Dr. Kristen Uthus: Honey, I Shrunk the Orchids

Eventually everyone runs out of room for more orchids—unless they’re really small.  While their size intimidates some people, miniatures are just as hardy as their larger relatives.  What makes them so appealing is their variety of form in addition to flower, and they are just plain cute!   The fact that they take up so little space means that you can have a lot variety in a limited area.  Bigger definitely is not better.

Dr. Kristen Uthus studied both plant and animal ecology and evolution at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the Ohio State University (OSU).  She then taught biology and ecology at several colleges including VCU, OSU, University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University.  The daughter of a plant fanatic, Kristen has been growing orchids for over 30 years, and in 2014 she fulfilled her dream of making orchids a full-time commitment by purchasing NWO. 

Although she enjoys growing many varieties of orchids and other plants, miniatures remain her passion—the weirder the better.  New World Orchids specializes in Japanese species including Neofinetia falcata, Dendrobium moniliforme, and Sederia japonica, but her miniature selection includes many other small species including Dendrobiums, Bulbophyllums, and Cattleyas.  Although never entirely up to date, you can check out NWO’s offerings at www.newworldorchids.com.

Kristen lives in Manchester, MI, about an hour west of Detroit.  She is supported in her orchid pursuits by her husband, Dr. Kevin Wehrly, and her two sons, Henry and Gus.