The Hungarian Orchid Society organizes again its acclaimed spring orchid and bromeliad exhibition a Vajdahunyadvár.

In recent years, we introduced to visitors special and stunning orchids from the rainforest hat we are less known in Hungary. This time we return to the orchid that mostly embodies for everyone the "orchid", which has almost become a houseplant, still hiding many secrets. Which enthrals us every time when it opens its petals, which will never disappoint, and which blooms for months. This is the Phalaenopsis, known and loved by many, that is, the moth orchid.

Ever since the discovery of the 18th century its career has almost been unbroken. From the first moment it became the favourite for gardeners and plant lovers. Who does it owe its popularity? Primarily because it is easily to take care for in an apartment, it is also willing to bloom, and its nursing is easier than most orchids'.

The cross breed of butterfly orchids got a start in the 60's when in horticultures new colours, patterns and sizes hybrids were designed almost daily.

The Phalaenopsis are native to the rain forests of Asia, from Malaysia to New Guinea. There are 70 known species of them. It was first documented in 1750 by a butterfly collector who discovered the giant white-petall flower in Borneo, which looked like a butterfly from far. Hence the name: Phalaenopsis, butterfly orchid. European horticulture nurseries only knew it from the drawings for a long time, because they did not survive the transport that took several weeks at sea as butterfly orchids do not have the body to store water and nutrients, so they dry quickly. Since transportation of the flower was very difficult and only a few of them arrived alive to Europe they cost almost astronomical amount. The first time it blossomed in Europe took place in 1847, it was the snow white Phalaenopsis Aphrodite. This fact can be attributed to the Phalaenopsis later becoming widely known and later included in the precious orchid collections in Europe.

Due to the various laboratory procedures by the 20th century butterfly orchids became one of the most popular orchids and the most easily accessible. There are hundreds of hybrids and every year more and more hybrids are designed. One of the great sensations of recent years was the "black" orchid, which is so dark red that it almost looks black. But the so-called "waterfall" orchid is highly popular, the long, downward, richly flowering stems of which are similar to the waterfall. But there are maroon and white spotted, yellow, pink, polka dots, striped, large and small-flowered hybrids, so everyone can find their favourite among them.

We present many beautiful specimens at our exhibition of botanical species and hybrids, and of course plenty of other spring blooming orchid of a unique fragrant.