Tue | Feb 17, 2026

Orchid culture blooms at JOS Expo and beyond

Published:Saturday | March 29, 2025 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
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President of Jamaica Orchid Society, Jeremy Whyte, sharing the rich history of one of the local species, Phalaenopsis aphrodite.
Antoine Lodge
President of Jamaica Orchid Society, Jeremy Whyte, sharing the rich history of one of the local species, Phalaenopsis aphrodite.
The Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a symbol of both love and beauty.
Antoine Lodge
The Phalaenopsis aphrodite is a symbol of both love and beauty.
Say hello to the Phalaenopsis orchid, better known as the moth orchid, that has the remarkable ability to self-pollinate and play its part in cross pollination.
Antoine Lodge
Say hello to the Phalaenopsis orchid, better known as the moth orchid, that has the remarkable ability to self-pollinate and play its part in cross pollination.
The Dendrophylax funalis, or ghost orchid, is native to the island and thrives in humid conditions. Bright, indirect light is recommended for its care.
Antoine Lodge
The Dendrophylax funalis, or ghost orchid, is native to the island and thrives in humid conditions. Bright, indirect light is recommended for its care.
The Prosthechea cochleata, also known as the clamshell orchid or cockleshell orchid, bears similarities to an octopus.
Antoine Lodge
The Prosthechea cochleata, also known as the clamshell orchid or cockleshell orchid, bears similarities to an octopus.
The JOS plant sale and show also included a competition component. Dr Karen Webster-Kerr was awarded by the American Orchid Society, as well as the local arm, for her presentation, I Am Jamaican, which featured forms of orchids grown on the island.
Antoine Lodge
The JOS plant sale and show also included a competition component. Dr Karen Webster-Kerr was awarded by the American Orchid Society, as well as the local arm, for her presentation, I Am Jamaican, which featured forms of orchids grown on the island.
The Orchid Bright and Beautiful Plant Show also highlighted exhibitors in the field. Giving a warm smile in between sales was Opal Wilson of Orchids by Opal.
Antoine Lodge
The Orchid Bright and Beautiful Plant Show also highlighted exhibitors in the field. Giving a warm smile in between sales was Opal Wilson of Orchids by Opal.
Exhibitor Martina Pearce of Tina’s Garden Centre shows one of the fabulous orchids she had on display for sale.
Antoine Lodge
Exhibitor Martina Pearce of Tina’s Garden Centre shows one of the fabulous orchids she had on display for sale.
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Representing elegance and refinement, orchids grow proudly as a positive reminder to always look for the bright and beautiful things in life. Last weekend, the Jamaica Orchid Society (JOS) hosted its annual expo on the grounds of the Jamaica Horticultural Society, much to the delight of both avid and new plant lovers.

A blend of sunshine and cloudy weather filled the air as patrons busily checked out booths and admired the beautiful displays before them. With over 500 attendees, people marvelled at the exhibits and the diversity evident within the plants.

Three sepals, two petals and a lip or a labelum. This is the countdown, according to the JOS president, Jeremy Whyte, that defines the genetic makeup of an orchid. “Orchids are very widely distributed across the world. They’re stunning in their colours, shape and the way in which they adapt to their environment. Most of the orchids on display today are hybrids, which means they have been bred either by crossing one hybrid with another hybrid or one hybrid with a species or two. The species are orchids you find in the wild,” Whyte told Saturday Living.

The plant has a rich history of horticultural importance, since locally, the island has about 300 species of orchids, 70 of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world but Jamaica. “We have orchids that are endemic to specific areas. For instance, the tolumnia gauntlettii can only be found in the Cockpit Country. While the broughtonia negrilensis can only be found in the western end of the island,” Whyte added.

While there is the argument that orchids are usually expensive, the president said orchids can be quite affordable. In fact, there are some that are even available in the wild. “There are Jamaican orchids that are tied on a tree or mounted on some piece of wood in the country. You can harvest them and bring them to your trees.”

He stated further that the relationship between Jamaicans and orchids is certainly growing and expanding in reach.

With expert plant parents, Whyte found himself recalling history when he developed his interest at a later stage in life. “I had an interest in orchids specifically because of what I read about the plant being mysterious, rare and beautiful. I went to the JOS expo in 1988 and I was just blown away by the colour, diversity and variation in form and how incredible they were. I joined the society at that show in my late 20s, where I’ve been a member. And now, I’m the president.”

Growing orchids locally means that they can adapt to and thrive in warm conditions. Here are a few tips to consider when caring for orchids. A common mistake first-time plant-owners commit has a great deal to do with overwatering orchids. Monitoring the plant to ensure that it is moist is crucial.

Fertilisation is also crucial. Whyte pointed out that orchids are slow growers, so it’s ideal to mix a quarter or half teaspoon of fertiliser into a gallon of water before watering your orchids.

Lighting conditions are also important. If it requires 50 or 70 percent shade, you need to find the cloth that accommodates that or the tree that can facilitate this outdoors. “If the plant doesn’t get enough light, it won’t flower. And it won’t give you strong growth,” Whyte added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com