AboutOrchids

China is a hotspot of botanical diversity, and that includes orchids. Many have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, but are being threatened by habitat loss and overcollection. Dozens of species of Dendrobiums are among those collected from the wild. The dried plants are added into teas or soups to help a variety […]

The seasons cycle on as fall arrives today in the northern hemisphere.  Autumnal orchid colors include the reds, yellows, oranges, purples, and browns of falling leaves, along with the blues of a crisp, clear sky. These photos are from last winter’s Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco. Happy equinox.

The vast, diverse orchid family uses a mind-boggling number of strategies to attract pollinators and attach pollen to them. Check out a few of their fascinating methods in the videos below — Lady in Black – Pollination in Vanilla Blowin’ in the Wind – Wind mediated pollination in orchids What Have I Done to Deserve […]

This summer’s Orchids in the Park event filled Golden Gate Park with truly extraordinary flowers. My first post simply scratched the surface. Here are more photos, featuring the species, the hybrids, the latest trends, and the classics. It’s tough to pick favorites, but since I’ve grown Masdevallia chaparensis at home for many years, it’s already […]

From Tasmania to Queeensland, Australians are celebrating orchids this month. There are over 60 events listed below for Australia, and eight in New Zealand, too. North and South America, Europe, and Asia are in there, also, with big shows in Tokyo, Tampa, Bogotá, and Lisbon. September 1 – 2 Nambour Orchid Show, Uniting Church Hall, […]