortages. To help save them, orchid enthusiasts in California purchased […]