These magical gems are Pleurothallids, a large, diverse orchid family from Central and South America. They’re popular with orchid growers who enjoy their brilliant colors, fantastic shapes, and compact sizes. Many have names which seem larger than the plants themselves. Masdevallias are the best known Pleurothallids. The first row of photos below shows just a […]
Considering its tiny flowers, this unusual Domingoa can really put on a show. Its thick, speckled leaves produce long stems with tiny purple blossoms. This plant can stay in bloom for more than two months, putting out successive flowers over late summer and early autumn. I’ve had this Domingoa growing outdoors and blooming well for […]
We’re celebrating a milestone in our garden: orchids which have been in continuous bloom for over a decade! These brilliant red Epidendrums have thrived outdoors here in San Francisco, surviving 10 years of strong winds, heat waves, grey winters, heavy rains, close to freezing temps, occasional hailstorms, and battles with raccoons. Through it all, they’ve […]
From forests in the mountains of Japan and Taiwan, the Yellow Pine Orchid boasts clusters of colorful flowers. This cute mini orchid is Gastrochilus japonicus, a Vanda relative. This species blooms with tiny flowers dangling beneath its leaves. The entire flower cluster is only 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide. Since the blossoms hang below the […]
Are these orchids really black? Though common in fantasy novels and perfume names, black orchids exist only in legend. Even varieties which appear black are actually dark purple or dark brown. The fact that they don’t exist in nature doesn’t stop the orchid world from trying. Many orchid breeders labor to turn myth into fact […]
Orchids are important symbols for many nations. The countries listed below have picked native orchids as national flowers, and proud emblems of their natural heritage. Many hold special meanings, often associated with important holidays. Some of these species are endangered, and their national status helps promote their conservation. Belize – The Black Orchid, Prosthechea cochleata, […]
South Africa has so many fascinating native orchids that they seem to overshadow this mini species. Maybe that’s why this charming Mystacidium isn’t common in cultivation. However, it is one of the most common orchids found in South Africa. Last summer, I blogged about my plant’s impressive display, and this year, it’s unfurled an even bigger […]
It’s been awhile since I’ve shared pictures from our back garden, so I went out with my camera during this week’s warm spell to snap a few shots. From Violas to Lily of the Nile to Nasturtiums, there’s plenty in bloom. There are always orchids in bloom on the back deck. One of my favorites, […]
With today’s solstice, summer arrives in the northern half of the globe. Celebrate the arrival of the season with these orchid beauties: Summer’s warmth and long hours of daylight kick orchid growth into high gear. Check out these care tips so your plants can thrive: Increase watering during warm or windy weather. Plants with actively […]
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 […]
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