AboutOrchids

An endangered orchid has reappeared for the first time since 1938!  The rare species, Liparis hostifolia, is known as shimakumokiriso in Japanese, and is only found on the Ogasawara Islands bordering the tropics, 620 miles (1000 km) south of Tokyo. It hadn’t been seen in decades, but a specimen was found over the summer, and […]

Do you think that all orchids are fussy hothouse flowers? This brilliant Odont orchid lives outdoors all year long on the chilly Northern California coast. Despite heavy rains, strong winds, hail, heatwaves, and mischievous raccoons, it’s a very reliable bloomer. These flowers look delicate, but they can last three months through winter. This hybrid is […]

Scientists have published a study in Nature that explains why plant diversity discourages insect pests. Damaging insects love monocultures, large areas planted with a single crop, because they conveniently concentrate nutrients in one place. Diverse plantings have less of what they like, so bugs need to work harder in search of food. As a result, […]

San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers is so packed with remarkable plants that there’s always more to explore. I’ve already done a few posts about our recent visit, but I still have photos to share. There are plenty more orchids, from brilliant Moth Orchids to bizarre Bulbophyllums. Although they aren’t orchids, the strange Bat Flower in the […]

With events in every corner of the earth, it’s easy to celebrate orchids. From Santa Barbara to Lisbon, this month features plenty of shows to choose from. November 3 – 5 Massachusetts Orchid Society Show & Sale, Mahoney’s Garden Center, 242 Cambridge St., Winchester, Massachusetts November 3 – 5 Feria de Orquídeas, Parque Botánico Orquidario, […]