Rare native species and vivid hybrid blossoms took centre stage at Orchid Society of Selangor and Federal Territory’s (OSSFT) August Orchid Show and Workshop in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tall Vanda orchids stole the spotlight, bearing cascading sprays of large, glossy petals shaded in gradients of purple, pink and red, flourishing under the warm equatorial sunshine.
In stark contrast were fascinating Bulbophyllum varieties, known for their tiny, peculiarly shaped flowers resembling little creatures.
Their distinctive textures and one-of-a-kind aromas captivated every visitor.
A practical orchid care workshop, meanwhile, offered society members and general visitors climate-adapted growing tips to help participants cultivate healthy, flowering orchids and resolve common challenges faced by home hobbyists.
Live orchids were also sold, alongside merchandise adorned with intricate orchid motifs.
Two creative competition categories were offered: freestyle arrangement and ikebana.
The contestants brought their blooms for judging, with winners receiving small cash prizes.
OSSFT president Dr Don Lim Kee Hui said the modest rewards were intended to boost enthusiasm, encourage broader participation and deepen people’s fondness for orchids.
He hoped that more locals would sign up as members to revitalise the society after years without major in-person gatherings.
He also spoke about hardships facing the local orchid industry in the past decade.
Dr Lim said Malaysia was once one of the world’s top exporters of cut orchids, but Thailand had moved ahead to dominate the South-East Asian market.
“Numerous local nurseries have shut down over time as growers shift to durian farming for much higher returns.”
To reverse this trend, he said the society would take practical action to share orchid knowledge with the public, to advance cultivation and wild orchid conservation.
