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.
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:
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.
Finding orchid lovers in Florida and Hawaii is no surprise, but how about Scotland and Latvia? Orchid lovers and orchid shows span the globe. Many shows are perfectly timed for Mother’s Day weekend.
Here’s proof that the orchids are doing well after our recent move to Pacifica. This great orange Masdevallia stays in flower for months at a time. Currently, it’s putting on a fantastic show with dozens of brilliant blooms.
This hybrid is living next to the house with the rest of the outdoor orchids. They’re sheltered on a path along an outside wall, so they don’t suffer the full brunt of the wind and salt spray. Obviously, this plant is enjoying its new home, as are we. Check back soon for more orchid adventures from the coast.
With California struggling through another drought, water conservation is essential. For orchid growers, droughts can be a problem. Orchids need moisture, both for watering and for humidity. Even growers who enjoy abundant water should treat it as a precious resource.
Some orchids need a lot of water. Lady Slippers and Masdevallias have heavy demands. Cattleyas and Laelias like to be kept dryer, so they need less. Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Laelias, Oncidiums, and others go dormant for part of the year, reducing their water demands for months. All types need extra water in warm temps. Check these conservation tips to keep your orchids well watered:
Martha Stewart extolls the wonders of the New York Botanical Garden’s (NYBG) Orchid Show. Her discussion with an NYBG curator reflects her fascination with getting all the orchids blooming at the right time. This beautiful exhibit has a Key West theme, and runs until April 21st. Enjoy the video preview below:
