National Orchid Day Date in the current year: April 16, 2026

Orchids belong to the Orchidaceae family, which includes approximately 28,000 accepted species. They grow on every continent except Antarctica. Although orchids are primarily associated with the tropics, especially the brightly colored ones, these plants can be found in diverse habitats. There are brightly flowered orchids native to the temperate zones of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Orchids are popular among horticulturists around the globe because of their beautiful flowers. Most orchid species are cultivated indoors because they are tropical or subtropical. However, some species can be grown outdoors, even in temperate climates. Several thousand new orchid hybrids, called grexes, are registered every year.

However, orchids have uses beyond ornamentation. For instance, the flat-leaved vanilla, from which vanilla flavoring is extracted, is an orchid. In fact, it is the only orchid species widely cultivated for industrial purposes. Some orchid species have historically been cultivated as medicinal plants. The noble dendrobium, for instance, is one of the fifty “fundamental” herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.

Some orchids have edible tubers rich in polysaccharides. The common potato orchid, for example, is native to Australia and New Zealand and may have been a staple food in Tasmania. The tubers of several orchid species in the genus Orchis are used to make a flour called salep that is used in Middle Eastern beverages and desserts.

Orchids also hold cultural significance in many countries worldwide. Several countries, including the Seychelles, Indonesia, Singapore, Belize, Honduras, Colombia, and Venezuela, even recognize various orchid species as their national flowers.

National Orchid Day exemplifies how something beautiful can arise from tragedy and grief. The holiday was created by Mike and Faith Young, an American couple from who fell in love with orchids while volunteering at an orchid preserve in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico. They were so inspired by the experience that they decided that if they had a daughter, they would name her Orchid.

Faith became pregnant in the summer of 2013, and in November, the couple learned they were indeed having a girl. Tragically, on April 16, 2014, baby Orchid Faith died during pre-labor contractions. In her honor, the Youngs designated April 16 as National Orchid Day. The registrar at National Day Calendar officially recognized the holiday in 2015.

Since then, National Orchid Day has gained nationwide recognition from orchid enthusiasts and botanical gardens. You can celebrate by visiting an orchid exhibit, buying a potted orchid, throwing an orchid-themed party, or learning and sharing interesting facts about orchids online with the hashtag #NationalOrchidDay. It is also a great occasion to remember loved ones you’ve lost as it was originally conceived as a day of remembrance.