The Orchid Breeding and Conservation Biotechnology Laboratory first started in the last 1920s, and initiated the orchid hybridization and seed germination programme in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The laboratory is currently located at the Botany Centre. The laboratory focuses on production of new unique orchid hybrids and also cloning of orchids and other ornamental plants. It also carries out research to promote the idea of conservation of native orchids.

The Gardens also works to re-introduce endangered species of Singapore’s native orchids in places such as nature reserves, parks and roadsides. One of the successful effort is the Tiger Orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), the world’s largest orchid.