Orchids love fog. That’s one reason why the Northern California coast is a great place to grow orchids outdoors. Frequent fog, especially in areas closest to the ocean, creates a perfect humid climate for cool growers. Orchids want at least 50% humidity. Fog occurs when levels reach 100%, and the air is saturated with enough […]
When you think of Zygo orchids, think purple. Zygos are known for brilliant purple hues, rich scents, and long-lasting flowers. Alongside all that purple, their showy blooms include green, white, and maroon. These photos show just of few of the growing number of Zygo varieties, with many new hybrids on the market. The species are native […]
It’s a common belief that all orchids are delicate and fragile, unable to adapt to any adverse conditions. A few orchids may fit that description, but many others are tough as nails. This magnificent yellow Masdevallia fits into the “tough as nails” category. Despite any flimsy appearances, these big, brilliant flowers can withstand strong winds. […]
Despite its nickname, the Downy Rattlesnake Plantain has no venom. It’s a hardy orchid species native to eastern North America, with beautiful white veining patterns on its leaves.
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.
New printing technology is helping scientists to understand orchids better. Researchers used 3D printers to help create replicas of Dracula flowers, and experimented with these replicas to reveal how the orchids trick flies into pollinating them.
As the Year of the Monkey arrives, I’m certainly not the first to make the connection with Monkey Orchids. It’s easy to see how these Draculas have earned the Spanish nicknames orquídea mono (monkey orchid) and orquídea cara de mono (monkey face orchid) in their native South American homes. There’s a monkey face in the […]
Don’t hate us because we can garden year-round on the California coast! As a peace offering, please enjoy these pictures of a few orchids blooming outside on our back patio. I snapped these photos during a recent break in the rainy weather. The small Pleurothallis in the first two photos had just opened its strange […]
Following up on my earlier post about easy orchid species, here’s my list of easy cool growers. Unlike most orchid species, those listed below are as easy to grow as hybrids. Once again, this is not any sort of complete list, just a few that I know best. I’ve grown all of these varieties outdoors […]
This Scaphosepalum species is a mini Masdevallia relative with incredible blooming power. The plant shown in most of these photos flowered continuously for over five years! Its new blooms, each smaller than a pea, continually emerge along a lengthening, zig-zag flower spike. The first photo in this series comes from a plant we recently saw in […]
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