ORCHIDbabies, LLC

Lady slipper specialists

Orchid plants, seedlings and flasks: raised in our laboratory and nursery

About us

ORCHIDbabies, LLC was born in 2002 when we restored a classic 25 X 60 Lord and Burnham greenhouse to prime condition, and added an office and micropropagation lab on the front. This business grew out of a hobby that grew to include the exciting work of hybridizing and the opportunity to breed beautiful award-winning plants.

Earl is a retired engineering professor who likes to build and grow, and is interested in the technical side of orchid production. A genetic carryover from his botanist father may have provided the inspiration.

Phyllis is a musician/educator who missed her calling as a CPA. As business manager she loves learning about databases and web design.

Located in central Alabama we are on the on the Little Cahaba River, which flows into the Cahaba River. The Little Cahaba has just been designated for consideration as the first Alabama Wild and Scenic River.

Because of our great love for nature and conservation, all our new crosses begin with the name "Cahaba," honoring this great free-flowing river. In May and June we enjoy the spectacular displays of the beloved Cahaba Lily which thrives on the river's shoals.

The ORCHIDbabies laboratory has been developed to support both seed and tissue culture. With our emphasis on Phragmipedium hybridizing considerable effort has been focused on determination of ploidy for our stud plants and seedlings.

Plant genetic and growth characteristics are very important for the average hobbyist and for judging. Triploids typically have the larger flowers and good growth characteristics, therefore desirable as windowsill plants. Diploids and tetraploids are fertile and useful for breeding. The ideal plant (Paphs and Phrags) for the beginner blooms sequentially over months, is compact, and easy to grow.

Growing award-potential slipper seedlings is the focus of the ORCHIDbabies greenhouse. We have bought flasks of Phrags and Paphs from well known breeders from the US that range from blooming size to compotted seedlings. The ORCHIDbabies laboratory will primarily supply the ORCHIDbabies' seedling pipeline. Excess flasks will often be offered for sale to interested growers.