More Photos from Pacific Orchid Expo 2023

Posted March 20th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Laelia Finckeniana 'Andrea', orchid hybrid flowers, purple white and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaBarkeria Dollnery, orchid hybrid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, orchid species flowers, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, column of small purple flowers, cluster of flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Oncostele Midnight Miracles 'Masai Red', orchid hybrid flower, red flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slippers, Paphiopedilum Harbur 'Balthazar', orchid hybrid flowers and leaves, Paph, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Kirby Lesh 'Cinnabar' AM/AOS S/CSA, orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Celebrate today’s equinox with more photos from the recent Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco. As spring arrives in the northern half of the planet, after a winter of strong storms, our drought appears to be over in California. That’s great news. I’ve lived through several droughts during my 34 years in the Bay Area, and even when there’s enough water, it’s best not to be wasteful. Clean water should always be treated as a precious resource. Like the cycling seasons, the passing moments guarantee that the situation will change again. For now, however, it’s the start of a beautiful spring.

Masdevallia veitchiana 'Bob', orchid species flower, orange and purple flower, pleurothallid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPhalaenopsis Chingruey's Goldstaff 'YH9858', Moth Orchid, Phal, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Horizon x tracyanum, orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Dendrobium Avril's Gold 'Ray', orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLady Slipper, Paphiopedilum Urban Vogue 'Merlot' HCC/AOS, Paph, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMasdevallia Flamenco, orchid hybrid flower, white and purple flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Behind the Scenes of Its 20th Orchid Show, the New York Botanical Garden Toils to Rescue Endangered Plants

Posted March 14th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Botanical Gardens, Conservation, In the News

The Guardian reports on the New York Botanical Garden’s (NYBG) latest big exhibition, and also its efforts to rescue endangered orchids. Behind the scenes, there are orchids salvaged from the illegal plant trade. When stolen species are confiscated by customs officials, they are sent to botanical gardens like NYBG to be saved. The plants are often near death. Garden staff treat their pests and diseases, and try to bring them back to life. They don’t all survive, but many do. Other illegally-traded plants like cycads and succulents regularly arrive at the garden, too. Social media has amplified the problem, making it easier for poachers and buyers to find one another. It’s hoped that the beauty and charisma of these amazing orchids encourages people to support conservation, and to never buy illegally collected plants.

Celebrating Diversity at Pacific Orchid Expo 2023

Posted March 7th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii, AKA Polyrrhiza lindenii, orchid species flower, white flower, weird flower, Palm Polly, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDracula chestertonii 'Quetzalcoatl', orchid species flower, pleurothallid, weird flower with strange lip, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Paphiopedilum Hengduan's Qin, orchid hybrid flower, Paph, Lady Slipper, yellow and reddish-purple flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCattleya Carol Lynn 'Frankfurt', orchid hybrid flowers, purpe white and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Khan Wall 'Bronze Gold', orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
“I’ve never seen an orchid like that!” “How strange!” “That can’t be a real flower!” These exclamations were all overheard at the recent Pacific Orchid Expo. Fittingly, this year’s show theme was “Celebrating Diversity.” With tens of thousand of varied species, and hundreds of thousands of varied hybrids, the orchid family is surely a diversity champion.

Phalaenopsis orchid hybrid flower, Phal, Moth Orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOdontioda Bodega Bay, orchid hybrid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDisa Veitchii 'Paul' AM/AOS, orchid hybrid flower, pink flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

All the photos in this post clearly demonstrate that range of differences, but especially the first two. In the first picture, there’s a rare, blooming Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax lindenii. Its elegant white blossom was displayed inside a tall glass jar, and therefore tough to photograph, but it’s still the stuff of orchid dreams, as in The Orchid Thief. The second picture features a bizarre Dracula species, Dracula chestertonii ‘Quetzalcoatl’, which defies comparison to any plant sold in a supermarket or home improvement store. Its weird lip mimics a fungus to trick small insects into pollinating it. It certainly exemplifies orchid diversity. Check back soon for more from San Francisco’s big show.

Laeliocattleya Rojo 'Cardinal' x Laelia halbingeriana 'Ruben's', orchid hybrid flowers, purple and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid, palm, and bromeliad display at Pacific Orchid Expo 2023 with large and colorful artificial flower in middle, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display at Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Orchid sales area at Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid sales area at Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid sales area at Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

March Orchid Events

Posted March 1st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

March is a busy month, with orchid events all over the globe. The Santa Barbara show is one of the largest in the country, and is returning for the first time in three years. Other major shows are happening in Tainan City, Taiwan, Montreal, Canada, and Wisley, UK.

March 1 – 5
Exposición Nacional de Orquídeas, Cámara Guatemalteca de la Construcción, Km. 8 Carretera a Muxbal, Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala
March 3 – 4
Englewood Area Orchid Society Show & Sale, Tringali Community Center, 3460 N. Access Rd., Englewood, Florida
March 3 – 4
Orchid Society of the Ozarks Show & Sale, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 North Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, Arkansas
March 3 – 4
Tampa Bay Orchid Society Show & Sale, Sons of Italy Hall, 3315 W. Lemon St., Tampa, Florida
March 3 – 5
Martin County Orchid Society Show & Sale, Martin County Fairgrounds, Building G, 2616 SE Dixie Hwy., Stuart, Florida
March 3 – 5
Virginia Orchid Society Show, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Henrico, Virginia
March 3 – 5
Central California Orchid Society Show & Sale, part of the Fresno Home and Garden Show, Fresno Fair Grounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave., Fresno, California
March 3 – 5
Key West Orchid Fair, West Martello Tower Garden Club, 1100 Atlantic Ave. at Higgs Beach, Key West, Florida
March 3 – 12
Orchid Days, Tallinn Botanic Garden, Kloostrimetsa tee 52, Tallinn, Estonia
March 3 – 19
Taiwan International Orchid Show, Taiwan Orchid Plantation, Houbi District, Tainan City, Taiwan

Read the rest of this post »

Today Is the Last Day of Pacific Orchid Expo 2023

Posted February 26th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Photos

Paphiopedilum Emma Decker AM/AOS, orchid hybrid flower, Paph, Lady Slipper, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygopetalum orchid hybrid flower, Zygo, purple and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaMasdevallia veitchiana, orchid species flower, orange and purple flower, pleurothallid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

There’s still one more day to enjoy San Francisco’s big orchid show. The Pacific Orchid Expo began on Thursday evening with a special preview event, and has been full of spectacular flowers and people since then. The show runs from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm today. These photos only represent a small sample of the stunning blooms on display and on sale. Don’t miss it!

Paphiopedilum orchid display, orchid hybrid flowers, Paph, Lady Slippers, large and small plants, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaRestrepia orchid flower, small flower, weird flower, pleurothallid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaDendrobium nobile, orchid plants with flowers, white purple and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
Masdevallia yungasensis x Tourmaline, orchid hybrid flowers, pleurothallid, white flowers with purple stripes, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaReedstem Epidendrum orchid hybrid, yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrchid display with oncidium, cymbidium, and cattleya flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Pacific Orchid Expo 2023 Is Coming!

Posted February 20th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events, Growing Orchids in San Francisco, Photos

Phragmipedium Twilight, Phrag, Lady Slipper, red flower, orchid hybrid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPhalaenopsis orchid hybrid flower, Phal, Moth Orchid, Harlequin Phal, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaRhynchostele bictoniensis x Zelenkoa onusta, orchid hybrid flower, yellow flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Rhyncattleanthe Laughing Boy, Brassolaeliocattleya Laughing Boy, orchid hybrid flowers, cattleya hybrid, pink and yellow flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaZygopetalum Redvale, Zygo orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaCymbidium Luna Rossa 'Windemere', orchid hybrid flowers, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, don’t miss Pacific Orchid Expo 2023, running from this Friday, February 24th until Sunday, February 26th. Also, catch the special Preview Night on Thursday, February 23rd. It all happens at the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, 1199 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way. These photos from last year, with more here, here, and here, show only a tiny fraction of what to expect this year. There will be lots of vendors, expert orchid care advice, and activities for kids, too. Tickets are available beforehand for a discount, or at the door.

Masdevallia Robert Hamilton, orchid hybrid flower, red and orange flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaPaphiopedilum orchid flower, Paph, Lady Slipper, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLycaste Chita Dream x Shoalhaven, orchid hybrid flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

Dendrobium cuthbertsonii 'White Halo' AM/AOS, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, pink and white flower, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaLepanthes escobariana, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CaliforniaOrnithocephalus dolabratus, orchid species flower, miniature orchid, Pacific Orchid Expo 2022, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California

An Orchid with Fabulous Fringe

Posted February 14th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, Growing, Intermediate Growers, Photos

Rhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, light yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, close-up of large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

Many orchids stop you in your tracks with their colors and patterns. This orchid stops you in your tracks with its shape and scent. Rhyncholaelia digbyana has fabulous fringe on its lip, and a rich citrus perfume at night. I bought this plant eight years ago, mistakenly believing that it could live outdoors on the Northern California coast. Outside, it grew new leaves, but then they slowly dropped off. Left with a single, lonely leaf, I reluctantly found room for this large, mounted plant inside. After a few years indoors, it’s grown new leaves and a big mass of healthy, dangling roots. A few weeks ago, it finally put out a magnificent five inch (12.7 cm) flower.

Rhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, close-up of large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

Rhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

No matter what angle you view it from, this flower is all about that fringe. The pale green bloom is fragrant at night with a citrus scent, like orange peel or lemon peel. It’s no surprise that this incredible species has been important in hybridizing. In fact, if you have a Cattleya hybrid with a fringed lip, Rhyncholaelia digbyana is almost certainly in its parentage.

Rhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, flower bud opening, AKA Brassavola digbyana, large flower with frilly lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species flower, AKA Brassavola digbyana, close-up of frilly flower lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaRhyncholaelia digbyana, orchid species, flowering plant, mounted orchid, plant leaves and roots, AKA Brassavola digbyana, close-up of frilly flower lip, pale yellowish-green flower, grown indoors in Pacifica, California

This orchid is the national flower of Honduras, and is also native to Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Cultivating it requires Cattleya care, with morning sun and intermediate temps. Let it dry out well between thorough waterings. It can tolerate cool temps and dry air, but generally needs warmth and humidity to thrive. If you have space for a big, dramatic orchid, this species is a dazzling addition to any collection.

How to Build an Orchid

Posted February 8th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Misc

You can build orchids … with Legos! The beloved children’s toys aren’t just for kids anymore. All sorts of great designs are available, even Moth Orchids. They’ve become fun home and office decorations, often popping up in the backgrounds of Zoom calls.

In addition to orchids, botanical models include bonsais, succulents, and floral bouquets, all from a variety of manufacturers. Enjoy building your gardens. Click on the photos to learn more.

February Orchid Events

Posted February 1st, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

Orchids offer a great escape from a chilly winter. There are lots of in-person, online, and hybrid events to get excited about this month, including the always-spectacular Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco. There are also extended exhibitions in New York, London, Paris, and Washington DC.

February 2 – 4
Gold Coast Cymbidium Society Online Auction, no shipping; must pick up your plants on Sunday, Feb. 5, 12:15 pm – 2:30 pm at the San Mateo Garden Center, 605 Parkside Way, San Mateo, California
February 3 – 5
Susquehanna Orchid Society Show & Sale, Milton and Catherine Hershey Conservatory, Hershey Gardens, 170 Hotel Rd., Hershey, Pennsylvania
February 3 – 5
Deep Cut Orchid Society Show & Sale, Dearborn Market, 2170 Route 35 S., Holmdel, New Jersey
February 3 – 5
Gulf Coast Orchid Society Show & Sale, Gautier Convention Center, 2012 Library Ln., Gautier, Mississippi
February 3 – 5
Expo Orquídea de San José de Gracia, Plaza de San José de Gracia, Marcos Castellanos, Michoacán, Mexico
February 3 – 5
Orquídeas Divinas, Club Árabe Salvadoreño, 11 Calle Poniente, Colonia Escalón, San Salvador, El Salvador
February 3 – 5
Salon International d’Orchidées, La Salle Vergèze, 169 Rue du Charron, Vergèze, France
February 4 – 5
Venice Area Orchid Society Show & Sale, Venice Community Center, 326 S. Nokomis Ave., Venice, Florida
February 4 – 5
Greater Cleveland Orchid Society Show & Sale, Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio
February 4 – 5
Orchid Growers Guild Show & Sale, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, Wisconsin

Read the rest of this post »

Our Rain-Soaked Winter Garden

Posted January 27th, 2023 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Photos, Problems

Arpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers and leaves, clusters of small purple flowers, long strap-like leaves, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers, cluster of small purple flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers and leaves and buds, clusters of small purple flowers, long strap-like leaves, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

After years of drought, we don’t typically complain about rainy days in California. More than three weeks of storms, however, led to lots of complaints. From December 26th to January 19th, we received approximately 20 inches (50.8 cm) of precipitation, including a single day when we had over 5 inches (12.7 cm.) We also had winds over 60 mph (97 kph) on several days, and occasional hail. It’s made a dent in our drought, but also did some damage. Fortunately, the worst Dave and I had to endure was a 20-hour power outage, and a broken gutter. As for the orchids living outside, they fared surprisingly well. My Giant Hyacinth Orchid, which sits in the walkway outside the front door, is the first example. It started flowering before the storms, and wasn’t fazed at all by the powerful rains, winds, and hail. This reliable bloomer is a large plant with clusters of small flowers. It’s long, graceful leaves are sturdy, unbothered by the hailstones which pocked or tore other plants. It currently boasts about two dozen spikes, each with dozens of charming purple blooms.

Arpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers, flowers close-up. clusters of small purple flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaArpophyllum giganteum, Giant Hyacinth Orchid, orchid species flowers, flowers close-up. clusters of small purple flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flowers, flowers with water drops, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

Cymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flower, flower with water drops, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flowers, flowers with water drops, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, pink flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

Some of the Cymbidiums in the back garden did suffer damage, but are flowering anyway. A couple of them were already in bloom when the storms began. Those early blossoms are definitely beaten up, but still hanging on. Other plants were in spike, with fattening flower buds. Hail pitted their outer surfaces, so as they have opened, they’ve revealed their scars. Certainly my plants wouldn’t win any awards, but it’s impressive that they’ve survived at all. Their fortitude, in the face of Mother Nature’s extremes, clearly proves that these cool growers are not the fragile creations which many people imagine orchids to be.

Cymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, yellow flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCymbidium orchid hybrid flowers, yellow flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, CaliforniaCochlioda vulcania, orchid species flowers, miniature orchid, pink flowers, growing outdoors in Pacifica, California

The final photo shows a few of the remaining flowers on my Cochlioda. This miniature has already been blooming for months. The last few flowers are scratched and dented, but full of color. Now that the rains have paused, and the garden is drying, they’ve been able to shine in the Northern California sun again.