The Acosta Orchid Association will hold its 14th Annual Orchid Show this weekend, and invites all orchid enthusiasts to attend the internationally juried competition.

This show, one of the country’s largest orchid displays, is open to viewers from Friday, February 17 – Sunday, February 19 from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Desamparados Olympic Village.

The association meets regularly throughout the year to learn different aspects of growing and caring for orchids.

Orchids are surprisingly difficult to see in the wild. Even with a qualified guide you are lucky to spot a dozen during a full day in the forest. The majority are epiphytic, meaning they grow high in the canopy attached to tree trunks and branches out of sight. So, an exposition is truly a marvelous opportunity for an up-close study of these exquisite plants.

Many orchids are very plain until they flower, and many only flower for a day or two in a year.  Costa Rica’s varied tropical ecosystems are home to over a thousand different orchid species, said the association.

General admission to the exposition is C2,000, and children and senior citizens, C1,500.