AboutOrchids

The Brits love orchids, and, of course, that includes their native varieties. Over spring and summer, wild orchid blooms can make UK headlines. For example, the BBC reports on bee orchids in West Sussex which are not growing where they’re supposed to. A large number of the unusual orchids are thriving in “highly acidic clay soil at Wakehurst Place,” despite their preference for chalky soil.

There’s orchid news from Derbyshire. Many of the region’s 16 native orchid species can be seen in bloom in the wild. The bird’s-nest orchid, the pyramidal orchid, and the early purple orchid are just a few of the jewels to find.

Meanwhile, bee orchids are blooming early in Gloucestershire. By appearing several weeks early in Minchinhampton Common, they merit an article with photos. I wish more newspapers would follow native orchids so well.

Celebrate summer’s arrival with an orchid rainbow. Today’s solstice signals a change of seasons around the globe. The colorful blooms, courtesy of Dave’s camera, are all from last winter’s Pacific Orchid Expo.

Of course, a true rainbow would include the color indigo, but naturally blue orchids are tough to come by, and deep blue is even rarer. The orchid family’s outrageous diversity includes a wide range of hues, but not many blues. Fortunately, the tiny Cleisocentron in the bottom row is a reliable, true-blue bloomer. Now go out and enjoy summer.

Who doesn’t love a summer vacation? Orchids sure do. Many growers move their plants outdoors to take advantage of pleasant summer weather. Indoor orchids will thrive with fresh air and refreshing rain showers. Check out these tips to plan an outdoor orchid vacation:

• When moving plants outside, keep them in a shady spot for two weeks. Their leaves need time to adapt to stronger light outdoors. Even sun lovers like Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, and Vandas can burn if they don’t have time to adjust.
• Orchids may need more frequent waterings while living outdoors. Stronger light and air movement will dry them out faster.
• Heavy winds or rains can damage plants. Trees and roof overhangs offer some protection. Bring plants back inside if forecasts predict severe weather.
• Orchid growers in dry climates face the challenge of finding a humid outdoor area for their plants. Take advantage of any rainy days for quick trips outside.
• Warm growers like Phals and Vandas need to stay above 65°F (18°C,) and should be brought back indoors if weather forecasts call for any drop below that.
• Bugs are inevitable outside, but don’t reflexively reach for a toxic insecticide. Consider letting beneficial insects do the job. Ladybugs, dragonflies, and spiders work for free, but can’t survive deadly chemicals. Carnivorous plants can help control pests, too.
• Many growers bring blooming plants indoors to protect flowers from pests and weather damage. Check for insects before plants come back inside.

A Dracula orchid that resembles a monkey face? An Anguloa orchid which looks like a baby in a blanket? Art and design magazine BoredPanda features great photos of orchids and other flowers which look like something else. From the everyday Moth Orchid to the bizarre Flying Duck Orchid, it’s obvious that Mother Nature sometimes recycles ideas. Although plants like the Bumble Bee Orchid and the Dove Orchid seem to be talented mimics, they are only trying to draw in pollinators. These spectacular designs are thanks to evolution and the diversity of the orchid family.

The orchid show schedule slows down in June, but there are still events to be found in every corner of the world. From Calgary to Adelaide, it’s easy to enjoy spectacular flowers.

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Meet Mexicoa, a sunny, fragrant mini orchid. I bought this plant a few years ago, and it’s been a reliable bloomer so far. These cheery yellow flowers have been a welcome harbinger of spring.

As the name suggests, this species is native to Mexico. It can handle warm daytime temps as long as it has cool nights and high humidity. Even though it’s less than 6 inches (15 cm) tall, this tiny plant has relatively large flowers, each 1.6 inches (4 cm) high.

The blooms of this member of the Oncidium family have a light, lemony scent. The flowers are tougher than they look, and can last over a month. Celebrate a mini Mexican fiesta with Mexicoa.

The North American Orchid Conservation Center (NAOCC) works to save endangered orchids in the USA and Canada. About 250 orchid species are native to North America, and many are threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal poaching. The NAOCC was created by the Smithsonian Institution and the US Botanic Garden to conserve these native treasures. By coordinating a network of botanical gardens and plant experts, the NAOCC is working to establish a national orchid seed bank and a repository for special fungi needed by orchids. With programs that focus on preservation, propagation, and education, the NAOCC wants to ensure the survival of these fascinating plants.

The video below introduces the NAOCC, and includes footage of unusual and uncommon orchid beauties. You can support the NAOCC’s work by donating to their scientific and educational efforts.

What do the Ghost Orchid and Darwin’s Orchid have in common? Besides their sparkling white blooms, they are also night fragrant orchids. They have no scent during the day, and turn on their perfumes when it’s dark. The six photos below represent just a fraction of night fragrant orchid varieties. I’ve included a few more in the list at the end of the post.

Not all white orchids have aromas. White Phals, for instance, have no smell. Some white Dendrobiums are scentless, while many white Australian Dendrobiums have sweet daytime perfumes. On the other hand, night fragrant orchids have characteristic nectar tubes which extend behind each bloom. These point to one common goal for these orchids: pollination by moths. White flowers stand out at night, and moths love the rich scents and sweet nectar. Some orchids are fragrant only at dusk or early evening, while others last throughout the night.

Most of these night fragrant orchids are rare, and not common in cultivation. Some varieties have flowers with light green or yellow tints. Many have demanding care needs, and are not recommended for orchid beginners. Easier varieties include Brassavola, Mystacidium, and Neofinetia.
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Orchids have become such popular Mother’s Day gifts that moms are becoming orchid addicts as a result. They’ve discovered what many already know — orchids are easy and rewarding with a few basic care tips.

Many orchids can sport their glorious blooms for weeks or even months. To get the most life out of your plant, check these orchid tips:

• Identify your orchid to better understand its light, temperature, and water needs. You don’t need its exact name, just its orchid family. Phals, or Moth Orchids, are the most popular.
• If you cannot identify your orchid, use these general care tips.
• When watering, soak roots and potting material thoroughly. Let all excess water drain out of the holes in the bottom of the pot. Never allow the pot to sit in water for an extended time.
• Eventually you need to remove ribbons, wrapping paper, or decorative containers if they block drainage holes.
• All orchids need high humidity and good air movement. Dry air can cause flowers to quickly wilt.
• As cut flowers, orchids don’t need any special care. Keep the vase out of direct sun. Change the water every couple days to keep blooms fresh.
• Browse AboutOrchids for more growing tips, FAQ, and beautiful photos. Enjoying orchids has never been easier.

It’s important to let orchids dry between waterings. Roots and potting material need time to dry out. This period helps prevent roots from rotting or developing disease. Cattleyas and Oncidiums need to dry well, since damp conditions can kill them. Moth Orchids, Masdevallias, and Lady Slippers want to dry just a little, and need water more frequently.

All plants dry faster in warm weather, and therefore need more frequent waterings. Consequently, they need less in cool weather. Strong winds can also dry plants quickly.

An easy way to check for dryness is to stick your finger into the bark or moss. Underneath the potting material, it’s easy to feel if it’s still wet. Since water adds weight, many growers learn to feel the difference between a dry plant and a wet plant. When the orchid is a little easier to lift, it’s ready for water.

Find more helpful orchid watering tips here.