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Visit the Pacific Orchid Exhibition
The San Francisco Orchid Society will present the 57th annual Pacific Orchid Exhibition from March 6 - 8 at Fort Mason. Click here for more information. Be sure to look for the exhibit designed by the Nursery Specialists at the Conservatory - definitely a "green" presentation!
We do have a limited number of show discount coupons at our Guest Services desk - please stop by prior to the show.
The Orchid Society also offers answers to your home orchid growing questions. Visit the Orchid Doctor through their online Bulletin Board System. |
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New Guinea Orchids
The Conservatory's Education and Horticulture group continue to meet with the curatorial and education groups from the deYoung Museum, California Academy of Sciences, and a select group of San Francisco educators to plan for the New Guinea exhibit opening early spring 2010 at the deYoung. For this collaborative exhibit, the Conservatory will display an exquisite collection of beautiful exotic orchids found in Papua, New Guinea. The Conservatory's Horticulture staff is currently selecting the orchids to begin the year-long greenhouse care necessary to enhance next year's exhibit presentation of these botanical treasures to our visitors.
Now in bloom in our Highlands Gallery, the  Dendrobium Obstusisepalum (or Chrysopterum) is commonly referred to as the "candy cane orchid" due to a similar appearance. This orchid enjoys dry rest in the winter and the canes that grow during the growing season lose all of their leaves. Soon blooming again and over time the display increases in the volume of flowers. This species is from the Lake Kutubu area in the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. It grows at an elevation of 600 to 800 m on trees in low forest on ridges. The steams of this form are up to 60 cm long, unbranched and slightly zigzag. Leaves are ovate and about 7 cm long and 2 cm broad at the widest part. These plants are easily grown under intermediate or warm conditions, in a well-drained pot or on a slab. Bright filtered light is recommended. Dendrobium and Its Relatives |
Big Changes in the Lowland Gallery
Look for some exciting changes in the Lowland Gallery. In the original 1879 design,  the area beneath the dome was called the Palm Room. During the reconstruction following the great storm of 1995, plants other than palms, including two varieties of bamboo were installed. Roots from the pesky bamboo were hindering other plant growth and they now have been removed. Soon you will see a dramatic change as both a Verschaffeltia splendida and a Licuala grandis, donated by Davis Dalbok of Living Green, are installed.  A unique variegated hybrid cross between a Wodyetia and a Veitchia recently decided to break free and is happily enjoying the February rains. Next Monday it will be replanted in an area which will allow more ceiling height. Donated for the restoration by Jerry Hunter of Rancho Soledad Nursery, it is thought to be the only plant of its type in existence. The work is being done on three consecutive Mondays when the Conservatory is closed to the public to lessen any inconvenience for our visitors. You will notice some changes in the Lowland's Gallery and some bare patches. Nursery Specialist, Clare Cangiolosi, advises, "Don't be alarmed - a number of plants are being cared for in our back greenhouses. Each quadrant will be carefully evaluated and replanted."
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