13 February 2026

17 min watch

Nature vs nurture - how do you save a species on the brink of extinction?

In this video essay, discover why orchids are so important to biodiversity, and how we care for orchids at Kew Gardens.

By Eddie Johnston

Close-up of pale yellow orchid flowers with delicate purple markings, clustered along a green stem with visible dew drops

Learn about the huge diversity of orchids, why they are under threat, and how the experts at Kew Gardens are working to protect these incredible flowers and return them to the wild.

Meet orchid scientist Oscar Perez-Escobar who has travelled all over the world to help protect rare orchids. And Bala Kompalli, Kew’s expert orchid horticulturalist who knows the best tips and tricks for looking after orchids. And Viswambharan Sarasan who works in Kew’s labs cultivating delicate orchid seeds to return to the wild. 

An arrangement of dozens of yellow phalaenopsis orchids

Help protect orchids from extinction

Every donation supports essential conservation efforts at Kew, where scientists are working to protect and understand endangered orchids.

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Asian woman in a Kew uniform working at a gardening bench, patting down soil around an orchid with white flowers
11 February 2026

How to look after your orchids

Ellie Wilson, Bala Kompalli