AboutOrchids

What do antelopes have to do with orchids? Look at the graceful, spiraling petals on these tropical beauties, and you’ll understand. Antelope Dendrobiums are a popular section of the enormous Dendrobium family. Their upward-twisting petals inspire the antelope horn comparison.

There are several dozen species and a growing number of hybrids with these curvy blooms. Most all have sweet fragrances. Some have petals with a single twist; others boast elegant spirals, or ruffled edges. The species are native to rainforests from Southeast Asia to Northern Australia, concentrated in New Guinea.

They are warm growers, and require similar care as their relatives, the Den-Phals. Give Antelope Dendrobiums plenty of water, morning sun, regular fertilizer, and high humidity. They don’t really go dormant in winter, but they don’t need as much water or fertilizer in the weak winter sun. Most varieties can grow into large plants, so they won’t fit on a windowsill. If you have enough space, these amazing orchids with a twist will add beauty and fragrance to your collection.

For over a century, orchid growers have hybridized Lady Slippers to create countless new varieties. Now, the most important Paph hybrids have been identified by orchid experts. Each of these historic crosses has its own legacy, and many contribute their prized genes to modern hybrids sold today. This decade-by-decade list was assembled as part of the Phipps-Orchid Society Initiative (P-OSI.) It’s a joint project between Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh and the Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania. P-OSI’s goals are to improve Phipps’ current orchid holdings, and to create a world-class Lady Slipper collection. Phipps is now beginning to acquire these important plants. They are starting with Paphs, and will include other Lady Slippers like Phrags and Cyps in the future. Check the progress of the project in a recent Orchid Digest article (learn more about Orchid Digest magazine here.)

This fragile-looking Dendrobium species is tougher than it looks. Queen Victoria’s Dendrobium was named to celebrate the British monarch. It’s nicknamed the Blue Orchid, since some specimens have a blue hue, but my plant is decidedly purple.

In four years since I bought this orchid, it’s been through the mill, but somehow survived and flowered. As a cool grower, this species lives outdoors. It’s been sunburned, almost frozen, and become a favorite target for raccoons. On several occasions, it’s been reduced to a single cane (or pseudobulb,) but managed to grow back. The plant adapted well last year after we moved from San Francisco to Pacifica, and has been happily blooming despite all the damage.

Native to high elevations in the Philippines, Queen Victoria’s Dendrobium likes cool, moist, shady conditions. It needs constant high humidity and good air movement. This species can handle warm days, but needs cool nights down to 50°F (10°C.) Don’t let it go below 41°F (5°C.) Since the canes tend to droop, it grows best mounted, not in a pot. This variety can flower repeatedly throughout the year, always on older canes which have lost their leaves. The Blue Orchid is both beautiful and tough, perfect for cool, breezy conditions.

Tennessee officials are trying to save a rare, indigenous orchid species. The White Fringeless Orchid is hanging in the balance as government officials weigh its fate. Native to the Southeastern USA, this species is endangered by habitat loss and illegal poaching of wild plants. Its scientific name is Platanthera integrilabia, and it grows in wooded areas around streams, marshes, and bogs. The White Fringeless Orchid hasn’t been seen for years in South Carolina, where a sad spike in poaching has probably doomed it. Meanwhile, it has waited 40 years since the first request to classify it as an endangered species. It’s finally due for a decision in the next year, but will that already be too late? If it does receive federal protection, it may yet be possible to save this American native.

Orchid casualties are inevitable in any collection, even for experienced growers. My latest loss was this adorable mini Oncidium species, a victim of some devilish raccoons.

I bought this plant many years ago, and always grew it outdoors. It’s been a stubborn species, and only bloomed for me twice. A couple weeks ago, I found the plant torn out of its flowerpot and destroyed. It may have been a bird or a squirrel, but raccoons are the most likely culprits. They regularly visit our backyard after dark, sometimes in groups, sometimes alone. They usually leave my plants in peace, but occasionally knock over flowerpots or dig in the bark. It’s helped to give them a clear route to climb and walk through my flowerpots, which has lessened their damage. Their dexterous hands, however, can make quick work of any plant they wish to destroy. I don’t know why they picked on this one, but fortunately, I have a few photos as mementos.

This Andes native has had many names. I bought it as Symphyglossum sanguineum, but it’s also been known as Cochlioda stricta, Cochlioda sanguinea, Symphyglossum ecuadorense, and Odontoglossum sanguineum. It’s currently called Oncidium scriptum. No matter the name, keep it away from raccoons.

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.

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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.