National Orchid Day is held annually on April 16. Do you know orchids are one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with between 21,950 and 26,049 currently accepted species? They are colorful, beautiful, give off good fragrance, and grow in abundance across the world. The day is connected with honoring and cherishing the memory of loved ones, and it is indeed dear to our hearts.
History of National Orchid Day
Orchids – belonging to the family Orchidaceae – are a widespread family of flowering plants, with colorful and fragrant blooms. National Orchid day was created in 2015 by a South Carolina couple, Mike and Faith Young, in remembrance of their daughter who passed away the previous year.
The couple fell in love with orchids while both volunteering at an orchid reserve in Mexico, so much that they decided that if they were ever to have a daughter, they would name her ‘Orchid’. They did have a daughter, but, unfortunately, lost her during labor.
After this loss, the couple wanted to do something to honor the day and celebrate the memory of their late daughter with their favorite flower. So, they went ahead to create a kickstarter campaign to get the money required in order to register the day. They offered pre-orders of their backyard honey — The Humble Bumbles Honey — and within hours of commencing, raised the required $1,500 and got National Orchid Day registered.
Since then, the day has gained widespread recognition from orchid growers, enthusiasts, and botanical gardens. With so many varieties to choose from, anyone can enjoy the beauty of orchids from home or by visiting botanical gardens around the world.
For the rest of their lives, Mike and Faith say they will be caring for and spreading awareness about Orchids. They believe in having a National Orchid Day dedicated to the beautiful lives lost, people everywhere will appreciate orchids some more, and their little girl will feel the warmth of those that think of Orchids that day.
National Orchid Day timeline
Charles Darwin publishes his book “Fertilization of Orchids,” where he describes the complex mechanisms that orchids have evolved to achieve cross-pollination.
A tropical species of the orchid is introduced into cultivation.
Mike and Faith Young volunteer at an orchid reserve in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.
Bulbophyllum nocturnum — a species of epiphytic orchid that grows in New Britain — is discovered to flower nocturnally.
National Orchid Day FAQs
How long do orchids live?
With good care and regular maintenance, an orchid plant may live for a lifetime — 100 years, or more.
Do orchids prefer sun or shade?
Orchids thrive in the sunshine — especially indirect sunlight. So, one of the best places to keep your orchid is near a north/south- or east-facing window.
Can you water orchids with tap water?
Yes. Most chlorinated tap water can be used as long as the chlorine isn’t excessive; however, watering orchids with collected rain or distilled water from the store is best.
National Orchid Day Activities
Enjoy a cup of orchid tea
Certain types of wild orchids are edible and can be used to make tea. This is a perfect day to experience and savor the tastefulness of one.
Host an orchid-themed garden party
Gather your friends and family around to partake in your garden party that is orchid-themed. You can be sure to have all the fun there is.
Take pictures of orchids and share them
Equip yourself with a smartphone or digital camera, and take some beautiful pictures of orchids around you or at the places where they can be found. Do well to share these pictures with the world so they can see just how lovely these flowers are.
5 Facts About Orchids That Will Amaze You
They are ancient flowers
Orchids are one of the oldest families of flowering plants.
They take a long time to bloom
Orchids can take up to seven years to bloom once they’ve been germinated.
They exist for several decades
Orchids can live up to a hundred years and beyond.
They have numerous seeds
An orchid seed pod can contain up to three million seeds.
They have extreme weights
The largest orchid weighs several hundred pounds, while the smallest is about the size of a U.S dime.
Why We Love National Orchid Day
It helps us remember loved ones
A day that serves as a reminder of the need to appreciate, love, and cherish the people we hold dear.
It connects us
We all can relate to losing a loved one at some point or the other. This day helps us all recognize our mutual feelings and connect with one another, celebrating the lives lived by them.
It shows us how to better handle loss
The brilliant way the founding couple of the day turned their loss into a celebration of life and nature encourages us all to do likewise. It enlightens us on the better way to handle the loss of loved ones.
National Orchid Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 16 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 16 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 16 | Friday |
| 2028 | April 16 | Sunday |
| 2029 | April 16 | Monday |
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