AboutOrchids

The Philippines is full of fascinating orchids, and eight recently discovered species add even more to the country’s total. The article includes good pictures of the new flowers, which are all found on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. There are three new Dendrobiums, two Bulbophyllums, a Dendrochilum, a Glomera, and a stunning Thrixspermum.

Masdevallias love our foggy weather, and we love our Masdevallias right back. This brilliant pink Masdevallia was a gift from a friend many years ago, and I’ve grown it outdoors ever since. Over the past month, it’s put out a bumper crop of 32 flowers and buds, most of them still going strong when Dave […]

Scientists at RBG Kew in London are warning that Madagascar’s native plants are in grave danger of extinction. The fourth largest island in the world is a biodiversity hot spot, home to over 11,000 plant species, most of which are found nowhere else. That includes almost 1000 orchid species like Angraecums, Jumelleas, and Oeoniellas. Habitat destruction, […]

Most orchids don’t deserve their fussy reputations, so don’t panic if you don’t know how to take care of your new Mother’s Day present. With a few basic care tips, orchids can keep their flowers for months, and then bloom again next year. Begin by placing your gift orchid in a shady place with good […]

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the American Orchid Society present “Orchids Through the Artists’ Eyes” from May 13th – June 25th in Coral Gables, Florida. The exhibit features orchid paintings, photographs, porcelain, jewelry, and more. After enjoying the art, visitors can continue with the living orchids in Simons Rainforest and many other wonderful gardens at […]

Moth Orchids, or Phals, have been popular Mother’s Day gifts for years, but sometimes it’s time for something different. The orchid world has endless variety to choose from; these photos show just a tiny sample of what’s available besides Phals. Other popular varieties include Dendrobiums, Cymbidiums, Dancing Lady Orchids, Lady Slippers, Pansy Orchids, and Epidendrums. Each […]

Scientists have identified evidence of the oldest orchid fossil on record. Preserved in amber between 45 and 55 million years ago, a tiny gnat is carrying a tinier bundle of orchid pollen. “We probably shouldn’t say this about a plant, but orchids are very smart” laughed George Poinar, Jr., entomologist at Oregon State University, and […]