If your Phals, or Moth Orchids, aren’t in bloom right now, here’s a useful, fun fact: 3 weeks of cooler temperatures in early autumn can trigger new flower spikes. Typically, Phals don’t want temps below 65°F (18°C.) To mimic a cool spell in their Southeast Asian homes, let them drop to 60°F (16°C) at night, […]
This hardy orchid is a Cyrtochilum, a reliable bloomer in the Oncidium family. It has spectacular yellow, white, and purple flowers. Dozens of blossoms emerge from long, vining flower spikes, which can extend up to 10 ft. (3 m.) These spikes grow for months, and like to wind around my tall Epidendrums. Blooms as wide […]
Orchids starter kits have been around for years, often sold alongside starter kits for other tropical plants. They’re a clever sales solution for tropical areas like Hawaii, where strict rules apply for plant export. The plants are packaged by certified nurseries, and they can be quickly checked by airport agricultural inspectors. Sometimes they’re baby orchids […]
Fortunately, it’s easier to grow a Coelogyne than it is to figure out how to say it. Each of these pure white flowers has a bright orange lip, and delights with a sweet scent. Blooms can last a month or more. To pronounce it, say “see-LODGE-in-ee.” This species originates in the mountains of Vietnam, where […]
If you think that orchids are all delicate and fragile, here’s a hardy Australian mini that will surprise you. This Sarcochilus is one tough species, related to Phals and Vandas. In the wild, it grows as a lithophyte, or rock plant. Its roots attach to cliff faces in eastern Australia, and they hold on despite […]
An intimidating Latin name, Paphiopedilum venustum, threatens to distract from this beautiful Paph. Fortunately, that translates to the very pronounceable “Charming Lady Slipper.” The Latin for “Stunning Lady Slipper” might fit better, but perhaps that name was already taken. Indeed, “charming” seems an understatement for this wonderful species from the southern slopes of the Himalayas. […]
By the end of May, San Francisco’s rainy season has usually given way to the dry season, but this year’s weather seems anything but typical. Fortunately we’ve had nothing like the violent storms in other parts of the country. Instead, a cool, wet spring is keeping the garden well hydrated. The light rains and mild […]
Over the years, I’ve looked at lots of pictures of Stanhopeas to try to figure them out. It’s easy to see that the blossoms are large, showy, and unusual. It’s harder to make sense of their incredible shapes. They could be fantastic birds, weird bugs, or strange humanoids. So if these photos leave you somewhat […]
If you’re admiring a beautiful orchid gift, and you’re worried about killing it, take a deep breath and relax. Common orchid varieties don’t deserve their finicky reputations, and don’t require a green thumb. With a few care basics, they can keep their exotic tropical flowers for weeks or months. Most orchids sold today are sturdy […]
Moving orchids into shadier areas is standard spring care, but don’t put them in the dark! Seeing orchids growing wild in the tropics, I’ve been amazed how many grow in full sun. Sure, Vandas and Epidendrums love sun, but even lower light varieties, like Phals and Paphs, can handle direct sun for part of the […]
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