AboutOrchids

In case you thought we only took pictures of orchids at Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, I’ve got proof to the contrary. Personally, I’m fascinated by all manner of flora and fauna, but even the most devoted orchid snob would pause for these sights.

Of course, there were more astounding orchids also, like the sweet smelling Aerides in the next two photos. It’s related to Vandas and Phals, and one of the great warm growers that are tough to keep in foggy San Francisco. The third photo shows chains of tiny flowers from a colorful Dendrochilum.

This very strange Bulbophyllum is another warm growing orchid, with tiny flowers that look like passengers on a boat, or an upside-down caterpillar. The white flowers of a fragrant Neobenthamia look normal by comparison, even though they bloom on top of a tall, bamboo-like plant just like an Arundina.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is my idea of orchid heaven. A few years ago, Dave and I discovered it by accident as we took a detour onto a scenic road on the Big Island of Hawaii. Now it’s one of our favorite destinations, and a glance at these photos will tell you why.

Located in a tropical rainforest just a few miles north of Hilo, these orchids grow outdoors in the beautifully tended gardens. There’s a special section for orchid displays, but as you look around, you’ll discover orchids are also spread throughout the whole valley. They have many of the most commonly grown varieties, such as Phals, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, and Oncidiums, alongside some less commonly-seen tropical orchids, like the brilliant red Renanthera in the next photo set.

Besides being a magnificent tourist destination, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden plays an essential role as a sanctuary for endangered plant species. The Garden operates as a non-profit organization, and is also a study center and seed bank dedicated to conservation of rare tropical plants. If you can’t make it to Hawaii, you can still enjoy their flowers by ordering a tropical flower bouquet from their website. They can ship a piece of Hawaiian heaven anywhere in the USA in only 2 days. They obviously have heaven enough to spare.

It’s time for an exercise with your imagination. Before you start with Dave’s incredible photos from our recent trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, envision warm tropical weather and a welcoming spirit of aloha. Imagine sweet scents perfuming the air. You’re in the midst of the natural paradise of Art and Orchids Bed and Breakfast near Hilo. Now that you’re relaxed and warming up, you can truly appreciate these marvelous blooms. Below are a stained-glass Cattleya, a real Cattleya, and a brilliant red hibiscus.

Since our arrival back in San Francisco, we’ve been greeted by cold winter rains. I hope these photos are helping to provide you with the same warm tropical thoughts that we’re trying to retain. Below are flowers from a Spathoglottis, a Hong Kong Orchid Tree (not a true orchid, but it smells just as sweet,) an Anthurium, and a Vireya. They’re all from the B&B’s gardens. If these blooms aren’t enough to mentally transport you to a lush, warm paradise, then maybe Art and Orchids’ great new website can help. And definitely check back here soon for some more inspiration — we have lots more Hawaii pictures to share. Now, if I can just find my sweater.

People often ask me whether to water their orchids with ice cubes. While I know using ice can work for some orchids, I advise against it. Cold water can damage flowers, leaves, and roots. Most commonly sold orchids originate from the tropics, where they never experience anything close to freezing temps. Even orchids that come from high elevation jungles, like Masdevallias and cool growing Dendrobiums, don’t want cold water while they’re growing or blooming.

While melting ice allows the orchid to slowly absorb water, two successive regular-temperature waterings given 10 minutes apart can accomplish the same. Also, ice cubes may not provide enough water to run through the pot and flush out fertilizer residues.

If you’ve been using ice successfully, it’s likely that you have a tough, modern orchid hybrid. However, even resilient hybrids may produce less blooms than normal because of the cold. For all plants, cold slows down metabolic processes that are essential for growth. If ice has been working for you, then don’t stop on my account. But otherwise, save the ice for your lemonade or cocktail.

Ok, so it’s not really Jurassic Park, just the Tree Fern Garden in Golden Gate Park. But this small corner of San Francisco sure feels prehistoric.

Having grown up with cold northeastern winters, I only saw ferns as houseplants until I moved to California. Seeing a fern the size of a tree still makes me think that I’m in the land of the lost. In the tropics and subtropics, tree ferns are often rainforest companions with orchids, but the closest orchids to these are at the nearby Academy of Sciences and Conservatory of Flowers.

Besides these large and ancient ferns, Golden Gate Park always has plenty of blooms, even during our cool, wet winter. Dave snapped these beautiful floral photos during a recent visit, and also took a shot of these dinosaur descendants enjoying a duckweed covered lake. They all provide a congenial step back to eons past, with no worries of sharp, prehistoric teeth.

January’s chilly start has been perfect for this beautiful Arpophyllum. Here on the California coast, this Cattleya relative is blooming outdoors on our back deck, and it’s easy to see how it acquired the nickname “Hyacinth Orchid.” This gorgeous plant was a gift from Dave’s parents, and it’s proving to be a reliable bloomer over the years. Dave took these photos indoors using different lighting than before. This set really brings out the pink in the flowers, but you can compare with the photos from last year when the sunlight really showed them in more of a purple hue.

This species is native to a large area from Mexico south to Colombia, Venezuela and east to Jamaica. Each 4 – 5 inch (10 – 13 cm) spike has dozens of small flowers neatly arranged in a spiral pattern. The last shot in this set shows unopened buds, a reminder that flowers can have charms even before they bloom.

This Hyacinth Orchid supports dozens of flowers even though it’s in its dormant season. I just let our sporadic winter rains take care of it, and don’t add water or fertilizer. With heavier rains, I move it below deck to keep it on the drier side.

If that beautiful orchid you received as a holiday present is now causing you panic attacks and nightmares, take a deep breath. With some basic care info, you’ll realize that many orchids are tough plants, and their finicky reputation is a myth. It will help to identify your orchid to determine its specific light, temperature, and water needs. The most common orchids sold today are Moth Orchids or Phals, so they’re a good place to start.

It’s quite possible that your gift orchid started its life in Taiwan, the world’s leader in commercial orchid production. This great article from the San Jose Mercury News (article no longer available) tells the story of Taiwan’s growing orchid industry, and how mass production technology has brought down prices. Orchids that may have cost thousands of dollars a few decades ago now sell in garden centers and grocery stores for just $10-$15. In addition to lowering prices, Taiwan’s growers have created many tough hybrids capable of being shipped around the world, and able to survive abuse and neglect. Is that holiday present looking a little less scary now?

Combat the winter blahs with a quick tropical getaway to an orchid show. You’ll enjoy beautiful and exotic flowers, meet local growers and experts, and be able to take home blooms that can last for months. As if you needed another reason to visit magnificent Longwood Gardens near Philly, their upcoming Orchid Extravaganza lasts through the end of March.

There’s no better reminder than the harsh winter weather that many orchids have entered a dormant season. Corresponding to a dry season in the wild, members of these common orchid families are resting like a bear in a cozy den. Resist the urge to water until you see their pseudobulbs start to shrivel. Do your daily plant check with a spray mister instead of a watering can. Depending on growing conditions, many varieties only need water once or twice a month.

• Cattleya
• Cymbidium
• Dendrobium
• Epidendrum
• Miltonia
• Odontoglossum
• Oncidium
• Vanda

The following orchid varieties do not experience a dry season, but with lower light levels and cooler temperatures, it’s ok to give them a little less water also.

• Masdevallia
• Paphiopedilum
• Phalaenopsis

It’s always worth repeating that orchids need good humidity, but the dry air of home and office heating provides an extra challenge. Low humidity can cause blooms to wilt quickly. Dry air also invites pests, especially spider mites and scale.

Finally, consider adding extra light to compensate for the weak winter sun. That should keep you busy, but remember that repotting season is just around the corner.

On the longest night of the year in the northern half of the planet, we mark the winter solstice. With short days, many holidays celebrate this season with lights. Changing day length occurs because the earth is tilted as we orbit around the sun, so you could say that we’re celebrating the fact that we’re tilted. Whatever your cause for celebration this holiday season, please enjoy Dave’s recent rainy-day photos from our garden.

If you’re a gardener like me, you probably only need to know that starting tomorrow, the days get longer. Even though I’m fortunate to live in a mild climate with year-round gardening, short days and chilly temps still limit the blooms. These roses have lasted later into the season than past years, but soon they’ll drop their petals and rest for winter.

Other solstice blooms include this orange Epidendrum, a red Abutilon, and a sweetly scented Viburnum. Enjoy them as a promise of the return of the sun, and have a  Gleeful Knishmas.