Looking for an exquisite and unique way to celebrate nature's diversity? Look no further than National Orchid Day on April 16th! Join millions of enthusiasts around the world as we celebrate one of the largest families of flowering plants known to humankind: orchids.
#NationalOrchidDay
These fascinating plants boast an impressive range of sizes and shapes, from the tiny 2.1 mm Platystele jungermannioides to the broad-bloomed Grammatophyllum speciosum.
- With between 21,950 and 26,049 accepted species, orchids are one of the two largest families of flowering plants, alongside the Asteraceae. They're found all over the world, with their often colorful and fragrant blooms captivating nature enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
- Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a newbie to horticulture, orchids offer a unique and fascinating challenge, with some finding them difficult to grow and others reveling in their beauty and fragrance.
- Fortunately, you don't have to be a green thumb to enjoy the many benefits of orchids. With so many varieties to choose from, there's an orchid for everyone, whether you're looking to adorn your home with a beautiful flowering plant or planning a visit to one of the world's many botanical gardens.
So, whether you're a lifelong orchid enthusiast or just discovering the magic of these beautiful plants, celebrate National Orchid Day this April 16th and experience the joy and wonder of nature's most diverse and fascinating floral family.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ORCHID DAY
Enjoy the beauty of an Orchid. Share photos of beautiful orchids you grow. Give an orchid to someone with a green thumb.
NATIONAL ORCHID DAY HISTORY
Orchids are beautiful and extremely special. The creators of National Orchid Day, Mike and Faith Young, volunteered at an orchid reserve in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, in 2010. The experience changed their lives forever. So much so, the Youngs decided if they were ever to have a daughter, they would name her Orchid. On April 16, 2014, sadly, they lost their precious daughter during labor. They named her Orchid Faith. Since then, they have been desperately trying to find ways to honor her life.
Creating National Orchid Day
- After discovering that no National Orchid Day existed, the Youngs set out to secure the day in honor of their daughter, Orchid Faith. On the year anniversary of losing their precious little girl, they created a Kickstarter campaign.
- They offered pre-orders of their backyard honey (The Humble Bumbles Honey), intending to designate April 16th as National Orchid Day through the Official National Day Registrar. Within the first day, they met their goal, and the campaign brought in over $1,500.
- Thanks to the generosity and kindness of many friends, family, and supporters, April 16th will now forever be National Orchid Day in honor of their daughter.
- For the rest of their lives, Mike and Faith say they will be caring for and spreading awareness about orchids. They feel having a National Orchid Day dedicated to the beautiful life they lost, people everywhere will appreciate orchids a little bit more, and their little girl will feel the warmth of those that think of orchids that day.
- They feel as though all orchids represent their little girl and hope that this special day will inspire those who come across orchids to think of their daughter, Orchid Faith, too; she is alive within you and all of us.
In 2015, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Orchid Day to be observed on April 16th, annually.
Orchid FAQ
Q. How many kinds of orchids are there?
A. Orchids have been around longer than most other flowering plants, giving them plenty of time to diversify. They are also one of the largest flowering plant families on the planet. As a result, there are more than 25,000 species!
Q. How long do orchids live?
A. They can live up to 100 years or longer. A tiger orchid in the Singapore Botanic Garden is believed to be more than 150-years-old. It may also be the world’s largest orchid.
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