AboutOrchids

A British ghost haunts the forests. National Geographic details the reappearance of the bizarre Ghost Orchid (different than the famous Ghost Orchid native to Florida.) This spectral orchid, Epipogium aphyllum, only seems to show up in Britain once every few decades. It has no chlorophyll, but instead lives as a parasite on a fungus. The Ghost […]

Orchids in the Park always bring incredible orchids to Golden Gate Park. This past weekend’s event featured both modern hybrids and spectacular, unusual species. Enjoy the photos from this dazzling show. If this blog sometimes sound like a broken record about the endless diversity of the orchid family, these photos illustrate why. Even veteran orchid […]

Don’t miss Orchids in the Park this weekend! San Francisco’s annual summer orchid show takes place in the County Fair Building at 9th Avenue & Lincoln Way, near the entrance to Strybing Arboretum. These photos from recent years hint at the botanical wonders to expect at this weekend’s event. Besides orchid displays, there will also […]

Don’t be confused by the name — an Orchid Cactus isn’t an orchid, but it does have amazing flowers. Orchid Cacti are tropical succulents with big, vivid blooms that earn an orchid comparison. Also known as epiphyllums, epicacti, or just epis, there are many varieties in a range of brilliant colors, including yellows, pinks, reds, […]

Scientists have discovered a devilish new orchid in Colombia. Telipogon diabolicus earns its species name from a dark maroon coloration that resembles a little demon head. So far, it’s only been found in a small patch of land in southern Colombia, and the species is considered critically endangered.

Orchid-gami is a modern twist on orchids and origami. Kids of all ages can create a beautiful Lady Slipper bloom from a few pieces of paper. Simply download the PDF file, print the pages, cut out the patterns, and follow the instructions to fold together. The North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC) is working with […]

These charming flowers belong to two related orchids, Stenoglottis longifolia and Stenoglottis woodii. They’re some of the easiest African orchid species to grow. The first half-dozen photos show Stenoglottis longifolia. Even though its blooms are small, this species can grow into a big plant. The flowers feature brilliant purple spots and a fringed lip. Dozens […]