Vanilla, the world’s most delicious orchid, has been going up in price. The beans are more expensive due to several factors, including a poor crop in Madagascar, the world’s biggest producer. Other problems include speculators who hoard the beans, previous years of low prices when farmers switched to other crops, and criminals who use the […]
Even if it seems that Dave is on a whirlwind tour of the planet’s botanical gardens, that’s not really the case. He’s just traveling a lot for work, and he’s taking advantage of chances to sightsee. Last week, after a conference in Canada, he was able to enjoy one of the most impressive gardens in […]
The International Phalaenopsis Alliance (IPA) is all about the appreciation, cultivation, and conservation of Moth Orchids. IPA members receive the beautiful Phalaenopsis quarterly journal, full of Moth Orchid news and photos. Members also enjoy informative newsletters, national and regional meetings, and lots of opportunities to learn from experts. As part of its conservation efforts, the […]
If you have a warm, sunny windowsill, and sometimes forget to water, Tolumnias may be perfect for you. These mini orchids have eye-catching colors and patterns. I bought this Tolumnia hybrid at last year’s Pacific Orchid Expo, and this year, it put on a great show with lots of brilliant blooms. Tolumnias are native to […]
Enjoy these photos from our recent visit to Puerto Vallarta. We really enjoyed getting out of the touristy areas and plunging into the jungle at Vallarta Botanical Gardens. It’s a great nature escape 30 minutes south of the busy city. In addition to orchids, the gardens feature lots of amazing bromeliads, succulents, and every color […]
Dave and I first enjoyed a visit to Vallarta Botanical Garden five years ago. We had the privilege to return earlier this month, and we were once again thrilled by the superb gardens and plentiful orchids. I’ll start with a post dedicated to their orchids, but be sure the check back soon for more flora […]
Ghost Orchids are making a comeback in South Florida. These beautiful, rare, leafless orchids are being saved through intensive conservation efforts by scientists who cultivate seeds in the lab, and then return the plants to the wild.
Are these blue Moth Orchids too good to be true? Well, yes, they are. There are no true blue Moth Orchids. Instead, these plants have white flowers which have been injected with dye. That info is contained somewhere on the label, but many people don’t spot it, and don’t realize that these aren’t what they […]
Unlike tough orchid hybrids, many orchid species deserve their finicky reputations. They have exacting care needs, requiring precise temperatures, special potting, or purified water. Fortunately, there are some exceptions to the finicky orchid species rule. These easy warm growers and intermediate growers are great choices for orchid beginners. (I’ll highlight easy cool growers in a […]
NPR reports that American and Cuban scientists are working to bring back some of Florida’s native orchids. Listen to the story below–
You are currently browsing the archives for the Warm Growers category.
