Blog: An Orchid Affair

Despite the snow, the show must go on! People are here, buying orchids and supplies and enjoying the beautiful exhibits right now. Twelve-year-old MOS member Elizabeth Janko won two blue ribbons for her Phal. Sogo Vivien 'Variegata! Congrats, Elizabeth.

The Flying Duck Orchid... when I thought orchids couldn't get any better!

Wikipedia article

Decrypt the label on your orchid: http://www.landscape-and-garden.com/orchids/classification.aspx

By Ella Davies Reporter, BBC Nature

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12774613

Excerpt of article (with video)

"Ruthless hunters track their prey around the globe, snatching stunning individuals from their homes before they can even be named. The beauties only surface in the shadiest of nurseries and high prices for their lives are agreed under the counter by hungry-eyed collectors.

This is not the plot from a harrowing tale of people smuggling but the fate of rare and highly prized orchids. The plants have inspired frenzied collection since the 18th century with their lustrous blooms and incredible variety. Now, scientists say the illegal collection of orchids is pushing species to the edge of extinction, with dire consequences for biodiversity."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12774613

Here's a website that I stumbled across.

It covers:

• Types of lights
• Light and color
• Natural sunlight
• Incandescent lights
• Fluorescent lights
• HID/VHID lamps
  

If you live in the north, and haven't yet visited the COC website, do it now!

They have culture sheets tailored to the northern grower.

Let's face it, we don't live in Florida!

The January newsletter is now available.

Some highlights:
- Have your Keiki (and Grow It Too)
- Orchid Trivia: The Spurred Helmet Orchid
- Local Events