March 2024

FCOS Newsletter

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends who might be interested in knowing about Five Cities Orchid Society and encourage them to subscribe at www.fcos.org

From the Presidents Potting Bench…

Greetings Orchid Enthusiasts!

We hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits as we dive into the blooming season ahead. February was a whirlwind of activity with our annual orchid show, and now it's time to shift our focus to nurturing and caring for our beloved orchids as we approach March and April.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who has shared their orchid pictures with us. Your contributions not only showcase the stunning variety of orchids in our community but also provide valuable insights into the preferences and interests of our members.

We encourage all members to consider volunteering and actively participating in the Five Cities Orchid Society. Your involvement is crucial to the success and growth of our community.

Whether it's offering your expertise to help develop our orchid education programs, plan a field-trip, volunteering to give talks or demonstrations on orchid care, or lending a hand at events and meetings, your contributions make a difference.

By getting involved, you not only enrich your own orchid journey but also foster a sense of camaraderie and shared passion among fellow orchid enthusiasts.

Come see the new Orchid Shirts in the FCOS Store. You can now purchase merchandise with the FCOS logo, including hats, shirts, sweaters, mugs, and tote bags. Visit our online store to browse our collection.

March Events

We will have a Business Meeting on March 5, 2024, 7 pm-8 pm, FCOS will continue our additional Zoom meeting to discuss business-related items, fundraisers, educational projects and in person meetings. If you've been looking for an opportunity to participate in the planning of Orchid Society events, this is the place to be. All Board of Directors are encouraged to attend! Log on to the monthly Zoom link to join this discussion.

This months Orchidtalk is scheduled for March 14, 7 pm and will feature Harvey Brenneise: “Throw Out the Orchid Bark- Never Repot again”.

The Five Cities Orchid Society is hosting a workshop on growing orchids outside. The workshop will cover the best practices for growing various types of orchids outdoors on the central California coast. The event is free, but registration is required due to limited space. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experienced orchid growers. The workshop will take place on March 16, 2024, at 1 pm at the Planted Parlour in Grover Beach. Register Here

On March 29 & 30, the FCOS is planning on selling orchids at the annual Art in the Garden event at the SLO Botanical Gardens.

As we embark on this new season filled with blossoms and growth, let's continue to support and inspire each other in our shared love for orchids. Happy growing!

Jeff Parham, President

The Five Cities Orchids Society (FCOS)

Coelogyne Mem Louis Forget 'Mystery' (speciosa x moreana)

This is growing in a pot beside my front door and surprised me this week with blooms. I have always found Coelogyne easy to grow and a reliable bloomer.

Thank you to Dan Asbell for introducing me to this genus. Asbell Orchids used to grow and offer several Coelogyne hybrids.

The blooms seem to have an elegance to them, many Coelogynes have a graceful pendulous inflorescence and a sweet fragrance. The inflorescence seems a bit shorter on this hybrid but the blooms seem larger than on some other hybrids. .

Grown by Jeff Parham, Los Osos CA.

Phragmipedium Ruth Morrow

(Mem. Dick Clements x klotzcheanum) A hybrid made by Bill Goldner of Woodstream Orchids.

Grown in my shadehouse, grown in LECA, under LED Botanicals full spectrum LED lights.

Grown by Jeff Parham in Los Osos, CA.

As we transition into spring, it's essential to adjust our care routines to accommodate changing environmental conditions. Ensure proper watering, humidity, and light levels for your orchids, taking into account any specific needs of different species.

Keep a close eye on newly acquired orchids from the show and provide them with the care they need to thrive in their new environment.

Orchid Care Checklist for March and April:

Laelia rubescens

This is s mounted plant that I’ve had in my collection for about 4 years. It has done nothing the entire time I’ve owned it.

I recently moved the plant to a spot above the heater and humidifier and it sprung into action and flowered.

Grown by Jeff Parham in a shade-house under LED lights.

What makes a plant an orchid?

Flowers: Orchids produce some of the most diverse and intricate flowers in the plant kingdom. Their blooms often exhibit elaborate structures, vibrant colors, and unique patterns. Orchid flowers typically consist of three sepals and three petals, with one petal modified into a lip or labellum. One defining characteristic of orchid flowers is the column, a fused structure containing both male and female reproductive organs. The pollen is contained within pollinia, specialized structures that aid in pollination.

Pollination Mechanisms: Orchids have evolved a wide array of specialized mechanisms for pollination. These can include mimicry of female insects to attract males, production of enticing scents or nectar, and physical adaptations to facilitate pollinator attachment and transfer of pollen.

Anyone that has Orchid Fever should watch Darwins Comet Orchid

Pseudobulbs and Rhizomes: Some orchids, particularly those with sympodial growth habits, develop specialized storage organs called pseudobulbs or rhizomes. These structures store water and nutrients, enabling the orchids to survive periods of drought or nutrient scarcity.

Unique Root Structures: Orchid roots often have a velamen layer, a spongy outer covering that enhances water absorption and protects against desiccation. Additionally, orchid roots may form aerial roots or mycorrhizal associations, further enhancing their adaptability to diverse environmental conditions.

Mycoheterotrophic Relationships: Many orchid species form symbiotic relationships with fungi, known as mycorrhizae, during germination and early growth stages. These fungi provide essential nutrients to the orchid seedlings, particularly phosphorus, enabling their development in nutrient-poor environments.

Epiphytic or Terrestrial Habitats: Orchids exhibit diverse growth habits, including epiphytic (growing on other plants), terrestrial (growing in soil), and lithophytic (growing on rocks) forms. Their ability to thrive in a variety of habitats contributes to their wide distribution across different ecosystems.

Seed Structure: Orchid seeds are among the smallest in the plant kingdom and lack endosperm, a nutrient-rich tissue found in most seeds. Instead, they rely on symbiotic relationships with fungi for germination and early growth, a process known as mycoheterotrophy.

These distinctive features collectively define what makes a plant an orchid, highlighting their remarkable diversity and adaptation to various ecological niches.

ORCHIDTALKS 2024

The Five Cities Orchid Society Presents:

Harvey Brenneise:

Throw Out the Orchid Bark- Never Repot again

Harvey, a seasoned orchid grower of 60 years, will be sharing his expertise on alternative media for orchid growth. In his talk, Harvey will discuss his dislike for repotting and explore alternative media options to bark that provide the correct water to air ratio at the roots. Specifically, he will delve into the use of leca (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) in both baskets and semi-hydroponic systems. This is a must-attend event for anyone looking to improve their orchid growing skills and learn about alternative media options.

Retired professional librarian, including from 2008-10 at Rancho Santa Ana [now California] Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA. Over 60 years growing orchids in the Midwest, Pacific NW, Nebraska, Mississippi and Southern & Northern California. He has grown them outside, in greenhouses and under lights, and has won 11 AOS quality awards.

Recent past speaking engagements: American Orchid Society, local societies in Southern California, Gulf Coast Orchid Society, Northwest Orchid Society, Sonoma County Orchid Society, Mt. Baker Orchid Society, Vancouver Orchid Society, Orange County Orchid Society, Pinelands Orchid Society (New Jersey)

Thursday, March 14, 2024

7:00 PM 8:30 PM

CLICK HERE: Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 823 5543 5739

Passcode: 204435

FCOS had the privilege of having Gayle Brodie speak to the group via Zoom at the January meeting on the topic “Thinking outside the pot”. In other words, how do you chose the perfect pot or adapt what you have. Many orchids are killed by overwatering. Areas of the pot that do not have any roots stay wet longer than areas with roots, and you will have problems. Bacteria and fungus can grow in these damper areas and impact the health of your orchids. The pot should be the same size as the root ball with the roots extending all the way to the bottom of the pot. You need to figure out a way to compensate for pots that are not the right size. If the growth is in a straight line, then pot in a window box type pot. If the orchid does not fill the entire length of this pot, you can add a pot on either or both ends to take up some of the space. For orchids like Bulbophyllums that have short roots, you can grow them in pot saucers. If the roots have mold on them, clean roots off completely and then pot into smallest pot possible and use a larger size bark so it will stay dryer than it had in the past. If you can find bulb pots, which are lower and wider, they can be used for many genera. But these types of pots are difficult to find. Gayle suggested checking Daiso stores in the Los Angeles area as they sometimes have them. She suggested if you are using plastic pots to drill extra holes in the bottom, and to always drill from the inside out so any plastic edge formed during the drilling will not slow waster leaving the pot. If you any have a deep pot you can fill the bottom with inorganic media like rocks or LEICA (from the hydroponic store) or put an upside-down smaller mesh pot in the bottom of the larger pot. The time to repot is when you see new roots beginning to grow. In nature the roots have adapted to the tree they were growing on. Orchids were not adapted to be moved. So, when you transplant into new media the chemistry will be different than what the roots were used to growing in, so you need new roots to grow into the new media so they will successfully nourish the orchid. You need to transplant when the roots are small so you lessen the chance of breaking them. Gayle mentioned that Laelias and Cattleyas are very sensitive to transplant timing. Paphs and Phags like to be transplanted and this can be done whenever they are not in flower. But Cymbidiums are a different story. They do fine in deep pots. When transplanting cut off the lower 50-60% of the root ball as they will send out new roots. Put bark into the lower part of the pot, then add the Cymbidium and then add additional bark around the edge and smash it down to stabilize the Cymbidium in the pot. The newly repotted Cymbidium needs to be stable so new roots will not be damaged due to movement. Gayle does not like clay pots because the roots tend to adhere to the pot and are damaged during repotting.

At the February FCOS Zoom meeting Fred Clarke from Sunset Valley Orchids spoke to the group about “Becoming an 80 Percentile Grower”. What he has figured is that 80% of your growing success will depend on you understanding and application of watering, light, temperature, and proper repotting. Fred stated that most orchids are epiphytic and in nature grow on trees. The sides of trees are well draining so orchids roots will pick up moisture and then dry out quickly. Orchid leaves and roots also need lots of air movement. They generally get low amounts of nutrients. Roots are good at capturing moisture and nutrients. When watering, you need to determine the frequency and quantity of water depending on the pot size and holding capability of the media. Fred suggested that the amount of water you add to each pot should equal about 30-35% of the pot volume. That will add new oxygen to the media. If you have hard water, once per month you should water without any fertilizer and then water heavily again one hour later to help leach out any excess minerals that have accumulated in the pot. Fred suggests using a small amount of fertilizer at each watering. He uses 100 ppm of nitrogen for his nursery. He also stated that “MORE IS NOT BETTER.” Orchid roots cannot say NO to fertilizer and will pick up whatever is given to them which is not good for the health of your orchids. He waters less often during the winter than during the summer so the orchids get less fertilizer during those periods. Fred suggested if you have hard water that you should use a 20-20-20 fertilizer. This combination helps to lower the pH and neutralize the bicarbonates in the solution. If you are using a pure water source (rain or reverse osmosis water) Freed suggested using a 15-5-15 Cal Mg fertilizer. He also said it is good to use a 1:15 siphon injector (like Dramm Syphonject or Hozon Injector Brass Siphon Mixer) when watering if you have a larger collection. The most nutrients are available to be picked by the orchid roots when the pH is between 5.4 and 6.0. Orchids prefer filtered instead of direct sunlight. The amount is critical for flowering and the amount depends on the genera. During the summer there is about 10,000-foot candles of light and during the winter there is about 7,000-foot candles of light from the sun. If you are growing indoors, Fred suggested the following amount of time to have the lights on during different months of the year.

Fred then presented the following table of the preferred air temperatures for various orchid genera.

He then showed a combined table showing orchids that will grow well together based on the amount of light and temperature requirements.

He prefers to use a combination of bark and perlite when transplanting orchids. He presented the following six reasons for this decision:

The size of the bark and perlite he uses is generally based on the pot size as noted in the following table. He uses Kiwi Bark and stated that Orchiata has been chemically treated and once the chemical has been used the pH of the media will change and this can challenge the roots in their continued growth.

He reminded the group that repotting should take place when new roots are just starting to grow. This allows the new roots to grow into the new media. You need to make sure you do not break the new growing root tips. He stated you should select a pot size which will allow 3 years of growth. He removes all dead roots and leaves about 5-15% of the old media. Then add a small amount of the new media into the bottom of the pot and then place the orchid with the older growths against one side of the pot, which will allow the new growth to have space to grow into. He then adds new media into the pot and shakes the pot so the media will fall into and around the roots. He suggests you should write out a new tag and include on it the date the new roots appeared so you will know in future years when to expect the roots to begin their growth.

If you missed Fred Clarks talk last month, heres a second chance. For the next month we will leave the zoom link and passcode to access his recorded talk.

Topic: FCOS’s Orchid Talks

Date: Feb 8, 2024 06:35 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

You can copy the recording information below and share with others

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/YPdA7Ojl3pLmgNnAdYJA5tiDWiP9Q7GNd4J1fH9xxYOetDzEiK498YfhUeA7L772.fy-OIwn-YAGnDnSV

Passcode: pmmng@5e

Orchid Fest 2024

Orchid Fest 2024 was a success thanks to our many volunteers, support from our orchid vendors and artists and a lot of hard work by everyone involved. Although rain and a power outage on Sunday made this pretty much a one day show attendance on Saturday was fantastic.

Babys’ First Orchid Show

Kathryn Hammer with her son and our youngest FCOS member, Felix Hammer, at the FCOS Orchid Show.

Meet David Gordon, who recently joined FCOS but is no stranger to orchids. David seemed really happy with his purchase and the Cymbidium specials that we offered at Orchidfest 2024 and we are happy to have him as a new member.

What’s Blooming Now - a few photos from our members and friends

Dendrobium tetragonum Natively found in New South Wales and northern Queensland Australia as a cool to warm growing epiphytic species found at altitudes of 500 to 1200 meters, with 4 angled stems that are widest at the middle. The inflorescence can rebloom over several flowering periods so they should not be removed. Growing in a cool greenhouse mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Cymbidium Mighty Sunset 'Barbara.' It holds twelve 3 inch flowers on a three foot long inflorescence. Grown by Jeff G., Santa Maria, CA

Cymbidium Rincon Fairy 'Fancy Free', a novelty sized flower with upright infloresence that is about 18" long holding 12 to 13 two and a half inch flowers, it opened the last week of January. Grown by Jeff G., Santa Maria, CA

Cym. Kirby Lesh 'Memorial Yoshiko Nagahata.' It has a 3.5' upright infloresence with 4.5" flowers that began opening the second week of January. Grown by Jeff G., Santa Maria, CA

Dendrobium kingianum ‘Betsy’ HCC/AOS is a division of Chris Ehrler’s plant obtained several years ago. This species is a cool to warm growing lithophyte found in Queensland and New South Wales Australia at elevations of 50 to 1,200 meters. This orchid has been successfully grown in bark or sphagnum moss in clay or plastic pots and either in a cool greenhouse or outside on the north side of the house in Grover Beach. In Templeton it continues to make new growths and sends up more and more flowers every year. This is a great plant for both new orchid growers and ‘old timers’. It will grow outdoors in locations as diverse as Grover Beach and Templeton - just protect from frost and strong afternoon sun when grown away from the coast. Slightly drier winter rest conditions will favor flower spike development rather than keiki formation. Grown by Ed Lysek.

Cym. Ruby Lips x Khan Flame, has flowers just over 4.25" wide and has an upright infloresence with 11 flowers (had I not snapped 5 off.) It opened the first week of February. Grown by Jeff G., Santa Maria, CA

Cattleya coccinea 4N (purchased as Sophronitis coccinea) from Andy's Orchids. Intermediate conditions, tons of water. Grown by Julie Wolter, Los Osos, CA.

Dendrobium aggregatum from Sorella Orchids. Grown in my tiny greenhouse under intermediate conditions. Grows like a weed and has nice fragrance. Dry rest Nov. 1 to Feb. 14. Grown by Julie Wolter, Los Osos, CA.

Bc. Air Mososa "Mickey Mouse" from Seattle Orchids. Grown in my tiny greenhouse under intermediate conditions. Water all year round. Grows like a weed and has nice fragrance. Grown by Julie Wolter, Los Osos, CA. .

Lc. Mem. Kent Methamann (L. lundii x C. intermedia) from Frank Menthmann. Grown in my tiny greenhouse under intermediate conditions. Water all year round. Grows like a weed and has nice fragrance. Grown by Julie Wolter, Los Osos, CA.

Dendrochilum wenzelii, orange variety. Grown mounted in a greenhouse. Grown by Michael Jenne, in Guadalupe, CA., photography of Chris Howard.

Dendrochilum wenzelii, red variety. Grown potted in bark in a greenhouse. 28 blooming spikes! Grown by Michael Jenne, in Guadalupe, CA., photography of Chris Howard.

Vanda Pachara Delight 'Blue' - grown on a hanger, no media, in greenhouse. Plant is about 2 feet tall excluding roots and is beginning to branch with three pups! Grown by Michael Jenne, in Guadalupe, CA., photography of Chris Howard.

Laelia anceps var. sanderae - grown in 6 inch pot, with bark, in a greenhouse. Grown by Michael Jenne, in Guadalupe, CA., photography of Chris Howard.

Paph violescens x P. vietnamensis. Potted in bark, grown in a greenhouse. Grown by Michael Jenne, in Guadalupe, CA., photography of Chris Howard.

This is Dendrobium kingianium blooming outside in filtered shade in Los Osos. It is fertilized with a 1/4 tsp per gal dilute of Norman’s Optimum weekly with a dry period January to mid February. Grown by Susan Jonas, Los Osos, Ca.

Angraecum leonis. This is one of my favorite orchid species. It is so perky just wanting you to smile. When it blooms, the long white tail appears

first, followed by the flower a few days later. It is easy to care for in the greenhouse. Grown by Chuck and Judy Scheithauer, Santa Maria, CA.

Rhynchoaelia digbyana

We have had this plant since 2011. Right now we have 2 sisters blooming . It has

been split many times. Some of you may have a piece of it. Grows in the temperate greenhouse . Gets watered and fed with the general population. Gives off a light pleasant in the evening. Grown by Chuck and Judy Scheithauer, Santa Maria, CA.

Rhynchoaelia digbyana. This is a picture of the two plants. Both have more flowers that will bloom next month. When done blooming I either need to put both plants in bigger pots as the new growth is right up against the edge of the pot or divide them into smaller pots. I don't need more than two of this orchid. Grown by Chuck and Judy Scheithauer, Santa Maria, CA.

Potinara ‘Hoku Gem’ is described as ‘everblooming’ and this orchid sends up flower spikes throughout the year. Blooms open a brick orange-red color and over the course of several days the flower changes to this bright yellow color. Very temperature tolerant and easy to grow and flower. Grown by Ed Lysek

Slc. Hsin Buu Lady ‘Y.T.’ Has a saturated velvety-red color and distinctive yellow throat. Every year it adds multiple growths and additional flower spikes - a total of four spikes this year. Temperature tolerant and likes bright Cattleya type conditions. Grown by Ed Lysek

Slc. Hsin Buu Lady ‘Y.T.’ Close up of the flower.

Lc. Caligula (Laelia anceps x Cattleya perciviliana) combines the temperature tolerance and vigor of L. anceps with the shorter bloom spike and colors of C. perciviliana. Blooming a month later than either of its parents it puts on quite a show. Growing in Hydroton clay pellets in my greenhouse - it would be happy to grow outdoors in frost free coastal areas. Grown by Ed Lysek

This was the description I read in 2017 for a flask of seedlings from Sunset Valley Orchids. Seven years later I have many foot tall plants each with three or more spikes of orange to solid red flowers:

“SVO 7056 Orquidacea’s Small Fortune (Slc Kagaribi Dawn ‘Red Star’ x Lc Trick or Treat ‘Orange Magic’. Kagaribi Dawn has a brilliant red flower with a very starry shape influenced by the L. cinnabarina in its background. It really has an eye-catching color and shape, and everybody is drawn to this plant when it flowers during February and March. Trick or Treat (L. Icarus x Lc. Chit Chat) produces amazing heads of 15 or more starry orange flowers and conveys high flower count to its offspring. This is all about heads of starry flowers! These will mostly be red, but some will have a touch of orange, and great stems will hold the flowers high. This is a very showy novelty style of hybrid.” Grown by Ed Lysek

Laelia Santa Barbara Sunset ‘Showtime’ has a beautiful peach colored bloom. Grown by Ed Lysek

Laelia Santa Barbara Sunset ‘Showtime’ flower detail. Grown by Ed Lysek

Bulbophyllum careyanum. A warm to cool growing epiphyte growing in the eastern Himalayas, Assam, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam at elevations of 200 to 2100 meters. This orchid is growing inside a cool greenhouse in a plastic pot filled with sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Diuris amplissima. Is a cool growing terrestrial found in Western Australia in moist grassy areas at elevations of 30 to 350 meters. This is growing outside in a terrestrial mixture. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Dendrochilum bicallosum. This species description on orchidspecies.com states the names was changes to D. convallariiforme and that it is a hot to warm growing epiphyte found in the Philippines in shaded areas at elevations of 300 to 900 meters. But this plant is growing well in a cool greenhouse. It is potted in a plastic container fill with Hydroton clay balls. The container has a hole at about 1 inch from the bottom so that there is always some water in the container. mixture. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of Dendrochilum bicallosum flower.

Laelia anceps Williamsianum 'Snowdrop'. One of the many L. anceps variations. This species grows natively in Mexico and Honduras as a warm to cool growing epiphyte at elevations of 500 to 1,500 meters. Is considered a hardy drought-tolerant species that likes a dry winter rest. This orchid is growing outside mounted to a piece of cork oak with some sphagnum moss at the root. mixture. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Laelia anceps 'Helen' HCC-AOS. Another of the many L. anceps variations. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Lepanthes nicholasii. A cool to cold growing epiphyte found at elevations around 2,000 meters in Colombia. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Lepanthes nicholasii flower.

Masdevallia Bella Donna Pink. This primary hybrid was registered by John Leathers in 1992 and is a cross between Masdevallia coccinea and Masdevallia datura. This orchid is growing in in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Masdevallia Pat Akehurst 'Golden Zebra'. This is a hybrid between Masdevallia Heathi and Madevallia yungasensis. Masdevallia Heathi is a cross between Masdevallia ignea and Masdevallia veichaiana. This orchid is growing in in a cool greenhouse in a plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Masdevallia picea. Found in northern Peru and possibly Ecuador growing in cool environment elevations around 2700 meters as an epiphyte. Growing in in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Masdevallia tovarensis. A cool to cold growing epiphyte growing endemically in Venezuela at elevations of 1600 to 2400 meters. This plant is growing in a cool greenhouse as both a mounted plants and in clay pots filled with sphagnum moss. It usually has 2 to 3 flowers per spike but this plant was recently transplanted and only produced one flower per spike. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Masdevallia polysticia. A cool to cold growing orchid found at elevations of 1,600 to 3,000 meters in Ecuador and Peru. Growing in a cool greenhouse mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of Masdevallia polysticia flowers.

Pleurothallis adeleae. Is a warm to cool growing terrestrial species found in Ecuador and Bolivia at elevations of 1,450 to 2,250 meters. This orchid is growing in a plastic pot filled with sphagnum moss that is placed in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of Pleurothallis adeleae flower.

Pleurothallis dilemma. A cool to cold growing epiphyte species growing Colombia Ecuador at elevations of 1,800 to 2,900 meters. Growing in a cool greenhouse mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of Pleurothallis dilemma flower.

Pleurothallis schizopogon. A cold growing epiphytic species found in southern Ecuador and northern Peru at elevations of 2,400 to 3,100 meters. Growing in a cool greenhouse mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Restrepia contorta. Found in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador growing as a cool to warm epiphytic species in cloud forests at elevations around 1300 to 3200 meters. Growing in a cool greenhouse mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Restrepia cuprea. A cool growing epiphyte found at elevations of 1600 to 1700 meters in Colombia. Growing in a cool greenhouse both mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots and also in a plastic pot filled with sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Restrepia landsbergii. Found at elevations of 700 to 3,000 meters in Venezuela, Ecuador Peru growing as a cool to cold growing epiphyte. Growing in a cool greenhouse mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Stelis striolata. A cool to cold growing epiphyte or terrestrial growing at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 meters in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This orchid is growing in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss that is placed in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Rhynchostele (formerly Lembroglossum) rossii. Found in Nicaraguan, Honduran, Salvadorean, Guatemalan and Mexican growing as a cold to cool growing epiphytic at elevations of 2000-3000 meters. Growing both in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss and outside on the north side of the house in a plastic pot filled with bark and lava rock. roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Restrepia contorta flower.

Side view of Restrepia cuprea flower.

Side view of Restrepia landsbergii flower.

Closeup of Stelis striolata flowers.

Orchids – Floral Gems of Nature

March 8-10, 2024 | 9 AM to 5 PM

The Show returns Friday March 8, Saturday March 9, and Sunday March 10 indoors at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara, located at highway 101 and Los Positas! Marvel at the displays in the Exhibit Pavilion, browse the Art Show, delight in the floral arrangements, learn from the potting demonstrations, and buy an orchid to take home from the Vendor Hall. The Show is open rain or shine. All exhibits and plant sales are indoors.

TICKETS

Orchids After Dark

Escape to the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show for Orchids After Dark. See award-winning orchids from around the world during this evening event and skip the crowds. For three hours you can explore the massive exhibit, take pictures of your favorite orchids, enjoy drinks and music. The Orchids After Dark event will feature an after-hours vibe with enhanced lighting, cash bar and DJ. Gather your friends and come see something spectacular Saturday, March 9th from 6 PM to 9 PM.

TICKETS

California Orchid Trail Map

The local nurseries of Santa Barbara county are on the California Orchid Trail Map or visit the California Orchid Trail website.

Ergonomic Gardening Tips

Now that spring has arrived, learn about best practices for keeping healthy while gardening. Join the Los Osos Valley Garden club on Sunday, Marcy 17, from 2-4, as we welcome guest speaker, Audrey Elliott, MPT from Sunnyside Physical Therapy. Elliott will talk about preventing injuries while gardening and provide tips on warm up exercises, proper body mechanics, adaptive equipment, and the importance of planning and taking breaks.

Elliott attended Cal Poly SLO for her undergraduate degree and graduated from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences with a degree in Physical Therapy. She and her husband returned to the central coast in 2000. Elliott has been working at Sunnyside in Los Osos for twenty years and feels fortunate to work in a clinic where she has adequate one-on-one time with every patient.

Elliott's presentation will follow a member talk on Garden Safety presented by Debbie Weitzman and Wendy McKeown.

The Los Osos Valley Garden Club is a 501c3 nonprofit. The meeting will be held at First Baptist Church of Los Osos, 1900 Los Osos Valley Road, in Los Osos (cross street Lariat Drive). There is no fee to attend, and reservations are not required. If you have any questions, email club President, Wendy McKeown at info@lovgardenclub.org .

It's Show time and our greenhouses are loaded with our newest finds! See our vendor booth at the Santa Barbara Show and be sure to stop by the nursery to browse our diverse inventory from exciting species to the latest hybrids. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned grower, there's something for you on our benches!

RE: PARKING

Car-pooling is strongly encouraged. As always, parking is going to be tight. HOA rules are that there is NO PARKING on the main stretch of Orchid Drive. Use the side streets.

Come and have fun at our Spring Open House!!

Enjoy fine art, food, drink and music by the Jill Knight duo in the beatuiful SLO Botanical Garden setting.

Participating artists include: Barry Lundgren, Carolyn Niblick, Cheryl Vines, Deb Piazza, Emily Tobin, Erin Moore, Fred Ventura, Jennifer Long, Jennifer Ziedses des Plantes, Jenny Chang, Ji Li, Julie Dunn, Kristin Inman, Linda Carol Nelson, Linda Lewis, Maz Ghani, Melanie Bedwell, Pam Maxvill, Susan Kounanis, Tania Alexander and Yvonne Roza

Start:

March 30 @ 10:00 am

End:

April 1 @ 4:00 pm

Let's Swing Into Spring with Orchids

Enjoy a day learning about a remarkable variety of orchids, their history, hybridizing and of course CULTURE! There will be door prizes.

Current Schedule (All times EST)

11:00 am - 12:00 pm Lourens Grobler "Latest Developments in Angraecoid Culture and How to Grow them at Home"

12 -12:15 am - Break

12:15 - 1:15 pm - Eric Sauer "It is Not Just tenuifolia Anymore"

1:15 - 1:30 pm - Break

1:30 - 2:30 pm - George Hatfield "Growing Award-winning Cymbidiums"

2:30 -2:45 pm - Break

2:45 - 3:45 pm - Julien Baruch "Orchids in Red. Breeding and Culture Across Four Genera"

3:45 - 4:00 pm - Wheel of Orchid Fortune

$35 fee for this all-day seminar. Register Here

Can't attend the live streaming? Not a problem! Just register and we will send you a link to the recording of the talks.

CENTRAL COAST GREENHOUSE GROWERS ASSOCIATION

Member nurseries in Nipomo and Arroyo Grande traditionally open to the public for tours every spring; usually in April. Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated plant and flower sales. Each participating nursery proudly donates a portion of that day’s sales to the CCGGA Scholarship Fund made available to Horticulture students and CCGGA Grower members’ children. Tours begin at our CCGGA Education Center located at Nipomo High School and also host a variety of activities. Please visit our Facebook page also.

The Five Cities Orchid Society is excited to announce a free workshop on growing orchids outdoors in California's Central Coast. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in learning about the best practices for growing various types of orchids in this unique climate.

The event will take place on March 16, 2024, at 1 pm at the Planted Parlour in Grover Beach. Although the event is free, registration is required due to limited space.

Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in orchid cultivation!

We need a few volunteers to man our booth at the CCGGA fundraising event at Nipomo high school on April 13 from 9 AM to 2 PM. We will be selling orchids to raise money for local scholarships and promoting membership with the Five Cities Orchid Society.

Please sign up if you have a few hours to spare, thank you!

Art In the Garden,

Enjoy fine art, food, drink and music by the Jill Knight duo in the beatuiful SLO Botanical Garden setting.

SlO Botanical Garden

3450 Dairy Creek Road

San Luis Obispo, CA 93405

In memory of Edwin Brown. Ed passed January 18, 2024.

http://www.marshallspoosunsetfuneralchapel.com/obituary/EdwinEd-Brown

In Memory:

Fredrick Shelton

February 10,1928-Sept 5, 2015

Fred is known for his talk “Orchids are everywhere except Antartica” and author of the WSU Pierce County Extension Publication 30 on Orchid culture.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tribnet/name/frederic-shelton-obituary?id=17976339

We’ve been looking for a copy of the paper he authored for thr Pierce County Extension Office. If you happen to have s copy of it, please forward to Jeff.

However, Ron did find an article by Fred that is a timely message for those new members and orchid collectors that have recently attended an orchid show.

This was a gift to me from a dear friend who is now gone to the Lord. It was given to him at age 7 over 100 years ago . We call it “Cat. Fred and Nancy Shelton”. It belonged to his father who got it from his dad when he was 7. Makes this plant almost 200 years old. Never had a disease or affected by any pests.

Fred was a Master Gardner and a past President of Tacoma Orchid Society meetings.

Grown by Ron Hardy, Gig Harbor, Washington

Orchids in Your Home By

Fred Shelton, Master Gardener

So you are thinking of buying or have bought one of the exquisite, exotic blooming orchid plants so widely available. Now, what are you planning to do with it? You could enjoy the long-lasting blooms, then when they have expired, give the plant to one of your orchid growing friends with the hope that person can grow it on and re-bloom it next season. Or, you could try to grow it in your home and see it bloom again and again. Or, you could throw it in the garbage can and buy another to enjoy another set of blooms.

From this point on much of the innate longevity of the blooms will depend on what member of the over 30,000 species and which of the hundreds of thousands of hybrid orchid plants you purchased. Also, how it has been treated after leaving the grower in the transportation and showing to catch your eye will be very important. Now that you own it, how long the beautiful blooms will last, will importantly depend on you.

Every orchid plant sold at retail will have a tag or sheet of culture instructions with it. Read these instructions and select a place in your home that will satisfy the temperature and light levels that your plant needs. Satisfying its humidity, watering and fertilizing needs are your responsibility. To continue to grow and bloom year after year you must read the signals that your plant will exhibit to you.

No matter what the background of your plant there are several actions you should take to have the blooms last:

1. As you carry your plant home don't expect it to fare well in a freezing or boiling hot car. Get your car to a comfortable temperature before dashing from the store to your car. In the car do not let it sit baking in the sun. When you reach home move it quickly into the house.

2. The place of honor for your plant in your home must not subject it to draughts. Too close to a window in the winter could subject it to near freezing temperatures at night.

3. Do not place it where the full noon sun can bake it. Usually an east or shaded west window is best. We will discuss this a bit later.

4. Do not water it with cold water - use tempered water, between 80F and 110F. Fertilize it in accordance with the instructions which came with the plant. It will not need fertilizer for the first two or three weeks in your care. All orchids enjoy a light misting of the foliage in the morning and you can mix a low concentration (1/4 strength) of a soluble fertilizer in the misting water. Do not mist the blooms - they may water spot.

5. Check your plant and pot for bugs, slugs, snails and scale - if found take appropriate action. You wil need to check for two or three weeks - it is amazing what can be picked up and found hitch-hiking on your plant. Among the bugs, spider mites are a common problem. Schultz and Ortho and a number of other insecticide manufacturers offer mite control products. Slugs often hide down in the potting medium and come out in the evening. One small slug can destroy your flower spike or eat holes in your best flower. Carefully applied slug bait can destroy both slugs and scale. Small hard shelled snails love to eat the key growing root tips. Scale are pests that are difficult to discourage but can be controlled. Insecticide manufacturers offer effective products. Scale wil not kill your plant immediately but surely wil over a period of time. Some of the insecticidal soap products will control scale. Read the labels.

There are a number of good books available at your public library and from local orchid societies giving good advice regarding pest problems. A healthy plant has natural built in controls so with a little help from you the pest problem can be handled. Light level is an important factor in keeping your plant healthy and blooming. If the light level is too low your plant may never re-bloom. Its leaves may look lush and deep green but no flower spikes ever appear. Actually a blooming plant will often have slightly yellow leaves.

Local orchid societies are a wonderful source of growing tips and usually have monthly meetings where the members display blooming plants. Meeting times and locations are listed in your local newspapers.

Growing orchids is fun!

A research group at Chiba University, led by Professor Emeritus Masahiro Mii and researcher Dong Poh Chin, has developed the world’s first fluorescent orchid. The Glowing Phalaenopsis Orchid emits yellow-green fluorescence under black light. Not only the petals, but the entire plant body glows.

Click on the button to read the original article.

Glow in the Dark Phaleanopsis

“‘Nodes of Growth’ is one of my pandemic poems. I developed a small obsession with an orchid that had been given to me by a friend, Maggie, who hosted a wonderful party in my honor. It was a gift for my fiftieth birthday in September 2019. A few months later, during lockdown, I was away from my home. My neighbor, Joan, kindly watered my plants weekly. The orchid was dormant. But I asked her to continue watering it. Just when I thought it was dead, it bloomed. It was gorgeous! It proved everyone wrong! (Most people believe they cannot grow orchids.) Joan sent me pictures. Each one seemed triumphant, more beautiful than its predecessor. I shared this observation with the West Chester University Poetry Center's C.R.A.F.T.: Poetry and Creative Arts Festival’s 2021 Keynote speaker, Molly Peacock. She explained the concept of “nodes of growth” to me. It seemed to resonate perfectly with themes that were emerging in my work. This poem began in my journal; it is free verse primarily because I wanted to focus on figurative language and shifts in meaning from one stanza to the next as the poem’s narrative evolves.”

—Cherise Pollard

Cherise Pollard is an African American poet and she holds a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in cultural and critical studies. She is the author of Outsiders (Midwest Writing Center Press, 2016) and is both a Cave Canem and Callaloo graduate fellow. Pollard is an English professor and the director of the West Chester University Poetry Center. She lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

click on Nodes of Growth to hear a reading by the author.

Nodes of Growth was a featured podcast and print by Poem of the Day.

Did I pay my FCOS 2023 Membership? Click HERE to see if your name is on our Paid Members List. Thank you for all who have paid their 2023 Membership dues.

Membership Benefits and How to Join FCOS

The FCOS Newsletter emailed every month. Keep up to date on FCOS activities, enjoy entertaining and informative articles, and orchid culture tips. Sign up for FCOS newsletter.

Monthly Zoom talks from local and worldwide Orchid Experts.

Opportunities to bid on beautiful and quality orchids at our silent auctions and on-line auctions.

Network with amateur and advanced collectors and commercial growers.

Receive a select invitation to our Holiday Party/Summer Picnic and Auctions.

Participation in our annual Orchid Fest Orchid Show and Sale.

Create orchid displays for The Huntington Botanical Gardens International Orchid Show/The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.

Invitation to exclusive FCOS Field-trips to out of town vendors and events.

Click to download a copy of the FCOS Membership Form.

Membership dues are $30 per year for an individual or family ($25 if payment received by Feb 1, 2024).

Make your check payable to Five Cities Orchid Society, PO Box 1066 Grover Beach, CA 93483.

Please include your completed membership form with your payment.

Thank You for becoming a member of the Five Cities Orchid Society.

Payment by Credit Card with an FCOS-BetterWorld Account

If you wish to pay for your membership by credit card, you will need to establish an account with the FCOS processing service BetterWorld. Establishing an FCOS-BetterWorld account will also enable you to participate in FCOS on-line orchid auctions as well as paying for your membership dues.

Click here to create an FCOS-BetterWorld account and pay for your membership by credit card.

A Lifetime Individual Membership is available for a one-time donation of $500. Your generous donation enables FCOS to attract quality speakers, create content rich newsletters and most importantly helps finance one of the largest regional orchid shows in the western U.S. You can submit your lifetime membership payment by check using the FCOS Membership Form or by credit card by clicking this link: FCOS-BetterWorld Lifetime Membership Donation of $500.

FCOS Garage Sale

Send an email to Jeff Parham, Chris Ehrler or Ed Lysek and include an image of your item, a description, price, and your contact info. We'll include your info in our next monthly newsletter if there is space. FCOS assumes no responsibility for payment, taxes, etc. We ask the items be orchid or plant related. FCOS is not taking a commission or participating in any other way.

Watch this space!

links to Social media:

Facebook, Youtube and Instagram

(Click on the icon below)

The Five Cities Orchid Society (FCOS) is proud to announce its dynamic social media presence. With over 3.9K followers on Facebook, members post their stunning orchid pictures almost every day.

FCOS also has an active YouTube channel where members showcase their greenhouses, share tips on growing orchids, and highlight what's currently in bloom.

Additionally, FCOS is on Instagram, where members can post pictures, ask questions, and connect with other orchid enthusiasts. As an FCOS member, you have free access to all these social media outlets. Don't miss out on the opportunity to participate in these engaging platforms. Also, don't forget to check out the garage sale section in this newsletter, where you can sell or trade orchid-related items with other members.

Lastly, we encourage you to send in pictures and letters to the editors, as it provides us with functional information to share with the community. Join FCOS today and take advantage of all the exciting opportunities it has to offer!

Five Cities Orchid Society 2023 Board of Directors

(Click on name to contact by email)

Jeff Parham, President

Ed Lysek, Vice President

Eric Holenda,Treasurer

Michelle Ralston, Secretary

Chris Howard, Anne Bachmann & Lillian Burns, Directors at Large

Linda Hauss, AOS Liaison

Jeff Parham, Show Chairman

Chris Ehrler, Past President

Orchids are really great!