San Francisco Orchid Society
Orchid Gifts
in San Francisco
The complete guide to giving orchids in the Bay Area — what to buy, where to find them, and how to make the gift last.
Why Orchids Make the Perfect SF Gift
Orchids are the #1 flowering houseplant gift in the United States — and San Francisco's climate makes them particularly rewarding to receive here. Unlike cut flowers that last a week, a well-chosen orchid will bloom for months and, with minimal care, rebloom year after year. They're also space-efficient, making them ideal for SF's compact apartments.
The key is choosing the right type for the recipient's experience level and living situation — and knowing where to find something more interesting than the standard grocery store Phalaenopsis.
Gift Ideas by Experience Level
Phalaenopsis — The Classic Gift
$15–$60Long-lasting blooms (6–12 weeks), easy care, available in dozens of colors. The safe choice that almost everyone loves. Look for double-spike plants for maximum impact.
Cymbidium — The Showstopper
$30–$80Large, dramatic flower spikes with 10–20 blooms each. Thrives outdoors in SF's mild climate. Perfect for someone with a garden or patio.
Cattleya — The Fragrant Luxury
$25–$150The classic corsage orchid, now available as compact houseplants. Many are intensely fragrant. A gift that signals real knowledge of orchids.
Miniature Species — The Collector's Gift
$10–$40Tiny plants with extraordinary flowers. Perfect for someone who already has Phalaenopsis and wants something more unusual. Available at OITP from specialty vendors.
Where to Buy Orchid Gifts in SF
For the most interesting selection, skip the grocery store and visit our annual Orchids in the Park show in Golden Gate Park (July). Specialty vendors bring plants you simply cannot find elsewhere locally, and prices are often lower than retail nurseries.
SFOS members also sell plants at monthly meetings — a great option if you want to buy from someone who can give you personalized care advice for the specific plant you're purchasing.