National Orchid Day 2024 (US): National Orchid Day occurs on April 16 each year. Are you aware that orchids comprise one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with a current species count ranging from 21,950 to 26,049? They are vibrant in color, aesthetically pleasing, emit pleasant fragrances, and are abundant in nature. Delighting in the remembrance of cherished individuals is the essence of the day, which we hold in the highest regard.
The History of National Orchid Day
Orchids, which are members of the Orchidaceae family, are a broad-ranging group of blossoming plants distinguished by their vibrant and aromatic buds. National Orchid Day was established in 2015 by Mike and Faith Young of South Carolina, in honor of their deceased daughter from the year prior.
They decided that if they ever had a daughter, they would give her the name ‘Orchid’ because they developed such an intense affection for orchids during their time volunteering at an orchid reserve in Mexico. Despite having a daughter, they tragically miscarried during delivery.
The couple desired to commemorate the occasion and honor the memory of their late daughter with their preferred flower in the wake of this tragedy. As a result, they initiated a Kickstarter campaign in an effort to raise the necessary funds to register for the event. The Humble Bumbles Honey, their backyard honey, was put up for pre-orders; they raised the necessary $1,500 within hours of beginning and registered National Orchid Day.
Subsequent to that, the day has garnered extensive acknowledgement among botanical gardens, orchid cultivators, and devotees. Orchids are aesthetically pleasing in every way, whether admired from one’s residence or by traveling to botanical gardens across the globe.
Mike and Faith declare that they will devote the remainder of their lives to growing orchids and raising awareness about them. They propose designating National Orchid Day in remembrance of the lovely lives lost; in doing so, orchids will be more universally appreciated, and their daughter will experience the affection of those who reflect on the beauty of orchids on that day.
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FAQs for National Orchid Day
At what age do orchids mature?
With proper care and consistent maintenance, an orchid plant has the potential to thrive for a century or longer.
Do orchids favor shade or sunlight?
Orchids flourish in direct sunlight, particularly that which is indirect. Therefore, a window facing east, north-south, or vice versa is an ideal location for an orchid.
Can faucet water be used to irrigate orchids?
Yes. Although most chlorinated tap water is acceptable so long as the chlorine content is not excessive, captured rainwater or store-bought distilled water is preferable for watering orchids.
Participation in National Orchid Day Activities
Savour a serving of orchid tea.
Uncooked varieties of wild orchids may be utilized in the preparation of tea. Today is an ideal occasion to appreciate and relish the sophistication of one.
Celebrate the orchid with a garden celebration.
Convey your family and friends to your garden celebration, which will have the theme of orchids. You are certain to enjoy every moment of the experience.
Share images of orchids that you have captured.
Utilize a smartphone or digital camera to capture aesthetically pleasing images of the orchids in your vicinity or in the locations where they are located. You would do well to share these images with the world so that everyone can appreciate how beautiful these flowers are.
Five orchid facts that will astound you
They date back to antiquity.
One of the most ancient categories of flowering plants consists of orchids.
They require considerable time to flourish.
It is possible for orchids to require a maximum of seven years to blossom after germination.
Their existence spans decades.
Orchids have the potential to survive for over a century.
There are many spores present.
A seed capsule of an orchid may comprise a maximum of three million seeds.
They possess enormous weights.
The heaviest orchid measures several hundred pounds in weight, whereas the lightest is roughly the size of a U.S. dime.
NATIONAL ORCHID DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | April 16 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | April 16 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | April 16 | Thursday |
| 2027 | April 16 | Friday |
| 2028 | April 16 | Sunday |
