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What orchids tell us about the limits of domestication
Orchids have been a source of fascination for plant lovers for centuries. Some species seem to adapt effortlessly to indoor life, while others stub...

Hollywood vs. Paleobotany: What did contemporary orchids do in the Cretaceous?
When you watch a movie about dinosaurs, chances are you see them walking around in a lush, green jungle full of palm trees, ferns and colorful trop...

Humans as pollinators: Our role in the spread (and protection) of plants
We often think of "pollinators" as bees, butterflies or hummingbirds. Tiny creatures that, often without realizing it, play an indispensable role i...

The ultimate guide to miniature orchids
Miniature orchids capture the imagination: subtle flowers, compact growth and an amazing variety of shapes. They are loved by collectors with limit...

The secret evolutionary history of the orchid
The orchid family is known as one of the largest and most diverse plant families on earth. Yet few people realize how impressive and long their evo...

The illusion of the perfect plant and how Instagram distorts our image of plants
A quick scroll on Instagram and you see them right away: houseplants that look like they just came from a showroom. Shiny leaves, perfect symmetry,...

What plants teach us about time and why patience is not a hobby but a necessity
In a world where haste has become the norm, working with plants can feel like a breath of fresh air. While we want things to move faster and faster...

What does a plant say about your personality?
Have you ever thought: Why do I always choose a cactus? Or: What does my love of hanging plants actually say about myself? Believe it or not, your ...

Why plants are not 'air purifiers' and why it doesn't matter
You've probably heard it before: "Houseplants purify the air." Maybe you read it on a plant label, or heard it from an avid plant lover. The idea t...

What is a tropical houseplant? A guide for beginners
Tropical houseplants are wildly popular, and no wonder. They bring atmosphere, color and a touch of the jungle to your home. But what exactly is a ...

The silence of plants and what they are trying to tell us
Plants are silent. They don't talk like we do, they don't make a sound, and yet ... it's as if they do say something. Maybe you've felt it yourself...

The orchid as a mirror: Why we recognize ourselves in plants
Do you ever look at your orchid and feel that you belong together? That may sound a bit floaty, but it's an experience that a surprising number of ...