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Projects in 2024 In April of 2024,  SOOS (Southern Ontario Orchid Society) was awarded the AOS (American Orchid Society) Conservation Recognition Award. Part of the award was a grant of $1,000 US. SOOS looked at this as an opportunity to partner with other organizations on a conservation project. We were contacted by SOOS to helpRead more

No matter where you live in Canada you will find orchids. I’m not talking about the ones in containers at your local grocery or big box store, or those at your florist’s or neighbourhood nursery. The ones I’m referring to also don’t boast fancy cultivar names or hefty price tags. Instead they will cost youRead more

Even the best growers will have some insect problems from time to time on their orchids. Insect pests are controllable, just follow some simple rules and you will be in control rather than the pests being in control. General Some very general information that will help you take charge: Be observant – Take time toRead more

You just bought an orchid? Dont lose the name tag!- It identifies the kind of orchid it is in case you want to ask for help or just brag. It can tell you a lot about what culture is required. If someone saw your nice flower, they would like to know what it is called.Read more

Orchids form one of the largest and most diversified families of plants. The flowers are highly adapted for attracting, deceiving, and manipulating insects to achieve pollination. They seem to also be very successful in attracting humans to assist in their propagation. Years ago plants and animals were classified and organized into a structure that showedRead more

Guidelines for the beginner orchid hobbyist Most cultivated orchids are perennial tropical plants. They require light, water, fertilizer and a humid atmosphere to grow well. Orchids with thick, fleshy roots can be potted in coarse bark chips, grown mounted on a piece of cork bark or on a branch. Orchids with fine roots are grownRead more

The Many Definitions of Orchid Conservation As with many terms, the words “orchid conservation” can be variously interpreted. To some, orchid conservation means saving the rainforest, donating funds to support habitat purchase in a distant land, rescuing plants from fallen trees, or performing volunteer service in a park or conservation area. To others, conservation equatesRead more

At one time growing orchids was a hobby for the wealthy, requiring a greenhouse and attentive care. Today you can buy some orchids very inexpensively in your local stores. They are often sold with the other blooming plants you can enjoy and discard. But orchids are more than that – there are many, many kindsRead more

Cypripedium candidum (small white lady’s-slipper) Many orchids are to be found across Canada. They are all terrestrial. Some are showy and photogenic such as the well-known lady’s-slippers. Many others are inconspicuous and easily overlooked by the casual observer. Some are found only in the deep seclusion of almost impenetrable fens and quaking bogs with lotsRead more