Whether you’re in Miami or Honolulu, Lisbon or Tasmania, the Western Cape or Western Australia, there’s an orchid show nearby. It’s guaranteed to have lots of incredible flowers and lots of people who love orchids. Check out this month’s shows to find one near you.
There’s more to autumn color than red and yellow leaves. Mark today’s change of season with vibrant orchid hues. These tropical blooms are my idea of a happy equinox.
For orchids, autumn is just another season of flowers. Many varieties take their blooming cues from shorter days and cooler nights. The fall equinox is one of only two days per year when the whole world, from the equator to the poles, shares 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of nighttime. As nights grow longer, and we move into the next season, orchids are great additions to a colorful autumn.
Want to see the best of the best? Check out photos of 60 exceptional plants recently given awards by the American Orchid Society (AOS.) The AOS is showcasing these expertly-grown flowers, including many rare and unusual varieties. With superb photography, and constant updates, you’ll want to bookmark the page. You don’t need to be an AOS member to enjoy the site, but it is a great group to support, with lots of information and resources for orchid lovers. Members also receive the beautiful monthly Orchids magazine, with lots more photos like those online.
Learn more about orchid awards from my blog post about orchid names.
Orchids grow all over the world, not just in the tropics. High in the mountains, canyons, and plateaus of Southwest Colorado, many remarkable native orchid species thrive, despite the harsh conditions. Dave’s mother lives in the Four Corners area of Colorado, and, like her son, has a great photographic eye. She and her hiking pals have been kind enough to share their wildflower pictures. First, here’s the charming miniature Calypso orchid, also known as the Fairy Slipper. It’s native to much of the northern USA, Canada, northern Europe, and northern Asia.
The next six photos show some fascinating Corallorhizas. These strange orchid species don’t have chlorophyll, but take all their nutrients from fungi which feed on decaying plant debris. Growing near Ponderosa Pines, at elevations above 7000 feet (2134 m,) their colorful flower stalks sprout from the forest floor.
In the last row of photos, there are two more Colorado natives: the Rattlesnake Orchid and the Stream Orchid. The Rattlesnake Orchid, or Goodyera, is a jewel orchid with variegated leaves. The Stream Orchid in the last shot is the same Epipactis species that I’ve grown in California. It’s native to a wide range of western North America, from Canada through Mexico. What a joy to see the Steam Orchid and other natives thriving in their mountain homes! Stream Orchid photo courtesy of Bill Lemons. All other photos courtesy of Brenda Hogue.
Learn more about native Colorado orchids at swcoloradowildflowers.com.
These photos from our recent trip to Kew Gardens highlight the depth of their esteemed orchid collection. Many of these are less well-known orchids. Some have tiny flowers or muted colors, and many are rare. They’re still just as fascinating as their showier orchid cousins in cultivation.
These unusual, uncommon species include the tiny yellow Scaphosepalum flowers in the middle photo above, looking somewhat like a three-headed snake. In the middle photo below, the climbing vine belongs to an endangered vanilla species (it’s not one that we eat.)
It was tough to take good photos of some of the miniature blooms. My camera just wasn’t able to focus on such small objects. There were a few without nametags, but I’ve done my best guesses on the ones I recognize. All of these were on display in the orchid zones of the Princess of Wales Conservatory. It’s always worth a visit.
Great news! The Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA) has exceeded its fundraising goal to create a new nature reserve in Ecuador. On the slopes of the Andes, the Chocó rainforest is a biological hotspot. It’s home to 5% of all orchid species on earth, including many rare and fascinating Draculas. Together with the Rainforest Trust and Fundación EcoMinga, the OCA is working to conserve this exceptional region. The OCA announced its fundraising success in an email to members and donors.
Thanks to everyone who helped the OCA reach its goal. If you haven’t donated yet, the campaign for this new Dracula Reserve can still use your help. The OCA is a non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Scroll to the bottom of the donation page to see photos of the amazing Draculas you’ll be helping.
The Southern Hemisphere celebrates orchids this month, with lots of shows in New Zealand, South Africa, Brazil, and especially Australia. There are shows in the Northern Hemisphere, too, but you’ll need to dig into this list to find them.
I bought this gorgeous Cochleanthes at an orchid show five years ago, and it has been one of my most reliable bloomers ever since. Its captivating white flowers boast great purple highlights.
This species is native to the Amazon Rainforest, from Brazil to Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The flowers appear fragile, but they’re thick and waxy, and can last for months. These sparkling white blooms reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. My orchid books say this variety is very fragrant, but I’ve only detected a light scent from my plant.
With thin leaves, this species needs frequent waterings and high humidity. Keep it in shady conditions, although a little morning sun is ok. Be cautious with repotting, since it has delicate roots. Fertilize weakly, weekly, and an occasional dose of compost will encourage blooming.
To pronounce Cochleanthes, say “coke-lee-ANN-these.” This species has recently been renamed, so it’s now called Warczewiczella amazonica. I can’t figure out how to pronounce that, so I’ll stick with the old name. And I’ll continue to enjoy a colorful little part of the Amazon Rainforest in my home.
The Princess of Wales Conservatory is one of Kew Gardens’ greatest treasures. Opened by Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1987, this enormous glasshouse features 10 different climate zones with extraordinary plant displays. The building itself is a modern counterpoint to the historic Victorian style of the Palm House, located a short walk away.
The conservatory hosts incredible orchid displays, with a room for Tropical Orchids, and a separate one for Temperate Orchids. Most of the orchid photos from my first and second Kew posts were from these areas. There are also desert, rainforest, fern, and carnivorous plant zones.
The largest rooms house the Tropical Desert and the Tropical Rainforest. These photos just scratch the surface of the conservatory’s riches. Learn more about the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew’s website, and don’t miss it if you’re in London!
The illegal plant trade endangers many rare plant species, and orchids are prime targets. International agreements prohibit this trade, so what happens when illegally trafficked plants are found and confiscated? The BBC reports that species seized in the USA become property of the government, which places them in a rescue program. Many of the plants are dried or damaged during their travels. More than 80 botanic institutions provide a network to save the endangered varieties.
It’s important to save such plants, not only to protect endangered species, but because the plants themselves may be required in court as evidence of trafficking. And their country of origin may request their return. Eventually institutions such as the US Botanic Garden can incorporate them into their collections – but they are never resold and nobody profits from their commercial value.
Advances in education and technology can slow the illegal plant trade. You can help by pledging to always buy orchids from reputable vendors, and never to buy a plant taken from the wild. Ask if you’re not sure.
