President Theodore Roosevelt's Love for Orchids

Theodore Roosevelt

26th President

President Theodore Roosevelt was not only a passionate conservationist but also an avid orchid enthusiast, just like many of our customers! His love for orchids was evident in his personal life, as he had a greenhouse at his home in Oyster Bay, New York, where he cultivated a variety of orchids.

Roosevelt's love for orchids was tied to his love for nature. He was an ardent explorer and naturalist who spent a significant amount of time in the wilderness. His expeditions into the Amazon rainforest, where he explored the flora and fauna, fueled his fascination with orchids.

During his expedition to the Amazon in 1913-1914, Roosevelt encountered many types of plants and his team documented beautiful orchids.

An Orchid Roosevelt Likely Saw In Brazil

Roosevelt's Expeditions into the Amazon

Roosevelt's fascination with nature was evident as he lead an expedition into the Amazon rainforest in 1913-1914. The expedition was an ambitious undertaking, with Roosevelt and his team traveling deep into the Amazon basin to explore the region's flora and fauna.

Roosevelt's expedition was not without its challenges. The Amazon rainforest was a hostile environment, with dangerous animals, treacherous terrain, and diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. However, Roosevelt was undeterred and continued his exploration of the region.

Roosevelt's expedition into the Amazon was not just about discovering new species of plants and animals. He was also interested in the region's indigenous people and their way of life. During his expedition, he met with various indigenous tribes and learned about their customs and traditions.

Roosevelt's expedition into the Amazon was a testament to his love for nature and his commitment to exploring and preserving the world's natural habitats.

Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt's Orchid Collection, White House

Mrs. Roosevelt’s Orchid Collection at the White House

Did you know the White House used to have a large greenhouse called the "White House Conservatory"? Where the modern-day West Wing is located, there used to be a large greenhouse known as the "West Wing Conservatory." This magnificent structure was a botanical haven within the White House grounds, housing a diverse collection of exotic plants (including orchids) from around the world. It was a place of tranquility and beauty, with its soaring glass ceilings and meticulously maintained gardens. During the late 1800s, the east wing would host dinners and after dessert, guests would be paraded through the conservatory.

At some point, Edith Roosevelt held a beautiful collection of orchids.