AboutOrchids

With their incredible diversity, orchids take many forms. These Thunia flowers may resemble Cattleyas, but this large Thunia plant looks more like a cornstalk than an orchid. Possibly the fastest growing orchid, new Thunia stalks grow 3 feet (0.9 m) or more during spring. This fascinating species has lived in a west-facing room of our [...]

In a world full of hybrid Moth Orchids, it’s always a pleasant surprise to find a species. Typically seen with dark red spots and stripes, this species, Phalaenopsis mannii, also occurs with yellow flowers. This variation is known as Phalaenopsis mannii var. aurea. Its golden color, strange flower lip, and orange fragrance make it as [...]

As the largest and most diverse flower family, orchids can be overwhelming. To make them more manageable, many growers specialize. With 30,000 species, and over 150,000 hybrids, there are countless ways to find a niche in the orchid world. Here are a few: Collect mini’s – Miniature orchids are short on stature, but full of [...]

The Philippines is ready to declare an orchid as its new national flower. Known in the local language as Waling-Waling, Euanthe sanderiana is a member of the Vanda family, and is often called “the Queen of Philippine flowers.” Since this beautiful orchid is endangered, its new status will enable the Philippines to take more conservation measures [...]

“Alba” is Latin for white or pale. With lighter leaves than its close Jewel Orchid relative, this beautiful variant from Vietnam is known as Ludisia discolor alba, or the Alba Jewel Orchid. Instead of dark green leaves with bright pink stripes, it has light green leaves with white stripes. Ludisias are easy to grow. These [...]

As the most important orchid crop, vanilla is everywhere. Beyond its rich flavor, however, is the story of a surprising plant. Vanilla Orchids: Natural History and Cultivation provides a broad survey of this fascinating orchid. Author Ken Cameron, a botany professor from Wisconsin, unravels the tale of the world’s most popular flavor and fragrance. The [...]

This Spiranthes hardly looks like an orchid. Out of bloom, its thin, skinny leaves look like they belong to a weed. Even in bloom, the tiny white flowers bear little resemblance to its grand tropical relatives. Spiranthes’ name hints at its spiral arrangement of flowers. These scented blooms, just over half an inch (1.3 cm) [...]

Food52.com takes a close look at the tastiest orchid, vanilla. Just a few drops or seeds add magic to baked goods, candy, and chocolate. Did you know that the vanilla pod itself has more flavor than its seeds? Pods can be used repeatedly to infuse sugar or any liquid. To enjoy vanilla’s flavor without the [...]

Orchids take many forms, some of them familiar. With these unusual blossoms, it’s easy to see how Anguloas earned the nickname Tulip Orchids. In the wild, they hang onto steep cliffs in the Andes Mountains of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. I don’t see them in cultivation often, and don’t have any in my own [...]

Since August, these charming Samurai Orchid blooms have been brightening our home. Their enchanting flowers don’t have any fragrance during the day, but when evening arrives, they produce a strong, sweet perfume which belies their small size. Native to mountainside forests in Japan, Korea, and China, these prized orchids have been cultivated for centuries in [...]