How to Build an Orchid Sphere

Do you remember the orchid spheres that were featured in the Tropical Greenhouse during Wonderland Express in 2012? I always wondered, “How did they do that?” and tried to examine them after they were already created.

Orchid Sphere
Orchid Sphere in Wonderland Express

When I heard they were making ten of them for the Orchid Show, I asked horticulturist Elizabeth Rex to show me (and you) exactly how they do it. She and the other talented horticulturists constructed them from up to 150 light and dark purple Phalaenopsis orchids, spending six to eight hours per sphere. I’m not sure any of you will be creating your own orchid spheres at home, but if you do, Rex tells me they will last up to six weeks with proper care. That’s good, because the Orchid Show will be open from mid-February to mid-March.

Keep a look out for other fantastic orchid creations including arches, chandeliers, and trees. I wonder how those were made…

Visit and discover the Orchid Show for yourself! Click here to purchase advance tickets.


©2014 Chicago Botanic Garden and my.chicagobotanic.org

Published by

Julie McCaffrey

Julie McCaffrey is media relations manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden and is responsible for promoting the Garden's programs and events through traditional and social media. Julie holds a B.A. in English from Northern Illinois University and an M.S. in Communications from Northwestern University.

5 thoughts on “How to Build an Orchid Sphere”

  1. somehow I was not able to learn how to build a sphere. If it was a video, it didn’t work for me.

    1. Hi Ellen,
      Are you looking at it in your email? You cannot watch the video in your email. You have to click on the post to see it on the blog. Does that work?
      Thanks!
      Julie

Comments are closed.