Vanilla Orchids: Natural History and Cultivation

Posted December 12th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Books, Fragrant Orchids, Warm Growers

As the most important orchid crop, vanilla is everywhere. Beyond its rich flavor, however, is the story of a surprising plant. Vanilla Orchids: Natural History and Cultivation provides a broad survey of this fascinating orchid. Author Ken Cameron, a botany professor from Wisconsin, unravels the tale of the world’s most popular flavor and fragrance. The book covers the biology, evolution, and diversity of the vanilla family, including vanilla’s unusual orchid relatives. Cameron also explains how to cultivate this tropical crop at home, for those daring enough to try. Dozens of photos highlight vanilla flowers, vanilla farms, and vanilla products. This book makes a great gift for orchid lovers and for bakers who wish to better understand this quintessential kitchen ingredient.

Orchids of Australia

Posted December 10th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: In the News

Australian Geographic proudly displays that nation’s most beautiful orchids. The article includes a gallery of brilliant illustrations which bring Australia’s most “stunning, mysterious and diverse” orchids to life. Starting with the bizarre underground Rhizanthella orchid, the detailed botanical drawings feature the flamboyant Queen of Sheba orchid, the weird Large Duck Orchid, and many more. Images also show details on pollination, growth habits, and conservation status. Many Australian natives are endangered. While the country has about 6% of the world’s orchid species, 25% of extinctions are occurring there. Take a trip down under to enjoy these unusual specimens.

Spiranthes

Posted December 6th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Cool Growers, Dormancy, Fertilizing, Fragrant Orchids, Growing, In the News, Photos, Watering

This Spiranthes hardly looks like an orchid. Out of bloom, its thin, skinny leaves look like they belong to a weed. Even in bloom, the tiny white flowers bear little resemblance to its grand tropical relatives. Spiranthes’ name hints at its spiral arrangement of flowers. These scented blooms, just over half an inch (1.3 cm) long, twist down in a pattern that’s inspired the nickname “Fragrant Ladies’ Tresses.” This species, Spiranthes odorata, is native to marshy areas and wetlands of the Eastern USA, south to Florida and Texas. It has a vanilla-like fragrance.

Spiranthes flowersSpiranthes flowers arranged in a spiral patternSpiranthes flower close up

Spiranthes flowers may not turn many heads, but they’re unusual and easy to grow. These terrestrials, along with the Stream Orchid, are rare exceptions to the rule to never allow orchids to sit in water. This species can grow in standing water, and it’s often used in terrariums and aquariums. It’s one of the easiest native North American orchids to keep. To grow it, provide morning sun, afternoon shade, regular water, and regular fertilizer (they love compost!) It’s not necessary to keep the plant in water, but don’t let it dry out. Spiranthes go dormant and drop their leaves over winter. New leaves emerge from fleshy roots in the spring.

Spiranthes flowers, showing spiral arrangementSpiranthes flowers and buds arranged in a spiralSpiranthes leaves and flower spike

Many Spiranthes varieties grow all over the world, but most aren’t as easy to keep in cultivation as this species. Another Spiranthes species, nicknamed the Giant Spiral Orchid, recently popped up in a North Carolina Tideland News story. Spiranthes certainly add an interesting twist to the orchid world.

December Orchid Shows

Posted November 30th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Events

December is always the slowest month for orchid shows, but their universal appeal guarantees that the calendar is never empty. Many orchid societies sponsor holiday events, so check with local organizations to find sales, auctions, and workshops near you.

December 4 – 9
Orchid Society Show at Taiping Lake Garden Carnival, Taiping Lake Garden, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
December 5 – 9
Exposicion de Orquideas, Ocaña, North Santander, Colombia
December 7 – 9
Exposicao de Orquideas, Colegio Estadual Governador Roberto Silveira, Rua Goncalves da Silva 75, Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
December 7 – 9
Exposicao de Orquideas de Orleans, Centreventos Galliano Zomer, Orleans, Santa Catarina, Brazil
December 7 – 9
Exposicao de Orquideas de Londrina, Rua Brigadeiro Franco 45, Londrina, Parana, Brazil
December 7 – 9
Exposicao Estadual de Laelia Purpurata de Mato Leitao, Conclave e Assembleia da FGO, Mato Leitao, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
December 8
North of England Orchid Society Monthly Meeting & Show, Barton Community Hall, Barton, Lancashire, UK
December 8 – 9
Orquifest Verano, Museo de Historia Y Archivo Historico, Calle Junin 151, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
December 9
Trinidad and Tobago Orchid Society Christmas Luncheon, Caroni Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Centre, Butler Hwy., Caroni, Trinidad
December 10
Royal Horticultural Society Orchid Committee Show, McBean’s Orchids, Cooksbridge, East Sussex, UK
December 10 – 16
Kedah Orchid Show, Parking Lot, Billion Supermarket, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
December 17 – 23
Kedah Orchid Show, Medan Usahawan, Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia
December 19
Golden Gate Cymbidium Society Holiday Orchid Auction & Potluck Dinner, Lakeside Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Dr., Oakland, California

Five Common Orchid Growing Mistakes

Posted November 25th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Growing, Photos, Problems, Watering

Considering the incredible diversity of the orchid family, it’s surprising how the same few mistakes crop up over and over. Try to avoid these five common problems:

  • Too much water — Orchid roots and potting material should dry out between regular waterings. Kept too wet, they’ll rot. Most orchids sold today are Phals, or Moth Orchids, which need water 2 or 3 times per week. Masdevallias and Lady Slippers may require daily watering, while Cattleyas and Laelias only want water once a week. During winter dormancy, many varieties with pseudobulbs need less water.
  • Not enough water — Many orchids die from drying out. Whether caused by forgetful owners or heat waves, inadequate water leaves these rainforest plants struggling. Always give the plant enough water to thoroughly soak the potting material and run out the bottom of the pot. People who use ice cubes are often guilty of underwatering, since each ice cube amounts to only a few spoonfuls of water.
  • Letting the pot sit in water — With rare exceptions, like the Stream Orchid, orchids should not sit in water for more than a few hours. Water blocks air flow, which is essential for orchid roots. Make sure all excess water drains from the pot after each soaking. If you use a tray with pebbles and water for humidity, always keep the pot above the water level.
  • Not enough light — Orchids can live for a long time, even if conditions aren’t right. They can survive in low light, but won’t bloom or have vigorous growth. Orchids want enough light to keep their leaves medium or light green; dark green leaves indicate insufficient light. Many thrive best with morning sun. In the low light and short days of winter, many types need supplemental light.
  • Dry air — Low humidity wilts flowers and invites pests. Raise humidity levels by keeping the pot on a tray of pebbles and water, grouping plants together, using a spray mister, or running a cool-mist humidifier.

Phalaenopsis speciesGreen Dendrobium flowerLady Slippers

 

2013 AOS Calendar

Posted November 20th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Buying Tips, Conservation, Misc

The American Orchid Society (AOS) proudly offers their beautiful 2013 wall calendar. For just $14.95 ($13.50 for AOS members,) it’s easy to enjoy gorgeous orchids in constant bloom — no water, fertilizer, or repotting necessary. The 2013 AOS calendar has 14 months of orchids in the wild, and $2 from each calendar purchase funds conservation projects. Check the AOS website for calendars, extensive articles on orchid culture, and additional conservation info.

American Orchid Society 2013 calendar cover

Nature’s World

Posted November 17th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: In the News

The Timaru Herald in New Zealand has the latest rave review for Singapore’s new Gardens by the Bay complex. It’s no surprise that orchids abound in the recently opened park, which covers 250 acres (101 hectares) of the tiny island nation. Sitting close to the equator with a tropical rainforest climate, Singapore has long been a garden city full of orchids. In fact, the country’s national flower is a Vanda hybrid. Gardens by the Bay consists of conservatories, elevated walkways, outdoor gardens, a small lake, and 18 remarkable “supertrees.” These artificial trees serve as vertical gardens for orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and other air plants. The supertrees also harvest solar power, collect rainwater, and provide ventilation for the environmentally friendly structures. Both conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, look somewhat like enormous glass seashells. They house thriving plant collections from around the world, and also offer cool, air-conditioned relief from Singapore’s tropical heat. With the supertrees illuminated every night, it’s no wonder the article calls Gardens by the Bay “real Avatar territory.”

For more pictures of this fantastic park, check out the landscape architecture website Landezine. They have 24 large, high quality photos which help show why this ambitious new project has been winning awards like Building of the Year from the 2012 World Architecture Festival.


Gulf Fritillary

Posted November 12th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Misc, Photos

Lots of butterflies enjoy visiting our garden, but they’re usually flitting around too quickly to capture them in photos. A couple days ago this Gulf Fritillary took a while to warm up in the autumn chill, so Dave had a chance to take these great shots. The butterfly even found a sunny perch on a Sobralia bud. Its brilliant orange wings and body dramatically contrast with the unfolding purple bloom.

Gulf Fritillary butterflyGulf Fritillary on Sobralia budClose up of Gulf Fritillary on Sobralia

Sights like these are their own reward, and also a reminder of what toxic pesticides can destroy. I’d rather have a few bugs on my plants and be able to enjoy nature, so I avoid artificial chemicals and rely on beneficial insects. Gulf Fritillaries have an enormous range through much of the Western Hemisphere, spanning from the USA to Argentina. The caterpillars feed on passionflower plants, and it’s likely this insect once munched on our large purple passionflower vine.

Center for Biological Diversity

Posted November 7th, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Conservation

The Center for Biological Diversity fights for endangered species through petitions, science, media outreach, and legal actions. Based in Tucson, Arizona, the Center is a non-profit group with over 450,ooo members and online activists. Begun in 1989 with a focus on plants and animals of the American Southwest, it has now expanded to tackle global environmental threats. Center programs work to protect endangered species, oceans, public lands, and urban wildlands. Their agenda includes advocating for endangered orchids like this recent suit to stop mining interests from destroying a rare Arizona Coralroot species. You can support the Center by joining, making a donation, volunteering, or responding to action alerts.

All About Vanilla

Posted November 2nd, 2012 by Marc Cohen
Categories: Fragrant Orchids, In the News, Photos, Warm Growers

Food52.com takes a close look at the tastiest orchid, vanilla. Just a few drops or seeds add magic to baked goods, candy, and chocolate. Did you know that the vanilla pod itself has more flavor than its seeds? Pods can be used repeatedly to infuse sugar or any liquid. To enjoy vanilla’s flavor without the alcohol in vanilla extract, try vanilla powder instead. The article also explains how to distinguish vanilla varieties and how to store beans (hint: in a cool, dark place, but NOT in the fridge.)

Green Vanilla beans on the vine on the Big Island of Hawaii

In honor of vanilla, Food52.com has a contest to find “Your Best Recipe with Vanilla.” Deadline for entry is in 4 days. I’m sure it will be a delicious competition.