March is a busy month for orchid shows around the planet. They are all great opportunities to see stunning flowers, take pictures, talk to orchid experts, and buy plants. Don’t miss these worthwhile events.
The Pacific Orchid and Garden Exposition was a great success this past weekend. After many years at Fort Mason, the event returned to its old home in Golden Gate Park’s Hall of Flowers. Even as visitors managed tougher parking and big crowds, it was still obvious that the flowers were just as magical as previous expos. Enjoy this small sample of our photos from the big event, and check back soon for more pictures.
McBryde Garden on the island of Kauai is one of Hawaii’s extraordinary places. Set in a verdant valley, it’s part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, with a mission of conservation and research, especially for Hawaii’s endangered native flora. Dave and I were lucky enough to visit recently and enjoy its amazing sights.
The garden covers about 200 acres (81 hectares) on Kauai’s south shore, and is adjacent to the smaller Allerton Garden. Besides native Hawaiian plants, McBryde also has large collections of palms, fruit trees, and other tropicals. Visitors can find orchids near the tram stop at the top of the Biodiversity Trail. There are also many mounted on trees throughout the grounds. The orchids in these photos are not Hawaiian natives, but many other plants in McBryde Garden are.
National Tropical Botanical Garden is a non-profit group that has three gardens on Kauai, one on Maui, and one in Florida. Its mission is to study and save the world’s tropical plants. You can support their work by making a donation, joining as a member, becoming a volunteer, or visiting their gardens. Check back soon for posts highlighting more of McBryde’s botanical treasures.
Wild vanilla is disappearing. On top of that bad news, farmers in Madagascar have had poor harvests.
Valentine’s Day is often full of romantic surprises, including beautiful orchids. If you’ve received an orchid gift, check the basic care tips below to keep your flowers happy.
Identify your orchid – Different types of orchids have different care needs. You usually don’t need to figure out the exact name, only a general ID. Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular types. Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Lady Slippers, and Oncidiums are also favorites.
Humidity – Orchids need water vapor in the air. Dry air can wilt flowers, dry leaves, and attract pests. Tips for raising humidity include grouping plants together, placing plants in a humid area like a bathroom or kitchen, using a cool mist humidifier, or spraying with a mister. Many growers balance flowerpots on top of pebbles in trays of shallow water, keeping the pots above the water level.
Watering – Soak the plant with room-temperature water, and then let all excess drain out. Don’t let pots sit in water for too long, or roots may rot.
Light – Keep your orchid in bright light. Many varieties enjoy morning sun, especially in the shorter days of winter.
Cut flowers – Orchids need the same care as other cut flowers. Place in lukewarm water, and keep the vase out of direct sun. Change the water every couple days. High humidity will help the flowers last longer.
Some of these winter orchid exhibits extend into spring. Check the previous listings of ongoing botanical garden events here and here.
February 12 – March 12
In the UK, explore Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s celebration of Indian orchids. Wednesday lunchtime guided tours and other special events enhance the displays.
February 18 – April 9
The New York Botanical Garden celebrates the orchids of Thailand. Enjoy film and dance activities as part of the show, and Orchid Evenings in the conservatory with cocktails and music.
March 10 – April 15
Oklahoma City’s Myriad Botanical Gardens presents a kaleidoscope of flowers. Orchids fill the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, while tulips and daffodils outside the glasshouse add to the springtime celebration.
The San Francisco Orchid Society’s big yearly show has a new name and a new location for 2017. The Pacific Orchid and Garden Exposition (formerly the Pacific Orchid Exposition) happens Friday, February 24th – Sunday, February 26th. This year’s event is moving from Fort Mason to the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, near Lincoln Way and 9th Avenue.
No matter the changes, the show will still feature tens of thousands of remarkable flowers, like these from the 2016 show. This year’s theme is “Big Ideas for Small Gardens,” focusing on orchids for windowsills and city apartments. Purchase advance tickets online to save on admission. Don’t miss it!
Botanical Gardens are always worth a visit, especially as warm, tropical oases amid the winter cold. Check out these orchid exhibits and more in the previous listing.
February 3 – March 19
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden celebrates Victorian botanicals. Antique orchid illustrations accompany living orchid and tropical plant displays in Belmont, North Carolina.
February 4 – March 5
Kew Gardens in London features India’s vibrant orchids. The festival explores how orchids are used in Indian culture, medicine, and everyday life.
February 11 – March 26
The Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show offers a tropical escape from winter. This year’s orchid creations include a 15 foot (4.6 m) Vanda “wind chime.”
February 11 – April 9
Head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for Orchid Daze. Enjoy thousands of tropical orchids in spectacular displays.
From Verona, Italy to Venice, Florida, orchid shows abound. Two of the biggest yearly shows happen this month. In Tokyo, the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival is the largest in the world. In San Francisco, the Pacific Orchid & Garden Exposition is the largest in the USA.
Moth Orchids, or Phals, always put on an impressive show. They’ve become essential for Valentine’s Day and the Lunar New Year. A steady stream of new hybrid colors and patterns continually adds to the list of Phal choices. Best of all, modern hybrids are grown for both beauty and toughness. They are as easy to keep as other common houseplants with a few care tips.
These tropical plants don’t like cold weather, so take basic precautions if you’re buying over winter. Don’t let them get too cold on the way home. Ideally, they should be kept above 65°F (18°C,) but a quick exposure to chilly air shouldn’t be a problem. If it’s near or below freezing, however, keep them completely out of the cold. Wrap the plant and flowers, or inflate a bag around them, to provide a cushion of warmer air. Quickly move them out of any cold temps. That way your gift will arrive at its destination with its flowers in great shape.
