AboutOrchids

Scaphosepalums aren’t very popular orchids. Having small flowers and long names doesn’t help. That’s a shame, because they’re beautiful and fascinating. Some have blooms which look like mustaches. Some resemble birds in flight, and some look like they have fangs. They can flower sequentially on the same spike, so happy plants may continue blooming for years. The Scaphosepalum verrucosum in the first photo above has been flowering continuously for a dozen years in the back garden.

Ten species are illustrated here. There are as many as 64 species. These miniature air plants range from Mexico to Bolivia, and most grow in cool or intermediate temperatures. Like other pleurothallids, they can’t dry out. They require regular water, high humidity, and good air movement. My Scaphosepalum verrucosum can handle full morning sun, which makes its leaves turn purple, but most prefer shady conditions.

Besides Scaphosepalums, there are many other amazing pleurothallid orchids for growers who can provide high humidity, and cool or intermediate temps. They include:

• Masdevallia
• Dracula
• Dresslerella
• Lepanthes
• Lepanthopsis
• Stelis

Australians love orchids, and September proves it, with well over 60 shows this month. It’s busy on five other continents, too. Be sure to take advantage of any events near you.

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Considering that it’s the smaller of San Francisco’s two annual orchid events, Orchids in the Park rises to the occasion. Stunning flowers compete for attention and awards. The sights and scents are amazing. My first post about last month’s show highlighted uncommon or rarely seen varieties. This post has even more. If you’re in awe of beautiful orchids at the supermarket, you’ll be astonished by how much the vast orchid world has to offer. Enjoy these photos, and be sure to check out orchid events near you.

This mini Dresslerella is fuzzy all over. Its flowers, stems, and leaves are hairy. Dresslerella lasiocampa could even be described as shaggy. This orchid may be hairy because it likes morning sun, and the fuzz offers some protection from burning. Or it may be a way to collect water from fog, with dew drops condensing on the hairs.

The blooms resemble hairy boats, or fuzzy baby pelicans, or maybe furry caterpillars. They may lack glamour, but they’re cute and weird, with plenty of character. The flowers have lasted over five weeks. I’ve seen photos of this species with flowers that have opened more widely than mine, but these two blossoms have only opened part of the way. This could be a natural variation, a genetic mutation, or a care issue, such as temperature, air movement, or fertilizer problems. But as long as it keeps blooming, I’ll enjoy whatever shape it takes.

I’ve had this fascinating pleurothallid for about a year. It lives inside a glass vase with a plate on top and water in the bottom, as shown in the final photo. This provides the high humidity that this orchid needs.  The little plant is mounted, and propped up in a small flower pot to keep it completely above the water. I clean the glass once a week, and change the water, but otherwise it needs minimal care with this setup. This species is native to Ecuador and Peru at elevations up to 5906 feet (1800 m.)

Orchid events are happening on six continents this month. The Southern Hemisphere is especially busy, with shows spanning Australia and elsewhere. Take advantage of these opportunities to enjoy incredible flowers, talk with experts, take photos, and buy plants for your collection.

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Last weekend’s Orchids in the Park was a thrill. As an orchid geek, I enjoy weird or unusual species, especially when I’m seeing them in person for the first time. This event provided me with several firsts. To start, the top row of photos above features the rare Dimorphorchis lowii, which boasts two distinct types of flowers on the same spike. This air plant is native to jungles in Borneo. Fragrant yellow blooms open near the leaves, contrasting with scentless maroon flowers hanging down the rest of the long spike. In the amazingly diverse world of orchids, it’s a remarkable standout. It was a pleasant surprise to see and smell its blossoms.

The second row of photos above shows three more rare and strange varieties which I don’t think I’ve seen in person before. There’s a Polycycnis, looking like an elaborate swan, a bug-like Moth Orchid, and a Bulbophyllum with curly sepals.

The floral wonders didn’t stop there, as evidenced by the remaining pictures, including the wonderful variegation on Bulbophyllum reticulatum‘s leaves. As usual, the annual event was full of amazing flowers, friendly orchid lovers, and busy vendors. Check back soon for more photos.

Orchids in the Park 2026 is happening next weekend, July 25-26, in San Francisco. The event features lots of amazing orchids, vendors, expert demos, kids’ corner, and more. Succulents, carnivorous plants, and bromeliads are also on display and for sale. Discount tickets are available now, or buy them at the door. It takes place at the SF County Fair Building, 1199 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way, next to the SF Botanical Garden entrance. Check out these photos from last year for a small taste of what to expect.

Meet Elleanthus amethystinus, a fascinating orchid from the Andes. Out of bloom, the plant looks like a small clump of bamboo, with pointed leaves on thin stems. But when clusters of bright pink flowers emerge, it’s obviously an orchid. The charming blossoms boast fringed lips, and resemble little joyous birds. Each flower is only about 1/8 inch (3 mm,) but with dozens of clusters of blooms, the plant creates an impressive display.

Native to high elevations in Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, this species seems perfectly happy living outdoors on the foggy Northern California coast. It’s a reliable bloomer, and can stay in flower up to two months. Each cluster may have a dozen or more flowers open at a time. This cool grower is a terrestrial which likes morning sun and regular watering.

Other members of the Elleanthus genus live in tropical Latin America, and also feature masses of brightly colored blooms. They’re related to Sobralias, although my Sobralia species, with flowers as large as 10 inches (25 cm,) illustrates how different these relatives can be. Elleanthus are unusual orchids with delightful colors. They’re excellent for collectors who enjoy bamboo-like plants with beautiful blossoms.

From Singapore to San Francisco to São Paulo, and all across Australia, there are orchid events around the globe this month. Take advantage of shows, sales, auctions, and talks near you.

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For today’s summer solstice, enjoy these orchids happily growing wild in Colorado and Utah. The first row of photos features the Spotted Coralroot, an unusual leafless plant which only appears above ground when it blooms. Despite this peculiarity, its flowers are spectacular, as are its deep red stems. Below, the second row of pictures highlights a Stream Orchid. This tough species ranges from southwest Canada to northwest Mexico. As its common name suggests, it likes to live near water. The final photo shows a Painted Milkvetch plant. It’s not an orchid, but certainly has wonderfully colorful seedpods. Photos courtesy of Brenda Hogue.

If you find orchids in the wild, never remove or damage them. Do not cut their flowers, and be careful not to trample them or nearby plants. Take away only memories and photos.

Check out these earlier posts about Coralroots, Stream Orchids, and other native species:

• A Weird Coralroot Orchid Grows in Austin
• These Coralroot Orchids Are Welcoming Summer
• More Native Colorado Orchids
• Native Colorado Orchids
• Stream Orchid