Published on Saturday, October 11, 2025

By Victoria Torley



Back in March 2025, the Lankester Botanical Garden in Cartago was the spot for Costa Rica’s 50th National Orchid Exhibition. The Costa Rican Orchidology Association brought it all together, featuring stunning orchid displays, plant sales, gardening gear, hands-on talks, and a whole atmosphere for orchid lovers.

You all know how I love orchids.

At present, there are more than 1,200 orchids in the garden, but they are 98 percent native mini-orchids. Tiny blooms, measured in millimeters, are everywhere, and visitors need magnifying glasses to see them properly. And they are getting repetitive. I have a lot of the same genus of orchids, even if I do have different species, including four species of Gongora.

Still, there are a lot of other orchids in the world, so I came to the orchid show. Why now? Because, if you have been reading the column, I now have a greenhouse, which means that I can house orchids that need more warmth and less rain.

Somehow, the Cattleyas I had outside must have decided that five meters of rain was a bit much (and there are many days when I agree with them), but now there is a greenhouse and the more picky orchids have a home.

I suppose I could just buy orchids locally or grab them at La Garita, but they all sell the same sorts of orchids. For variety, the orchid show is worth the trip. So, instead of more talk, here are pictures. Do I want them all? Of course I do!

Recently, researchers at the Lankester Botanical Garden identified three new orchid species in the country’s highland cloud forests, all belonging to the Pleurothallis genus within the Orchidaceae family.

Plant of the week. With frilly layers of petals and a delicate look, Guaria Morada (Guarianthe skinneri) is a species that deserves to be in every orchid collection.  Guaria is Costa Rica's national flower and plays an important role in local folk tradition. Plants are typically found in humid forests at moderate elevations, growing on trees or rocks. Often, trees are deciduous in the habitat, providing a clue for this orchid.

 
 

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Find more interesting stories about gardening in Costa Rica on the AM Costa Rica Garden page. Questions on this article, Ms. Victoria Torley, gardener columnist, can be reached by emailing victoriatorley1@gmail.com
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