Orchids 2026

From 27 February to 8 March 2026, the traditional orchid exhibition will take place in the Palm House of the Tallinn Botanic Garden. The exhibition is open in the greenhouses and the Palm Hall every day from 11:00 to 16:00. Plant sales will take place in the conference hall.

Although it is still winter according to the calendar, exotic orchids are already living in an abundance of springtime blooms. The greenhouses of the Tallinn Botanic Garden fill with hundreds of flowering orchids, offering visitors the chance to escape the northern chill into a tropical paradise. Species from different parts of the world are displayed side by side with cultivars created through human breeding. Whether the work of humans or nature is more successful is left for each visitor to decide.

The extraordinary beauty and diversity of forms of tropical orchid flowers have fascinated Europeans since the 17th century, when the first exotic orchids arrived in Europe. More than 22,000 species of orchids (Orchidaceae) grow worldwide. They range from tiny plants to ones several metres long. Most tropical orchids live on tree trunks or high in the canopy, exposed to winds and rain. Many grow safely in moss-covered rock crevices or on fairly bare sun-baked rock ledges. Only about a quarter of orchid species grow rooted in soil; this group also includes our native orchids. The lifestyles and flowers of orchids are so unusual that it often seems as if Nature used all of its imagination when creating these plants. They enchant with their mystical beauty and turn an ordinary day into an exciting adventure in a mysterious plant world.

Beautiful orchids for the home or as gifts are offered by Rikets Lilled. The plants are brought from European nurseries especially for the orchid days; such a rich selection is not available in shops. From 5 to 9 March, there is a rare opportunity to purchase special plants from the German orchid nursery Currlin Orchideen, which arrives in Estonia specifically for the orchid exhibition.

Experienced specialists with many years of practice will share useful advice on how to grow orchids at home.