Eulophia graminea orchids of Asia found in Florida

A slight, delicate orchid with a penchant for travel is popping up in Miami-Dade County in disturbed and abandoned lots as well as in manicured and mulched garden beds. It is unbidden, not a native, and seems to be finding its way to new areas hither and yon.
Tracking down its identity has been a venture worthy of Inspector Clouseau, and finding the pollinator continues to be a scientific Tropic Hunt based on some cool clues and little-known facts. Much about it still mystifies.
Its one-inch flowers are mostly green, although the lip is white and pink. The leaves occasionally appear after the flower stalk. It grows in the ground, and when small, it has a roundish bulb that resembles a houseplant called the pregnant onion.
Because it's being spotted in locations miles apart, questions are buzzing: Why is this plant becoming comfortable in South Florida?
''It's an exciting botanical mystery. Where did it come from? And is it going to be a problem?'' said Suzanne Koptur, an ecologist at Florida International University. ``It's a very tough, strong orchid that seems to pop up from very small seeds that find what they need in that cypress mulch.''
Will it be like the African monk orchid, Oeceoclades maculata, which once made the list of invasive plants compiled by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council? That orchid has moved into all seven counties south of Lake Okeechobee, although it has been removed from the FEPPC's list of bad plants. Or will it be a harmless lounge-about like the lawn orchid Zeuxine strateumatica?
The monk orchid might displace native seedlings of tropical hardwoods, rare ferns, wildflowers of shady hammocks ''and even things like the wild coco, another native orchid, Eulophia alta ,'' Koptur said. Or, the monk orchid might be totally harmless. Experts disagree.
The new Eulophia orchid was first noticed last year by one of Koptur's neighbors, Harvey Bernstein, who found it growing in the mulch beds around his succulent collection. Bernstein is a plant curator at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and more likely to spot an unusual specimen than most people.
When he didn't recognize the plant, he took it to Koptur, but she didn't recognize it, either.
It worked its way through several orchid growers until, finally, Bob Pemberton, a research associate with Fairchild, solved the name-that-orchid mystery.
The little orchid is Eulophia graminea. It hails from Southeast Asia, Burma and subtropical islands of the Pacific. It has become naturalized in northern Australia, and now, as if by magic, it is in the Redland, Miami Dade College's North Campus, Little River, South Miami and even in a parking lot on Virginia Key.
Until you get the hang of spotting them, young plants are slight enough to remain overlooked. The first rule of science: Be a good observer.
In Miami's Palm Grove neighborhood, just west of Belle Meade, orchid fancier Don Wallstedt found many eulophias growing in rocky soil in two empty lots.
''I saw these little flowers and knew it was an orchid but didn't know what kind,'' he said. ``I looked in Wild Orchids of Florida, which has every orchid that's ever been seen in Florida, and knew I had something unique.''
With the identity secured, the orchid sleuths turned to the next question: How did it get here?
There are Internet dealers. Pemberton found several of the plants for sale on eBay, as well as a Thai source offering the bulbs and even a source in Scotland offering plants. So it could have escaped from someone's local collection and made a beeline for the nearest mulch pile.
Its dust-like seeds may have been carried on the wind.

URL : http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/594330.html

Enjoy,
Steve Peralta
1888Orchids.com

Orchids Growing Out of Tree Ferns.

A few years ago, Theo Wilms decided to try an experiment. He wondered if it was possible to grow orchids out of tree ferns. Such an orchid orchard doesn't exist anywhere in the world, but for an agricultural scientist, that is just a challenge.

It all started in the early 1980s when Mr Wilms was working for what was then called the Taranaki United Council.

"They asked me to look into all the agricultural and horticultural systems in the province to see if any of them could be expanded." As far as outdoor horticulture was concerned, the answer was no, mostly because of the wet climate.

URL : http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/dailynews/4558452a6551.html

Enjoy,
Steve Peralta

Best in show

By Jennifer Ross - North Shore Outlook - April 23, 2008

You don’t have to be a green thumb to appreciate orchids. The exquisite colours and delicate design make them a rare beauty that all can enjoy.

That’s why thousands of orchid enthusiasts will be showing up at this year’s Vancouver Orchid Society 2008 Annual Orchid Show and Sale. The show is an ideal spring event for those who have enjoyed growing orchids for years as well as for those still searching for their first plant.

Visitors will be able to shop for orchids from a huge selection of plants presented by show vendors, attend educational presentations and learn about the beauty and attraction of orchids. They can also watch exquisite orchid displays prepared by leading local and international growers.

“This event is also an American Orchid Society judged show,” said Chris Ostenstad, a co-chair of the show. “On Friday we judge orchids that are not yet recognized, that have been hybridized. With hundreds of entries we look for orchids that are bigger and better than ever.”

And if you have your own orchids at home and you would like to bring them to the event, there will be expert growers on site who can answer any questions you might have about orchids and other species. There will also be workshops throughout the day that address the care and maintenance of these exotic plants.

“The biggest myth about orchids is people think they are hard to look after, but they are not,” said Ostenstad. “If they have enough light and heat they will grow. Just don’t over water them.”

Because most orchids originated in tropical environments, placing them in the bathroom or a kitchen windowsill will provide enough humidity to help ensure a healthy plant, explains Ostenstad, who has two greenhouses and over a thousand orchids. Some orchids, if handled properly, can outlive their owners.

For those concerned about the initial cost of buying an orchid, there will be plants in a range of prices available at the show. While some cost thousands due to the rarity of the species, others, like the popular Phalaenopsis, are more affordably priced.

“The hybridizing market is key today because it is worth a lot of money,” said Ostenstad. “But you have to be willing to invest a lot of time and effort. Most orchids take two years to grow and some can take between three to 10 years to flower.”

The Vancouver Orchid Society 2008 Annual Orchid Show and Sale takes place May 3 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and May 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Richmond Curling Club (5540 Hollybridge Way). Admission is $7 and children under age 12 can visit the show for free. For more information, go to www.vancouverorchidsociety.ca

The Vero Beach Orchid Society will be holding their 26th Annual Orchid Show

The Vero Beach Orchid Society will be holding their 26th Annual Orchid
Show & Sale 'Orchids at Riverside' April 26th & 27th, 2008, 10-5 each
day. The location of the show is at Riverside Park, Highway 60 East at
the foot of the Merrill Barber Bridge Vero Beach, Florida.

Free Admission/Free Parking
$2.00 Donation Appreciated

This is an American Orchid Society Judged Event

Orchid guide both useful, attractive

"300 Orchids: Species, Hybrids & Varieties in Cultivation" (Firefly, $29.95) is a chunky little book chock-full of practical information on the most common orchid varieties, which seem to be growing in popularity.

Alphabetically arranged and encyclopedic in design, it's a comprehensive guide that covers species from every continent and provides basic care instructions and information on taxonomy, form, distribution, cultivation, habitat and conservation status for each.

Its author, Jane Boosey, is a British orchid dealer.

Though it's oddly shaped and sized for such a purpose, the photos make it a wonderful candidate for the coffee table.


-- Newsday

URL:
http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/ENTERTAINMENT05/804130384

Mother's Day Orchids

Orchids for Mother's Day
By Susan Taylor
"Mother's Day is coming up and what better gift to get her than an orchid? Mother's Day Orchids are one of the best gifts to give because of their allure and mystique. Their distinctive color, shape and history have made them a gift that will be received with awe. One of the most common comments I've heard is "I've always wanted to grow an orchid…" Why don't you give your mother one so she can try?

Orchids are in fact one of the best buys you can make for any holiday, especially if you pick a Phalaenopsis. These lovely orchids come in an amazing rainbow of colors for almost any décor and often will bloom for up to six months depending upon the variety and parentage. What other kind of blooming plant will do that for you? No cut flowers will do that; other blooming plants only last for a couple of weeks. Phals will provide a lasting display that will please and provide enjoyment for a long while. They are one of the staples used in flower arrangements in hotels and other areas where floral arrangements are part of the décor..."

Enjoy,
Steve

Orchid Show and Tell...

A Festival of Orchids will be on display at Bridgemere Garden World, near Nantwich from tomorrow until Sunday April 14.
There will be around 30 varieties of Orchids including, for the first time at the centre, English grown Phalaenopis.
There will also be a team in Houseplants on hand to offer help and advice, and on Saturday at 11am, Alan Banner, Bridgemere's orchid expert will be giving a talk on The Care of Orchids, when visitors can pick up some helpful hints and tips on the care of these fascinating plants.
advertisement

In addition to all the various plants, there will be features on floral arrangements to help give ideas on ways of using cut stems of orchids from the Florista Flower Shop, to creative effective and dramatic designs.

URL:
http://www.creweguardian.co.uk/display.var.2182529.0.orchid_show_and_tell.php

Enjoy,
Steve

For the Love of Orchids

Mr. G says he may still be a Yankee at heart, but he's right at home in Cleveland. Not Ohio. Cleveland, Fla. It's a small, unincorporated neighborhood east of Punta Gorda. Carl Powell of Powell's Nursery was born near here, and I myself am a recent transplant. Mr. Powell thought the two of us, me and Mr. G, should meet. With my newfound love of orchids and my almost total lack of knowledge and experience with them, I couldn't agree more.

URL: http://www.sun-herald.com/Newsstory.cfm?pubdate=040908&story=tp11ch14.htm&folder=NewsArchive2

Enjoy,
Steve

The annual Taiwan International Orchid Show held last month in Tainan County has received more than NT$2.4 billion (US$78.7 million) in export order

"The annual Taiwan International Orchid Show held last month in Tainan
County has received more than NT$2.4 billion (US$78.7 million) in export
orders, a 65 percent increase from last year...

the show attracted more than 200,000 local and foreign visitors as well as
2,000-plus buyers from 24 countries during its 10-day run which ended on
March 17.

Some of the orders for several species or patented species were in the
quantity of millions...

This year, the American Orchid Society, which was asked to send officials
to the show to serve as judges, broke a record for the number of orchid
plants awarded the highest honors...

six orchid plants received first class certificates from the US society,
breaking the society's record.
The US group usually awards about a dozen such certificates a year.

This year was also the first in which US judges awarded more than four of
the top certificates at a single show since its establishment in the 1920s.

Taiwan exported NT$1.84 billion worth of orchids in 2006, a year-on-year
increase of 24.1 percent, with... phalaenopsis, accounting for NT$1.15
billion of the total...

Total orchid export orders secured at the orchid show totaled NT$800
million in 2005, NT$1 billion in 2006 and NT$1.5 billion this year [2007 ?]"

URL: http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2008/04/02/2003408073

Fragrant Orchids

"orchids..
fragrance plays an essential role in their survival strategy... orchids spice up their lives in order to attract pollinators.

Flowers... are advertising the fact that they offer nectar or other substances...

Some have wonderful fragrances yet produce no nectar and trick insects into thinking there is a free meal. Other orchids produce odors that mimic the
pheromones of bees and wasps (some even look like female insects) so that males try to mate with the orchids. Some bees even collect the orchid's
fragrance and store it on their hind legs to use, perhaps, to attract their own mates.

Orchids are pollinated by bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, gnats, and beetles.
Flies, gnats, and beetles are attracted to dull-green and reddish-brown orchids with foul odors.
Bulbophyllum beccarii attracts flies by smelling like decaying animals. Butterflies and hummingbirds tend to gravitate to bright yellow and red flowers that are full of sweet nectar. Bees love nectar and cheerful flowers that range from purples and blues to bright yellows.

Most orchids smell best in the morning hours when the light is bright. The fragrance fades in the afternoon when the temperature increases.
This corresponds with the pollination practices of insects that are more active in early hours.

Other orchids are fragrant in the evening...
Brassavola nodosa... starts exuding its heavenly fragrance at dusk when its pollinators, nocturnal moths, come out.

Fragrances are volatile. They often develop and become more complex the longer you smell them.
A fragrance may catch your attention with a strong citrus smell that sweetens and becomes floral after a few minutes. At first Dendrobium anosmum smells like raspberry, shifts to strawberry,
then rhubarb, and finally hyacinth.

Some fragrances are mild, while others are intoxicating. There are many factors that affect fragrance. Ochids tend to be more fragrant on sunny rather than shady days, when the volatile oils warm up and diffuse. Fragrances tend to linger longer in
areas of high humidity. Locations where the air is still tend to trap fragrances, while smells will
dissipate in breezy sites.

Over the past several decades, a greater emphasis has been placed on hybridizing fragrant orchids.
... Phalaenopsis... is now being bred for fragrance (although it tends to be delicate).
Cymbidiums... are now being bred in miniature, easier-to-grow forms that have fragrance.
Cymbidium Golden Elf 'Stardust' is one example with a subtle rose perfume.

If you prefer strong fragrances, Rhynchostylis or Zygopetalum are two good options...
not all orchids are fragrant...
Cattleyas have fragrances that either revive you or make you swoon... they are [have] complex fragrances (many layers) that range from citrus to
beautiful, rose-like floral. Oncidiums have fragrances that make you hungry [well ! ...] they range from chocolate and vanilla to tropical punch.

When orchids are judged for fragrances, experts... evaluate the orchid based on the intensity (strength) of the fragrance, the distance the smell
travels, its general appeal (pleasant smell), and the complexity (well-roundedness) of the fragrance.
...
Popular Fragrant Orchids
...
Brassavola nodosa (lily-of-the-valley)
Brassavola 'Little Stars' (sweet)
...
Orchids from the Cattleya alliance tend to have floral, sweet, citrus
fragrances.
Cochleanthes amazonica (spicy, candy)
Dendrobuim anosmum (raspberry, strawberry or rhubarb)
Dendrobuim parishii (berries)
Dendrobium nobile (floral)
Encyclia fragrans (vanilla, honey)
Encyclia radiata (coconut)
Lycaste aromatica (cinnamon)
Maxillaria tenuifolia (coconut)
Miltoniopsis (rose)
Neofinetia falcata (coconut and jasmine)
Oncidium Sharry Baby (chocolate and vanilla)
Oncidium Twinkle (vanilla)
Oncidium Hawaiian Sunset (floral)
Oncidium cheirophorum (sweet, citrus)
Oncidium ornithorhynchum (vanilla)
Phalaenopsis Caribbean Sunset (rose)
Phalaenopsis Coral Isles (citrus)
Phalaenopsis Orchid World 'Roman Holiday' (spicy)
Phalaenopsis schilleriana (rose)
Phalaenopsis violacea (floral)
Rhynchostylis (floral)
Vanda coerulescens (grape bubble gum)
Zygopetalum (hyacinth)"

URL : http://ww2.7online.com/Global/story.asp?S=8120859

The American Orchid Society...to recognize its founders and celebrate its 87th anniversary...

"The American Orchid Society...
to recognize its founders and celebrate its 87th anniversary...

a book signing by orchid grower Robert Fuchs of R.F. Orchids, who will
speak about the book, "Robert's Road, Chronicle of an Orchid Tradition,"
written by Flora Murphy.

The celebration comes during April, which is National Orchid Month,
designated as such by the AOS on its 80th birthday in 2001. The naming of
the month is designed to raise awareness nationally of orchids...

nearly 18,000 members around the world, the AOS is recognized as a
proponent of orchid education, research, and conservation. It is the
largest special-interest horticultural organization in the world."

URL :
http://www.bocaratonnews.com/news/local/366-orchid-society-mark-founders-day-monday.php

Enjoy,
Steve

Jewel Orchid - Ludisia discolor

"Ludisia discolor

Growth habit: An upright to sprawling evergreen orchid growing to 12 inches
tall and twice as wide. The leaves are oval in shape with a velvety look;
they are red on the underside and deep green on the surface with pink
longitudinal stripes, and they grow to 6 inches long and 2 inches wide.

Light: Grow in filtered sun.

Water needs: Prefers moist soil; water when the surface begins to dry.

Feedings: Apply an orchid fertilizer monthly March through November or add
a slow-release product to the surface of the soil following label instructions.

Propagation: Start plants from cuttings inserted into containers of potting
soil or by dividing older plants.

Ease of culture: Easy.

Hardiness: Tender; protect from frosts and freezes.

Major problems: Avoid overwatering and dense potting soils to prevent root
rot. Leaf-chewing and scale insects are occasional pests. Control as needed
with natural sprays.

Pruning: Grooming is needed throughout the year to remove declining leaves
and shoots that grow out of bounds. Also, remove stems of faded flowers to
keep the plants attractive.

Uses: Gardeners like the colorful foliage of jewel orchids, but they also
get a yearly bonus of attractive winter flowers. The white and yellow
blooms form along long stems held well above the foliage February through
March. These are terrestrial orchids that need a loose soil mix added to
containers having good drainage. The plants can be hung under trees or
displayed on shady patios and balconies, but avoid areas with excessive and
drying winds. They also can be grown in the home.

... native to Southeast Asia and Indonesia."

URL :
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/lifestyle/orl-profile0508apr05,0,2264161.story?track=rss

Enjoy,
Steve

Barbara Pierrou's orchid greenhouse...

"Barbara Pierrou...
greenhouses.. both built from kits.

One greenhouse is primarily used to house the majority of Barbara's orchid collection... about 250 plants. 8-by-12-foot free-standing structure...

a number of home greenhouse kits come with detailed instructions so buyers can put them together themselves.
...
The couple and their adult daughter assembled the second greenhouse themselves.

Barbara Pierrou's orchid greenhouse...
free-standing, straight-eave model with a green metal frame and polycarbonate walls. It's outfitted with a fogger, exhaust fan, regular fans, a swamp cooler that cools it during the summer and heater for winter months.

The fogger, heating and cooling systems are on automatic systems to keep the greenhouse conditions stable. Each is connected to sensors. For
example, when humidity drops below a certain level, the fogger comes on automatically.

Several small fans are situated throughout the greenhouse... You need air movement because without it, you'll get mold on the plants...

The structure did not come with shelves...

The second greenhouse is similar in size but cost less because of its wood frame...
includes a portable sink, as well as shelves...

if you're in the market for a greenhouse. The American Orchid Society... a list of tips:

Determine your needs and space requirements.
Greenhouses range from large, elegant conservatories to compact window greenhouses that fit snugly into a kitchen window frame. If your plant collection will expand, get one large enough to accommodate the additional
plants. It's easier to buy something slightly larger than to expand the greenhouse...

There are three major types to consider: lean-to, attached and free-standing greenhouses.
A lean-to is typically small, about 6 to 10 feet long, with one of its long sides formed by the side of the house to which it is attached.

An attached greenhouse is an extension of one's home that is connected at the narrow end instead of the long side. It's larger than a lean-to, so
it's better equipped to provide more control of humidity, ventilation and expansion problems.

Free-standing greenhouses... are unattached on all four sides. While they are more expensive than the first two options, they offer maximum light to
plants and better humidity control. Price can range from $50 [!!!] to several thousand dollars.

Pick a location in the yard that will capture maximum light. Avoid a spot near shade trees or other structures that can block light. While certain
plants, especially orchids, thrive in well-lighted conditions, they should not be exposed to direct sun. That can be easily fixed by putting a tarp
over the top.

Shelves should be built with convenience in mind. A good size is 30 inches tall and 33 inches wide. Aluminum mesh or steel mesh benches allows air to
better circulate. If you choose wood, select treated lumber that is moisture-resistant.

Consider heating and cooling needs.
A heating system is necessary in areas where temperatures dip below 45 degrees. Orchids do best in 60 to 80 degrees.
A cooling system is likely needed for a greenhouse in this region because of the hot summer months.
Automatic humidifiers should be paired with an adequate ventilation mechanism. Many greenhouses are equipped with side and roof vents that operate
automatically or manually. Add a few fans to keep air moving.

For more information about... buying and/or building a greenhouse check out...

"How to Build Your Own Greenhouse," by Roger Marshall (Storey Publishing...)"

URL : http://www.modbee.com/life/yourhome/story/260356.html

photo : [caption : "Barbara Pierrou... her home greenhouse"

http://media.modbee.com/smedia/2008/04/04/15/963-LIVE_p0405_05e3greenhouse1.standalone.prod_affiliate.11.jpg

Enjoy,
Steve

The American Orchid Society Has a New Look and a New Logo

The American Orchid Society has a new look including a new logo and a re-design of their popular website. The new website uses more white and is more airy than the old website... Not all the features from the old site (ie., Vendor Listings) are visible on new site but from the looks of things, it's going to be a great look!
Post a comment below and tell us what you think of the new web design and the AOS's new logo.


The old American Orchid Society website used black very effectively which gave the site a lot of class. Black blended very well with the white text on top of the beautiful orchid images. Many of us got used to using the old site so the new site will take some time getting used to navigating. Tell us what you think of the new AOS designs by posting a comment below.

Orchids are all the rage today...

Learn why today's gardeners are obsessed with orchids. With step-by-step advice, even novice gardeners can cultivate these exquisite flowers. Orchids are all the rage today. In fact, orchids now rank as the second most popular potted plant, behind only poinsettias in sales.It's not difficult to understand why orchids are so appealing-they're available in a dazzling array of colors and shapes, their flowers can last for weeks, and their fragrances are unrivaled. Fortunately, today's orchids cost less than they did 10 years ago, and the quality is better. A blooming orchid is now less expensive than a modest flower arrangement and provides many weeks of colorful flowers.The Perfect PlaceOrchids are easy to grow as long as you choose the ones that fit your home environment. Comfortable indoor temperatures (65° to 75° during the day, and 10° to 15° lower in the evening) and normal ventilation usually work fine for many orchids. The biggest challenge is providing sufficient light and humidity. Some homes have heavy, light-blocking drapes and tend to have dry air. Orchids prefer humidity levels of about 50 to 60 percent. You can reach this level with an evap-orative-type room humidifier, and you can also add moisture to the area around the plants by growing them on trays filled with pebbles and water. A plastic unit called a Humidi-Grow Tray (about 1 foot square) is a ready-made unit serving the same function. In the Right DirectionWindowsills are home to most indoor plants, so let's look at the light-providing capabilities of these growing spaces. The direction a window faces has a lot to do with the amount of light and the time of day that light will be on your orchids.South-facing windows are the brightest and an ideal location for orchids needing the strongest light. Other orchids that need less light can be placed a few feet back from the window, or the light from the window can be diffused with a sheer curtain.In an east-facing window, morning sunlight is bright but not too hot. During the spring, summer and fall, this is usually an ideal exposure for the orchids mentioned in this article. During the short, dark days of winter, many of these same orchids would then usually prefer the south-facing window.The west-facing window receives as much light as the east window but, because it is afternoon light, is much hotter. So this is not as desirable a location as the east window. If you need to use it, make sure your orchids don't dry out.A north-facing window is the least desirable because it simply does not provide enough light to sustain healthy growth of orchids. Orchid OptionsChoosing the right type of orchids is critical to success. The ones I recommend, in order of ease of culturing, are:Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis). Exceptionally easy to grow, these bloom for weeks or months, come in a range of colors and have attractive strap-shaped, dark green foliage. Their arching spikes of moth-shaped flowers are the essence of grace and style, making them favorites for fashion magazine photo shoots. This type of orchid asks only for diffused, bright light, normal room temperatures and moderate humidity.Slipper Orchids (Paphiopedilum). These beauties have exotic flower colors and shapes and display handsome foliage even when the plants aren't in flower. The types called Maudiaes are especially vigorous, frequently blooming more than once a year. They have gorgeous foliage and brightly colored, glossy flowers that last for weeks. Slipper orchids need growing conditions similar to those for moth orchids.Dancing Lady Orchids (Oncidium). This group of orchids comes in a myriad of sizes. Some are miniatures, like Oncidium Twinkles, highly recommended because it blooms profusely in a small space. The plant itself grows only about 6 inches wide and tall, but when it flowers it has a flurry of pink or red 1-inch blooms with a light vanilla scent. Other varieties are larger, including one of the most popular orchids of all, the Chocolate Orchid (Oncidium 'Sharry Baby'), known for its scrumptious scent! It has leaves up to 18 inches long and flower sprays of 2 to 3 feet. It is a glorious sight in full bloom, which frequently occurs around the winter holidays.Corsage Orchids (Cattleya type). No group of orchids can match this one for bright, colorful and fragrant flowers. Years ago, these were grown primarily for cut flowers. The plants were large and unruly, grown only by those with plenty of greenhouse space. Thanks to efforts of modern orchid breeders, many of today's Cattleya hybrids are compact growers, yet still maintain their array of colors and delightful fragrances.Whatever the type, take the plunge and give orchids a try! You'll find that today's newer varieties have spectacular flowers, are not difficult to grow and are reasonably priced. They'll provide a spectrum of colors and sweet perfumes.One word of warning: Once you are bitten by the orchid bug, there may be no turning back!Proven Orchid-Watering Technique By Steve Frowine of New Hartford, ConnecticutGuest Garden WriterI find the pot-weighing method for determining when to water orchids is one of the easiest. In this method, you're relying on feel instead of precise weights. Here's how it works: 1. Thoroughly water the orchid in its pot. 2. "Weigh" the pot by picking it up. Now you know how heavy it is when it's saturated with water. 3. Wait a day or so and "weigh" it again by picking it up. You'll feel the difference in the weight as the potting material becomes drier. 4. Repeat Step 3 each day until you judge, by looking at the surface and sticking your finger into the top 1 inch or so of the potting material, that it's time to water. Keep in mind whether your type of orchid prefers to be on the damp or dry side. 5. Note what this dry "weight" is. Now the orchid is ready to be watered thoroughly. This entire process may sound tedious, but you'll be amazed at how quickly you catch on. And when you do, you'll always know the right time to water. Just lift the pot, note its weight, and you'll have your answer.

URL: http://nation.ittefaq.com/issues/2008/03/28/news0765.htm

Enjoy,
Steve
1888Orchids.com

Orchid Species Now Extinct in Burma

"The number of species of wild flowers has been falling steadily in Burma, most notably species of rare orchids...the Rainbow Orchid and the Hirsute Paphiopedilum, are completely extinct inBurma.The Rainbow Orchid (Paphiopedilum wardii) andthe Hirsute Paphiopedilum (Paphiopedilum villosum) were first discovered in the valleys of Putao and Nagmung in northernKachin State some 20 years ago.According to an orchid horticulturist from the Myanmar Florist Association, it was not possible to locate either of the species when updating theassociation's list of wild orchids in November 2007....why Burma's wild flowers are under threat... one possible reason is the demand from Chinese pharmacists for... orchids that are used to produceherbal medicines in China....According to a Burmese orchid buyer, Chinese merchants pay 30,000 kyat (US $27) to 100,000 kyat ($91) for a viss (1.6 kilograms) of wild orchids from Burma....Wild orchids which can be used as medication can be sold for up to $4,000 a ton on the Chinese market, he said."There are more than 20 wild orchids, such as Pierard's Dendrobium (Dendrobium pierardii), the Musky Smelling Dendrobium (Dendrobiummoschatum), the Hairy Column Foot Dendrobium (Dendrobium capillipes), that are used for herbal medicines. Some are good for the human liver and eyes, and they also substitute as multi-vitamins," he added.There are several large orchid plantations and orchid projects in Burma, but only run for commercial reasons. Collectors and horticulturalistsmostly get orchid seeds from Western countries and grow them in Burma for profit.The rare orchids that are being sold to Chinese herbalists usually originate with rural people in Burma, who peel wild orchids from trees andgrow them privately in their gardens.According to a gardener at Pyi Oo Lwin Advanced Orchid Garden in Central Burma: "Many orchids... which are known for their medicinal qualities, arealways being stolen from the gardens."Pyi Oo Lwin Advanced Orchid Garden is the largest orchid garden in the country with more than 300 orchid species.According to the Myanmar Forestry Department statistics, there are... 841 species in Burma."URL : http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=11034photo : [caption : "Customers at the Thai-Burmese border can buy rare wild orchids from Burma."]http://www.irrawaddy.org/articlefiles/11034-orchid.gif

Tiny orchid back from extinction

"A... species that was presumed extinct has been found on the slopes of
Mount Wellington.

The dense midge orchid was last recorded in 1852 and had been listed as
extinct in Tasmania.

The orchids are about five centimetres high, with a cluster of tiny flowers.

A Threatened Orchid Project Officer, Matt Larcombe, says 60 patches of the
tiny orchid have been found on Council and private land in South Hobart.

"A local field naturalist, Kevin Bonham, actually discovered it," said Mr
Larcombe.
"He saw some leaves [orchid ?] late last year that he though were a bit odd
and went back up this year to have a look and see what they turned into...
it turned out to be the dense midge orchid.

"They're tiny... 4 to 7 centimetres tall and very fine so unless you're
really down on your hands and knees looking you'd just miss them and you've
got to be there at that right window when they're actually in flower to
actually see them or else there's nothing above ground, just a tuber below
ground." "

URL : http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/04/17/2219931.htm?section=justin

photos :

1) http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200804/r241768_981268.jpg

2) http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200804/r241769_981277.jpg

A terrestrial orchid species thpught to be extinct in Tasmania has recently been rediscovered. Corunastylis nudiscapa has been located on the slopes of Mt Wellington near Hobart during a search for Land Snails by officers of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries,Water and Environment (DPIWE). This species has not been recorded since the type species was collected in 1840. Growing in sandy soil occuring on the eastern foothills of the mountain, the officers were initially unable to immediately identify the plant but formal identification came quickly as C. nudiscapa has no Tasmanian species with which it could be confused. It is a Dwarf Midge Orchid with tightly congested inflorescence of crowded reddish-brown to purplish glabrous nodding flowers and was only known from this single location. Great news and a psychological boost to those who never say never. Now all we need to do is get the same department to protect those other species rapidly heading in the same direction.
Alan W Stephenson
National Conservation Officer
Australasian Native Orchid Society

The Greater Omaha Orchids Society will hold its 21st annual orchid show and sale March 29 and 30 at the Lauritzen Gardens

The Greater Omaha Orchids Society will hold its 21st annual orchid show andsale March 29 and 30 at the Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Omaha,Nebraska. Hours are 10 a.m. To 4 p.m. both days. There is an admissioncharge to enter the Gardens ($6.00) but there is no additional charge forthe orchid show. For additional information contact Jim Pyrzynski, showchair, jpyrzynski@cox.net.

"The 2008 Taiwan International Orchid Show ended...after attracting some 200,000 visitors...

during its 10-day run at theTaiwan Orchid Plantation in the southern county of Tainan.... the visitors included nearly 3,000 foreign floral experts and buyers.... official figures on the value of orders placed at the show were... notavailable...sales were expected to reach NT$2 billion (US$64.69 million).The foreign buyers came from the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea,Russia, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates....The exhibition was organized by the Taiwan Orchid Growers Association andjointly sponsored by the Tainan County government and semi-official TaiwanExternal Trade Development Council.Orchid growers from 24 countries took part in the 2008 exhibition,including the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, the UnitedKingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Japan,South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and thePhilippines.Orchids... accounting for over 50 per cent of the total value of Taiwan'shorticultural exports...Taiwan... "Kingdom of the Butterfly Orchid"... it is the world's largestexporting country...About half the world's butterfly orchid varieties are bred in Taiwan.Taiwan exported NT$1.84 billion worth of orchids in 2006, a year-on-yearincrease of 24.1 per cent, with... phalaenopsis, accounting for NT$1.15billion of the total...Taiwan's orchid export orders secured at the Taiwan International OrchidShow totaledNT$800 million in 2005,NT$1 billion in 2006 andNT$1.5 billion in 2007"URL : http://au.biz.yahoo.com/080318/17/1nppb.html

India's share in the global flower market is... no more than 1-2%

"India's share in the global flower market is... no more than 1-2%...a sustained annual growth of around 10 per cent in the past several years, floriculture is emerging as a major growth segment in Indian agriculture.The export of flowers... has surged six-fold, from less than Rs 100 crore a year in the 1990s to over Rs 600 crore now. The area under flower cultivation has expanded rapidly, buoyed by an investment of over Rs 500 crore in this sector in past few years.According to the Economic Survey (2007-08), the acreage under flower cultivation has increased from 1,18,000 hectares in 2004-05 to 1,46,000hectares in 2005-06 and further to 1,54,000 hectares in 2006-07.Consequently, the production of flowers is estimated to have spurted from 659,000 tonnes in 2004-05 to over 886,000 tonnes by 2006-07. Many farmers, especially around the major cities, and in areas ideally suited for special categories of flowers, such as the north-east for orchid production, areshifting from food and other low-value, high-volume crops to growing flowers for better returns....the existence of large unexploited export potential, coupled with the anticipated fast growth of 6 to 7 per cent a year in the domestic demand for flowers, is likely to serve as a growth engine for the floriculture sector.The paucity of supportive infrastructure has been a major constraint in the development of floriculture in the past. Flowers... require specialisedpost-harvest handling, storage and transportation. Cold chains and dedicated transportation and cargo handling facilities are... needed for both domestic trade and export. Cold store facilities are desirable even at the export destinations to keep losses to a minimum."We have covered a lot of ground in the past 10 years in building up supportive infrastructure for the production, marketing and export offloriculture products..." says H P Singh, deputy director-general (horticulture) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)...Thanks to rising incomes and urbanisation, the demand and consumption of flowers within the country is expected to grow at a faster pace from nowon. "The number of people who have the purchasing power to buy costly flowers is larger in India than in the UK," Singh points out. These are positive indications for the growth of floriculture as a niche segment of horticulture.Delhi has emerged as Asia's largest flower consumption centre, says Singh. But, the capital's main floriculture market still functions virtually from the pavements in the Connaught Place area, in the heart of the city.However, modern flower auction centres are proposed to be built in variouskey flower trading centres, notably Bangalore, Mumbai, Noida and Kolkata.... the one at Bangalore has already come up and... has becomeoperational...cold storage and cargo handling facilities, even if not entirely of international standards, have been created at several important airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin. Such facilities are also proposed to be set up at the Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Kolkata and Bagdogra airports.... the demand for... for cut flowers is a relatively recent phenomenon. Traditionally, marigold and roses have dominated the flower trade in thecountry. Of late, the trade has diversified with demand coming up for other bouquet-compatible flowers as well.Equally significant is the emerging demand for value-added floriculture products, including dry flowers, essences and other extracts. This isexpected to enhance the emergence of the flower-based processing industry and also add to the employment- and income-generation potential offloriculture. Orchids , in particular, are deemed to have a great future as India is a natural habitat of cymbidiums and dendrobiums, the most sought-after orchidspecies. The north-eastern region is fast coming up as the orchid-hub of the country. A little push, like transportation subsidy and similar othersops, can trigger an orchid revolution [wow ! green, local or global ?]."URL :http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=3&autono=317854&tab=r

Fever pitch Windham man answered the orchid's seductive call

Chuck Crisler...has... about 450 orchid plants....at the Amherst, Mass., Show, one of his Cymbidiums won in two categories, the best large species and the best Cymbidium....he'll sometimes take two hours to water his orchids, holding them up and giving each one individual attention. "You've got to understand what they are feeling," he said [smile...].... Marty Epstein of Haverhill, Mass., theorizes orchids have a virus that get people to like them [smile...]....Crisler advised... on Cymbidium care, recommending that he dry them out. "... 'Keep them cool and dry, and they will bloom,' " Mulder said......But New Hampshire is also home to many orchids, 50 or 60 species [exactnumber ?]...The pink lady slipper one of the most well known that grows in the state. Easy to miss is the Coralroot orchid. It grows underground and comes up inthe fall for only three days or so to bloom."URL :http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_077001826.html?keyword=topstoryphoto : [caption : "Cymbidium Hunter's Point... grown by Chuck Crisler]http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/images_sizedimage_077001754/xl

Green Orchids

You don't have to go to Singapore to enjoy a breathtaking bouquet of green orchids called Dendrobium Burana Jade "Burana." Just in time for Christmas! This variety of green orchids is spectacular! Stems can measure up to 24 inches long! WOW! These long lasting beauties are sure to delight even the hardest to please on your holiday gift list. A closer look at the flower reveals a mauve center which contrasts beautifully with the bright green petals. Twenty exquisite stems are sent in green vase shown.NOTE:Green orchids like these Dendrobium Burana Jade "Burana" will be sent with half the stem in bud and the other half with fully bloomed flowers. We recommend that you keep these green orchids somewhere bright so the buds will fully open. You may not get all the flowers to open but placing the orchids in a bright location will help the flowers to open more fully. These are spectacular flowers and we guarantee you will be amazed at the length of the stems.