Bulbophyllums are one of the largest and strangest orchid families in the world. With over 2000 species and a growing number of hybrids, they have ridiculously diverse flower forms. Some of their blooms are large, some are tiny, and some don’t look like flowers at all. They all have fascinating, hinged floral lips which jiggle […]
This little orchid is certainly not the showiest, or the most colorful, but it’s a survivor. I blogged about this mini Cynorkis a few years ago, when I thought I might have killed it. Actually, it was fine, and grew again without problem. In the years since, whenever I’ve worried that I might have done […]
The annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is always dazzling. This year’s big event highlights the garden city of Singapore with thousands of orchids and exotic flowers, and runs a few more weeks until April 28th. Singapore is one of the world’s tiniest countries. Located near the equator in Southeast Asia, […]
Smithsonian magazine reveals the secret orchids of Palau. The tiny South Pacific nation is spread across 344 small islands. With sun-drenched beaches and coral reefs full of vibrant fish, it’s known as one of the best dive sites in the world. But Palau is more than a biodiversity hotspot for fish. It’s also a hotspot […]
A new species of vanilla orchid has been discovered in the Amazon. Vanilla denshikoira appears to be closely related to the Vanilla planifolia we all love to eat. The new species was recently found in the northwest Amazon in Colombia, within the Guyana Shield, one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Only two […]
Brassavola orchids feature showy, durable, fragrant flowers. These Cattleya relatives have white or greenish-yellow blooms which emit a strong, sweet fragrance at night. The most popular in cultivation is Brassavola nodosa, shown in the first row of photos above. It’s an easy species to grow. Native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South […]
Now that vanilla beans cost as much as silver, the world’s most delicious orchid is in the news a lot, and scientists are investigating the possibilities of vanilla farms in South Florida. Since vanilla is a vine that climbs trees, it could be “co-cropped” in avocado, citrus, or nut orchards. Farmers could harvest the beans […]
Vandas are orchid royalty. These popular tropical beauties have big, round, colorful, long-lasting flowers. Called strap-leaf Vandas, they are best known in the tropics. In places like Hawaii, it’s easy for growers to accommodate these large plants with long roots and high light needs by tying them onto a tree. Outside the tropics, they’re tougher […]
South Africa’s Mail & Guardian details the problems of soaring vanilla prices in Madagascar. Vanilla is the orchid that we all love to eat, and the cost of vanilla beans has been rising for years. Droughts and cyclones have contributed to increases. But what might be a boon for the economy also brings a lot […]
Moth Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants in the world, and there’s a steady stream of new varieties. These photos highlight some of the latest hybrid trends. Many feature new patterns or color mixes. Others are bigger, rounder, and flatter. Miniatures are smaller than ever, and harlequins continue to flaunt their artistry. Some […]
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