AboutOrchids

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is working to conserve rare native orchids. The Arboretum is building a seed bank for all of the state’s 48 native species, including the official state flower, the Showy Lady’s Slipper. The effort is part of a larger conservation project, headed by the Smithsonian Institution, to preserve seeds from all of […]

AboutOrchids only dabbles in politics related to orchid conservation, and this post is no exception. If you’re an orchid lover, the only choice for president this November is Hillary Clinton. The Republican nominee would be a disastrous decision for many reasons, but the one that’s most important on this blog is saving our endangered planet. […]

Scientists are working to restore wild populations of Florida’s native orchids, including the famous Ghost Orchid. Seedlings grown in labs are being transplanted in the Everglades. So far, results have been promising, with many young plants surviving the move. For most of the year, these bizarre, leafless orchids are simply masses of roots attached to […]

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 […]

The International Phalaenopsis Alliance (IPA) is all about the appreciation, cultivation, and conservation of Moth Orchids. IPA members receive the beautiful Phalaenopsis quarterly journal, full of Moth Orchid news and photos. Members also enjoy informative newsletters, national and regional meetings, and lots of opportunities to learn from experts. As part of its conservation efforts, the […]

Gaia Amazonas is a remarkable Colombian conservation organization. Created to protect the biological and cultural diversity of the Amazon, Gaia Amazonas has helped return over 100,000 square miles (26 million square kilometers) of Colombian rainforest back to the control of its native peoples. That’s an area larger than the UK!  Alongside the traditional knowledge and […]

Would you like to have an orchid adventure in southern France? How about southwestern China? Check out these expertly guided trips from the Orchid Conservation Alliance. I’ve blogged before about their great work to preserve orchids. The trip to France is coming up first, from April 22 – May 1. Orchid lovers will enjoy wine, […]

Orchids in Minnesota? In fact, the state has dozens of native species, one being the Small White Lady Slipper, Cypripedium candidum. This rare orchid already has an uncertain future, threatened by habitat destruction and invasive species. Now, a new study examines dangers from climate change.

Enjoy these photos from our recent visit to Puerto Vallarta. We really enjoyed getting out of the touristy areas and plunging into the jungle at Vallarta Botanical Gardens. It’s a great nature escape 30 minutes south of the busy city. In addition to orchids, the gardens feature lots of amazing bromeliads, succulents, and every color […]