November has shows, sales, auctions, and talks around the planet. Take advantage of any of these events near you. The Orchid Digest Cattleya Symposium offers an in-person option and an online option to attend or watch the talks later.
Earlier this month, Dave and I headed to the Peninsula Orchid Society Show in nearby San Mateo. This event has repeatedly shown that small displays can be really spectacular, and this year did not disappoint. It was full of great flowers, unusual species, and new hybrids. The first row of photos above features two species that I don’t think I’ve ever seen in person before. There’s a Chaubardia, an interesting orchid with a strange lip resembling scary purple teeth. It seems appropriate for the month of ghouls and ghosts. In addition, the lovely white and purple Aganisia is in the Zygo family, and an important parent of many purple hybrids. These uncommon orchids with brilliant blooms were pleasant surprises.
They were far from the only highlights, and the room was packed with ribbons and awards. There were graceful white Habenaria flowers like birds in flight, and enormous Cattleya blooms that looked as delicious as candy. It’s not easy to pick a favorite. Check back here soon for more photos from the show.
Australian Underground Orchids are among the most mysterious plants. Nothing else flowers underground. Also known as Rhizanthellas, they’re rare, endangered, and very difficult to find. Habitat loss has decimated their numbers, and now climate change may wipe them out completely. They live entirely underground, where they germinate, grow, flower, and set seed. They may be pollinated by termites.
Fortunately, Kingsley Dixon has been fascinated by Rhizanthellas since he was a child. Now that he’s a botany professor at the University of Western Australia in Perth, he’s working to save them. That involves understanding the complex web of plants, fungi, and insects needed by these species to survive. He’s trying to protect remaining habitats, grow seeds in a lab, and maintain backup populations in case the plants go extinct in the wild. With a team of volunteers, he’s hopeful that they can save these astounding orchids.
October has orchid events on six continents. They’re great chances to meet fellow orchid lovers, take photos, learn from experts, and buy plants. Take advantage of any of these opportunities near you.
Despite the trials and tribulations of our planet, the earth continues to spin, the seasons continue their cycles, and orchids make great stress relievers. Enjoy these photos from this summer’s Orchids in the Park event in San Francisco to celebrate today’s equinox. Let the beauty of nature stop you in your tracks. When thoughts are spiraling into negativity, orchids are the perfect distraction. Savor their gorgeous colors, striking patterns, and fascinating shapes. Better yet, find a bit of nature — in real life, not on a screen — and immerse yourself in it for a little while. It does a world of good. Happy equinox.
In Defense of Plants devotes a fantastic podcast to Orchids for Peace. This conservation group was started by Dr. Tatiana Arias, a Colombian scientist who studies why orchids are so diverse. That’s an especially good question in Colombia, which is one of the most orchid-rich countries in the world. She began Orchids for Peace to preserve this incredible diversity, and to help nurture peace in the region. By exploring, restoring habitats, working with communities, and doing citizen science, Orchids for Peace is connecting people with nature. Communities are becoming stewards of their local wildlife, breeding rare orchids for sale, and promoting responsible ecotourism. These strategies are conserving native biodiversity, and also improving local residents’ lives. You can help Orchids for Peace by volunteering, using your skills to contribute, or making a donation. They can also be found on Facebook and Instagram.
From Tasmania to Sweden, orchid lovers are gathering. As the Southern Hemisphere enters spring, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil are packed with dozens of shows. Be sure not to miss any of these events near you.
This gorgeous Coelogyne arrived in our garden recently after a friend gave me a division. Happily, it bloomed quickly, and we’ve been enjoying these great flowers. Coelogyne Memoria W. Micholitz is a hybrid orchid, and it’s truly a prize. Its crystal white blooms boast a flower lip with brilliant orange hues.
This is a primary hybrid, meaning that it’s a cross between two species. The parent species, Coelogyne lawrenceana and Coelogyne mooreana, are shown in the final two photos below. If you carefully compare them, you can see that this hybrid has received traits from each parent. The larger flower size and thick bristles on the lip come from Coel. lawrenceana, and the overall bloom shape and white color are from Coel. mooreana. The lip colors also appear to be a blend between the parents.
This orchid seems to have adjusted well to our cool, foggy climate on the Northern California coast. It’s opened four flowers so far. If I can keep it happy, maybe there will be more next time.
If you’re heading to the World Orchid Conference (WOC) in Germany next year, there’s a great chance to combine your trip with an orchid tour. The Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA,) an excellent group doing essential work, is offering a tour in Greece before the conference. From March 17-24, 2026, the OCA presents a special visit to the Greek Island of Rhodes. Expert guides hope to locate 40 or more species in bloom. Afterwards, the WOC, also known as the “Orchid Olympics,” takes place in Dresden from March 26-29, 2026. If you want to immerse yourself in orchids for a couple weeks, these are superb opportunities.
Last week’s Orchids in the Park event was crowded with blooms and with people. The San Francisco Orchid Society always does a great job putting together its shows, and this was no exception. Enjoy these photos, and check back soon for more.
