AboutOrchids

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

June offers lots of great events on five continents. In addition, it’s important to mention that I don’t include local society meetings in these posts, because there are just too many to list. Be sure to connect with your local group. Many have monthly meetings with expert speakers, orchid displays, raffles, and friendly orchid lovers who are eager to welcome newcomers.

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Ask locals in the San Francisco Bay Area where it’s the foggiest, and many will say Pacifica. The town that Dave and I have called home for over a dozen years even has an annual Fog Fest. Blowing in from ocean, the fog is fascinating and beautiful, even when it arrives on a chilly wind. It creates the perfect conditions for cool-growing orchids like Masdevallias.

Many people are surprised that these orchids grow and flower outdoors here. Our cooling fog seems to replicate their cloud-forest homes in Central and South America. Last month, we had warm temperatures and almost no fog, which is unusual spring weather for us. It seems to reflect warming patterns that are already very noticeable. Fortunately, the fog has returned for the past couple weeks, and it’s keeping the Masdevallias happy. But as our climate continues to heat up, these are some of the orchids which will be affected most.

Check out previous posts about these gorgeous Masdevallias:

• Masdevallia veitchiana
• Masdevallia coccinea (white)
• Masdevallia coccinea (yellow)
• Masdevallia coccinea (pink)
• Masdevallia chaparensis
• Masdevallia coriacea

In 1897 London, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) hired an artist to document award-winning orchids in detail. Nelly Roberts became the first orchid artist for the RHS, and would go on to hold the job for 56 years. She left a legacy of thousands of exquisite, botanically accurate paintings. Before she died in 1959, she had been lauded with awards and orchids named for her, but was mostly unknown outside the British orchid world. Fortunately, there has been a growing recognition of her superb talent and important contributions. Her home and grave have received historical markers, and art shows have been devoted to her work. Many of her illustrations are depicted in the book The Orchid: From the Archives of the Royal Horticultural Society.

To learn more, check out these earlier posts:
– Hidden Stories of Groundbreaking Women: Orchid Illustrators
– Enduring Beauty – Orchid Portraits of the RHS

Orchid lovers are gathering this month for a wide variety of events on six continents. Many shows and sales are timed for Mother’s Day on May 10th, which is the biggest orchid holiday in the USA.

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Enjoy an online visit to the Smithsonian’s orchid collection. Their website includes photos, 3D images, care info, news about conservation efforts, and more. The 3D images are quite remarkable, and allow users to explore fascinating flowers in great detail, and from every angle.

The Smithsonian works in collaboration with the US Botanic Garden. Revisit these posts from 2024, Capital Orchids at the US Capitol, and More Photos from the US Botanic Garden.

In addition, check out the videos below about the Smithsonian’s orchids. Online or in-person, it’s definitely worth your time.

Tour of First Lady orchid collection, Smithsonian Gardens

Virtual Tour of the Smithsonian Gardens’ Orchid Collection