AboutOrchids

Here are some more pictures from our recent visit to Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, PA. Cymbidium flowers Originally I mis-identified this orchid. Its correct name is Bifrenaria harrisoniae. The center looks like a smiley face with a fuzzy beard. In high humidity at Phipps, orchid roots grow exposed to the open air. The roots growing […]

It’s a sign of springtime that I have so many orchids starting to bloom. This little red Maxillaria tenuifolia may not look as impressive as larger orchids, but it packs a big scent. This single flower fills our front room with a sweet coconut aroma. It is native to Central American jungles, and enjoys warm […]

There is no simple formula for how many times a week an orchid should be watered. I give some estimates on the pages that describe orchid care for common species, but they are really meant as general guidelines, not a strict set of watering rules. You have to factor in temperature, humidity, light, and time […]

Spring is on the way, which means I am already busy repotting. With the season bringing stronger sunlight and more warmth, most orchids start a cycle of growth. It’s the best time to replace old potting material and provide an open, fresh environment for new roots. Years ago, I was shocked when I first saw […]

This beautiful Helcia sanguinolenta flower has been open for a few days. They live as epiphytes at elevations as high as 10,000 feet (3000 meters) in the Andes of Ecuador. Its native climate is similar to San Francisco’s, with mild temperatures and foggy days.

You’ll definitely find me at the San Francisco Orchid Society’s annual show, the Pacific Orchid Exposition, held at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion. This year’s theme is “Orchids Gone Wild,” and the show runs February 28 – March 2. There will be thousands of stunning orchids on display and for sale. You’ll also find lots of […]

One of my most frustrating experiences as a beginning orchid grower was understanding this thing called “the dormant season.” My orchids all seem to be growing or flowering in the winter. Even some Dendrobiums and Cattleyas which didn’t seem to do anything all year long suddenly started growing and blooming in December. How could they […]

This Diplocaulobium is a great little Dendrobium relative that flowered today, and went a long way to pick me up from my winter doldrums. Its spider-like flowers last less than a day, opening in the morning and closing the same evening. But it more than makes up for its short-lived flowers by blooming frequently. I’ve […]