AboutOrchids

Are they Phals or Dendrobiums?  Den Phals are Dendrobiums, and they’re very popular orchids. Also called Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobiums, or Phalanthe-type Dendrobiums, their confusing names derive from their resemblance to Phal flowers. They represent a small section of the large Dendrobium family, but they’ve become some of the most commonly cultivated varieties.

Den Phals come in a range of whites, pinks, and purples, and there are even some with green blooms. They’re popular as potted plants. As cut flowers, they’re often used in bouquets, as food garnishes, and to make Hawaiian leis. Their flowers do look similar to Phals, or Moth Orchids, and it can be tough to distinguish them.

Fortunately, there’s an easy trick to tell Phals from Den Phals. While their flowers may be similar, they have very different plants and leaves. Den Phals grow tall canes, or pseudobulbs, that look like thick stems, and their leaves are narrow and pointed (see the first photo below.)  On the other hand, Phals have broad leaves which are connected at their base, without any central stem (see the middle photo below for Phal leaves, and the final photo for a Phal bloom.)

It’s important to distinguish them because their care needs are different. Den Phals need more sun that Phals, and can handle a wider range of temps. Let Den Phals dry between thorough waterings. They don’t need a dormant period, but growers outside the tropics should cut back water and fertilizer in the lower light and cooler temps of winter. Den Phal flowers can last for weeks, which helps contribute to their popularity.

Many botanical gardens offer extended orchid exhibits over winter. Be sure to take advantage of these great escapes from the cold.

January 9 – February 23
The Denver Botanic Gardens presents its Orchid Showcase. Hundreds of orchids adorn the garden’s fragrant citrus trees. Visitors can enter the garden’s photo contest to win an orchid.

January 10 – March 8
Orchids in the Realm of the Sublime at the Missouri Botanical Garden highlights orchids in oil paintings by Patricia Laspino. In addition to the artwork, real orchids will be on display at the garden from January 31st to March 22nd.

January 10 – April 5
Franklin Park Conservatory warms Columbus, Ohio with Orchids & Botanical Exploration. Tropical displays focus on the history of plant hunters who risked life and limb to discover exotic new species.

January 17 – March 1
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phipp’s Conservatory invites you to stroll through its Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show. Along with gorgeous flowers and plants, the event features artwork and presentations on orchid and bonsai care.

January 17 – March 18
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina brings together Art & Orchids. Flowers paired with an artistic display offer a respite from winter.

January 24 – March 29
Outside Philadelphia, enjoy the exotic, tropical flowers and exquisite arrangements of the Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens. Young visitors will love OrKid Days activities geared toward children.

Cynorkis fastigiata is an unusual orchid from some unusual islands. It would be easy to mistake for a couple blades of grass, except for its strange flowers hovering above. This small species is native to Madagascar and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean: the Seychelles, the Comoros, Mauritius, and Reunion.

This species can grow as a terrestrial or an air plant. It needs regular water, high humidity, and warm temps during spring and summer. Cynorkis drops its leaves and goes dormant over winter, but shouldn’t be allowed to dry out. As a confession, I’ll admit that I think I’ve messed up the dormancy period with my plant. It has bloomed twice this year — once in April, and again with fresh leaves and flowers over the past few weeks. It may not survive the winter, but at least we have another set of photos from this bloom. Please keep your fingers crossed for me, and I’ll keep you updated on its progress.

My plant seems to self-pollinate, and every flower forms a seedpod. I suppose that explains its reputation for being invasive in greenhouses. It’s known as one of the few orchid weeds (check out the Bamboo Orchid and the Philippine Ground Orchid for other examples.) So far, mine hasn’t spread to any other nearby pots. If it survives, maybe it will have more chances to earn its weedy reputation.

Have you found an orchid growing in the wild, but can’t identify it? Go Orchids is an excellent online tool to learn about varieties native to the USA and Canada. Courtesy of the North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC,) Go Orchids lets you search by location, by name, or by a series of botanical questions. Their online roster of native orchids is not yet complete, but it’s already a great resource, and more listings are being added soon. There are lots of photos to help with your online search, and also an extensive glossary to assist with the site’s botanical vocabulary.

The NAOCC works to conserve North American orchids by preserving habitats, propagating endangered species, and educating the public about these native plant treasures. This non-profit organization partners with botanical gardens and conservation groups to best combine their resources and knowledge.

Go Orchids can help you identify that wild mystery orchid. Please remember that it is illegal to take native orchids from the wild, and with their specialized growing needs, the plants are unlikely to survive anyway. Do not pick wild orchid flowers, either, or you rob them of any chance to contribute to future generations. If you find orchids in the wild, take only memories and photos, and leave nothing but footprints. And check Go Orchids!

The new year brings orchid shows to every corner of the world. Especially in cold winter areas, like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and the UK, orchid shows offer a great tropical respite from the season’s chill.

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If you’re enjoying a beautiful gift orchid, but wondering how to take care of it, you’ve found the right place. Despite their reputations as difficult plants, orchids are easy. Check the orchid care tips below the photos to learn how to keep your plant happy.

Identify your orchid –  Different orchids have different care needs, so it helps to know what kind you have. Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular (see three examples of Phals in the first row of photos above.) Other favorites include Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, and Lady Slippers.

Light – Place your orchid in bright light. Morning sun is good for most varieties. Some, like Cattleyas and Vandas, need direct sun to bloom again.

Humidity – Orchids hate dry air, which can wilt flowers, damage leaves, and attract pests. Raise humidity by grouping plants together, or placing your orchid in a humid area, like a bathroom or kitchen. To increase humidity, use a cool mist humidifier, or spray leaves regularly with a mister. Another common trick is to balance flowerpots on pebbles in trays of water, always keeping the pots above the water level.

Water – Use room-temperature water to thoroughly soak the roots and the potting material. Let the water drain completely out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Don’t let the plant sit in water for an extended period. Most orchids can stay a little drier in winter.

Please forgive me for being a few days late with my customary solstice post. We traveled to a family celebration in Maryland, and I had no blogging time. Spending a few days in wintry weather, however, reminded me of the warming power of orchids. Nursing a tropical plant though a cold, sun-starved winter can be challenging. But their inspiring, exotic beauty provides a powerful antidote to the cold and grey. Even if you don’t grow orchids yourself, you can still enjoy their warmth in photos like those below. Many orchid books are full of colorful pictures, too. Here’s to the sun’s return!

Koalas and kangaroos are well-known Australian wildlife, but many people don’t realize how many fascinating orchids are also Aussie natives. Australian Geographic showcases some of the most remarkable in “Orchids: The coy seduction.”  Natives like the Sun Orchid, Purple Enamel Orchid, Hammer Orchid, and Giant Spider Orchid are rarely seen outside the country. Check out the article’s great photo gallery with 15 pictures of these very unusual plants from Oz. It’s easy to see that Australia’s orchids are unlike any others in the world.

I’ve also added a few of Dave’s and my photos below, showing even more variety in the Australian orchid family tree. Some of these, like the Phal, Dendrobium, and Sarcochilus, are commonly grown outside the country. Each one has its own magical beauty.

Worried that a gift orchid might freeze its blooms off? Give an orchid book instead! Orchid books are full of gorgeous flowers, make great holiday presents, and don’t need water or fertilizer. Check out the five popular examples below:

Growing Windowsill Orchids
Master experts from Kew Gardens share their orchid success tips. Short but thorough, with wonderful photos and clear-cut illustrations, this is one of my favorite books for orchid beginners.

The Orchid Whisperer: Expert Secrets for Growing Beautiful Orchids
This book shares practical advice to grow like the pros, and includes lots of colorful photos.

Orchids for Every Home: The Beginner’s Guide to Growing Beautiful, Easy-Care Orchids
From renowned orchid authors Brian and Wilma Rittershausen, this book offers beautiful pictures and good info for beginners.

Orchids
This stunning coffee table book showcases orchid beauty with master photography.

The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Illustrated Dictionary of Orchid Genera
One of Florida’s best known botanical gardens has put its expertise into this massive work. The book is a comprehensive reference guide to the vast orchid family, with great photos and illustrations.

The next Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will recall how World War II turned the area into an orchid haven. England was the world’s leading Cymbidium grower before World War II. During the war, the UK’s valuable plants were threatened by aerial bombings and fuel shortages. To help save them, orchid enthusiasts in California purchased and imported many English Cymbidium collections. They thrived in the mild climate and relative safety of Santa Barbara. After the war, those rescued British plants became parents of American hybrids, which helped spur growth of Santa Barbara’s orchid industries.  “It turns out that as an unintended consequence of World War II, the center of the orchid world shifted to America.” Santa Barbara now grows more orchids than any other region in the USA, and is renowned for Cymbidiums. It’s home to numerous companies like the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate. Next March, the 70th Santa Barbara International Orchid Show will salute this lucky break for Southern California.