AboutOrchids

The Botanic Gardens of South Australia are asking for donations to help save the Flying Duck Orchid. You may have seen its bizarre flower, which truly looks like a flying duck. Unfortunately, like many other fascinating Australian species, it’s endangered by habitat destruction and invasive species. Over 40% of South Australia’s orchids are threatened with extinction. The goal is to create a seed bank to protect 20 native orchid species, including the Flying Duck, with the future aim of reinforcing wild populations. Their donations page can accept contributions from outside Australia, too.

Botanical gardens are great places to escape winter doldrums, especially when they hold extended orchid exhibits for just that purpose. These amazing events run for weeks, and provide an easy way to enjoy a day in a tropical rainforest.

January 11 – February 19
Denver Botanic Gardens presents an Orchid Showcase with hundreds of tropical blooms. Visitors can enter the showcase’s photo contest by using the hashtag #DBGContest on Facebook or Instagram.

January 13 – February 25
Head to Pittsburgh for the Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show at Phipps Conservatory. The botanical wonders on display will include some of their world-class Lady Slipper orchid collection.

January 13 – March 4
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio transforms into Orchids: Utopia. Enter the show’s Instagram photo contest with the hashtag #fpcOrchids.

January 20 – March 25
Beauty awaits at Longwood Gardens’ Orchid Extravaganza near Philadelphia. Start with a tall tower of Moth Orchids, continue through an orchid curtain, and then marvel at hundreds of hanging Vandas.

Do you have any of these Moth Orchid species in your collection? You might not own these specific varieties, but if you have Phal hybrids, there’s a good chance that one or more of these species are in their ancestry. These nine photos show a few of the types frequently used in hybridization.

Starting with the Phal species native to India, China, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Australia, plant breeders have turned this small genus of orchids into the most popular houseplants around. Phal hybrids are often recommended as the best orchids for beginners. Loved for their beauty around the world, they’re also tough enough to grow in test tubes, be shipped across oceans, and survive the rigors of supermarket shelves.

There are about 60 Moth Orchid species. Many have multiple color variations, which may be rare in the wild, but have entered cultivation. They’ve added their genes to the vast Phal hybrid pool. Hybridizers continue to create new colors and patterns. All share their beginnings in tropical jungles with remarkable Moth Orchid species.

Welcome 2018 with orchids! There are shows around the world, despite the depths of winter in the northern USA and Europe. The Tamiami International Orchid Festival in Miami is one of the largest in the country, and always a spectacular show.

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Looking for a worthwhile organization that deserves an end-of-the-year donation? The American Orchid Society (AOS) is raising funds for vital research, conservation, and education efforts. They’ve set a $40,000 goal by the end of the year, and you can help with a contribution. As a 501c3 non-profit group, donations to the AOS are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Any size donation is appreciated. You can also support the AOS by joining and enjoying the benefits of membership, such as the beautiful monthly Orchids magazine.

Enjoy these natural orchid wonders to celebrate today’s solstice. So many orchids bloom in this season that they’re the perfect antidote for dark and cold. Inside and outside our home, there are Moth Orchids, Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, and Masdevallias flowering, among others. They certainly inspire me with warmth and tropical beauty. It’s a great way to mark the time of year when we have the least light and the shortest days. It’s also a great reminder that light and warmth will return as soon as the earth swings around the sun.

Botanists in Western Australia discovered two new orchid species while out for a walk. At first, they thought that they were seeing color variations of known orchids. But Caladenia lateritica and Caladenia rosea are new to science. Both are fragrant, and both were found south of Perth near Dwellingup. The area is known as a hotspot of biological diversity, and the discoverers hope that their new finds will save the forests from being cleared.

Also be sure to check out Australian Geographic‘s gallery of incredible Aussie orchids.

National Geographic reports alarming news about the disappearance of wild orchids. Many species are disappearing from their native habitats because wild plants are being poached. In fact, illegal traffickers are so good at hunting rare orchids that scientists often discover new species for sale in a market before finding them in the wild. Some varieties are being wiped out before they can be identified, which is a terrible loss for the planet’s biological diversity.

Cymbidiums adorn much of the California coast. Many varieties bloom in autumn, when orchid lovers can spot them in flowerpots and gardens on the coast of the SF Bay Area. Plants in my and my neighbors’ gardens are currently blossoming in Pacifica, and we’re enjoying another fantastic Cymbidium season.

Many people are amazed that orchids enjoy living outdoors in our cool, foggy climate. Cool-growing Cymbidiums descend from Himalayan plants that enjoy the same mild weather. In fact, without cool nighttime temps, they won’t bloom. There are countless hybrids: large and small, fragrant or not, and some which can handle warmer temps, too.

Even when they’re without flowers, these orchids inspire adoration as their long, narrow leaves gracefully sway in the wind. For centuries, East Asian artists have captured their elegance.

Most of the Cymbidiums in these photos are from orchid shows, but a few are from my garden. And while most bloom in fall, other varieties bloom in winter, spring, and even summer. That guarantees many great Cymbidium seasons.

It may be the slowest month of the year for orchid shows, but there are still events around the world. Many orchid societies hold holiday celebrations or orchid auctions this month, so check with your local group for more info.