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July 2024 Newsletter

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A message from the President’s potting bench…..




Dear Five Cities Orchid Society Members,


As we dive into the July edition of our monthly newsletter, we are thrilled to share some wonderful updates and opportunities with all of you! Last month was filled with camaraderie and generosity as we came together for an orchid auction, potluck, and a memorable members meeting. It was heartwarming to see the membership's unanimous decision to donate $5,000 to the vital conservation efforts of the Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA). Additionally, we had the honor of presenting the prestigious Diamond Award for Excellence to Ed Lysek, in recognition of his outstanding service to the FCOS.


Building on this momentum, we are excited to announce that Ed Lysek will be our featured speaker this month. Join us as he shares his wealth of knowledge and experiences in cultivating orchids in his greenhouse. Mark your calendars for our upcoming members meeting on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the enchanting Toucan Terrace. We are delighted to have Tim Culbertson as our guest speaker, who will be enlightening us on the fascinating world of Zygopetalums. Furthermore, Tim will be offering a diverse selection of Zygopetalums and other exquisite orchids for sale – a perfect opportunity to enhance your orchid collection!


In the spirit of community and growth, we invite each and every one of you to consider volunteering your time and talents to the Five Cities Orchid Society. Whether your passion lies in orchids, photography, writing, organizing, teaching, technology, website design, or graphic design, there is a place for you to contribute and make a difference. Your unique skills and dedication are invaluable to our thriving orchid community.


Let's continue to cultivate our shared love for orchids and nurture the bonds that bring us together as a society. Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive environment where our passion for orchids blossoms. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with us.



Friendly Reminders


Please remember to join or renew your membership if you haven't done so already. Your dues help us keep our society thriving with these fantastic events and more.


The Five Cities Orchid Society (FCOS) thrives on collaboration and camaraderie, so I encourage all members to share with us pictures and videos of your orchids and grow areas, no matter where you are in the world. Let's turn our newsletter into a gallery of global orchid beauty!


FCOS Merchandise: Don’t forget to check out the new orchid shirts and other merchandise available in the FCOS Store. Sporting our logo on hats, shirts, sweaters, mugs, and tote bags is a great way to show your orchid pride and support our society.


Stay Connected


Our newsletter remains your go-to resource for the Zoom link to our upcoming OrchidTalks, recordings of past talks, member photos, articles, videos, field trip opportunities, buying, selling and trading orchids and much more.


FCOS has a strong presence on Facebook, Instagram and a Youtube Channel with videos submitted by our members. It's all about staying connected and sharing our passion for orchids.


So let’s keep our spirits high and our orchids thriving. Here's to another month of growth, learning, and community!


I have posted a few pictures from my orchid collection below. I hope you enjoy them!


Stay rooted in joy and keep blossoming!


Jeff Parham

President, FCOS

Sarcochilus Kulnura Dazzel Multi Purple x Sarcochilus Bunyip ‘Forest Fruit’.

This is grown mounted on a bark basket and was allowed to grow hanging in a tree. Once it put out flower spikes I moved it inside under LED lights to help further develop the buds.

Closeup of Sarcochilus Kulnura Dazzel Multi Purple x Sarcochilus Bunyip ‘Forest Fruit’ flower.

We are excited to announce the creation of a “Members ONLY” FCOS Membership Roster that allows you to voluntarily opt into exclusive networking opportunities. This roster will provide a link accessible only to members, offering a platform for connecting and expanding your network within the FCOS community. Join us in taking advantage of this valuable resource to enhance your professional relationships and collaborations.

Sign up- FCOS Roster

We are excited to announce that our speaker this month will be FCOS member Ed Lysek, the recipient of the prestigious Orchid Digest/FCOS Diamond Award. Ed will be sharing valuable insights on his journey in orchid cultivation, starting from his initial mistakes in selecting the right orchids for his growing conditions. Learn from his experiences as he guides us on identifying the optimal light, temperature, and humidity levels for different orchid varieties, helping you choose orchids that will flourish in your own spaces, be it a windowsill, patio, yard, or greenhouse. As the saying goes, "learn from the mistakes of others....you will kill a lot less orchids."


Many of you may already be familiar with Ed through the enlightening talks he has delivered to various garden groups and nurseries. If you have purchased orchids from our auctions, chances are you have some of the orchids nurtured by Ed in his greenhouse. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and expertise from Ed Lysek. Join us for an engaging and informative session that will enhance your orchid growing skills!




The Zoom link for Ed’s presentation at 7PM PDT on Thursday, July 11th is:


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82355435739?pwd=bThHazRPekw5cjhnYmNzMlpkTW96dz09


Meeting ID: 823 5543 5739

Passcode: 204435

Zygopetalum- in person members meeting at the Toucan Terrace.


Saturday, August 10, 2024

12:00 PM 2:00 PM


We are thrilled to announce an upcoming in-person members meeting focused on Zygopetalums at the Toucan Terrace.


Renowned speaker Tim Culbertson will be discussing the latest and most exciting varieties of Zygopetalums and hybrids developed by notable plant breeders, including Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids. Attendees can look forward to captivating photos showcasing both species and hybrids. Additionally, Zygopetalums will be available for purchase at the event. For specific timings of Tim's presentation and sale, please refer to the August newsletter. Stay tuned for more updates!

Orchid pick up at the Planted Parlour, Grover Beach


We are excited to announce Peter Lin of Diamond Orchids, our April speaker "Orchids Alfresco," is offering a fantastic opportunity to purchase beautiful orchids directly from his website. Peter will bring any orchids you buy to the upcoming CalOrchids Summer Hummer open House on July 19-21. To make things even more convenient, Ed Lysek and Jeff Parham have graciously volunteered to pick up your orders at CalOrchid and transport them to the Planted Parlour for your pick-up on Saturday or Sunday, July 20-21. Not only does this arrangement save you shipping costs, but it also serves as a wonderful way to show support for our monthly speakers.


You also have the option to place orders for CalOrchids' exquisite orchids through this process. To avail of this opportunity, kindly place your orders and make payments directly with Peter. Inform him that your purchases are for pick-up by Ed and Jeff at the Summer Hummer event on Friday, July 19th. Following your order, please send an email listing your purchases to Ed Lysek and cc Chris Howard for coordination purposes. Be sure to access Peter Lin's Diamond Orchids plant list on his website - remember to click on the pdf icon on his webpage for the full catalog. Let's embrace this chance to enhance our orchid collections while supporting our dedicated speakers!


CalOrchid Summer Hummer info:


The Planted Parlour pick up location

Sophronitis Arizona was one of the orchids Peter mentioned as much easier to grow and flower compared to the species S. coccinea.

Peter has many great easy growing orchids for sale suitable for our coastal California climate.

The June 15th BBQ Pot Luck and Silent Auction was a Great Success!


Event coordinator Lillian Burns did a fantastic job organizing a number of volunteers for a successful and enjoyable event. The gracious donation of orchid divisions, air plants, succulents and pottery by FCOS members resulted in a profitable silent auction and the show and tell plants were inspiring.

Lillian spearheaded this event and Jeff conducted a brief business meeting and helped coordinate the orchid “Show and Tell”.

Eric Holenda and his young bride Christina celebrate the unanimous vote for FCOS to donate $5,000 to the Orchid Conservation Alliance.

Bonnie did a great job managing the pot luck. Judging by the lack of “left overs” the food was well received.

Cindy had a hard time deciding what to bid on….so many orchids…only limited growing space!

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

Dendrobium thyrsiflorum. Native to the Chinese Himalayas, Hainan China, Assam India, eastern Himalayas, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam at elevations of 1,200 to 2,000 meters.


Closeup of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum spike.

Dendrobium thyrsiflorum is a cool growing epiphyte, lithophyte, or terrestrial species. This orchid is growing in a plastic pot filled with bark and lava rock with the pot being placed outside under a wood lath cover. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of front of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum flower.

Closeup of side of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum flower.

Dendrochilum cootsii: A cool growing species is endemic to the Philippines growing at elevations around 1,200 to 2,000 meters. This orchid is growing mounted to a piece of wood with a small amount of sphagnum moss on the roots. The mount is hanging in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Front and side view of Dendrochilum cootsii flower.

Masdevallia coccinea (Purple Norris x Vashon). One of the many clones of this popular species. This cold growing species is native to Colombia at elevations of 2,400 to 3,000 meters. This plant is growing in a plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock with the pot placed in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Masdevallia coccinea (Purple Norris x Vashon). flower.

Masdevallia coccinea var alba x Masdevallia don quijote. This primary hybrid is growing in a clay pot filled with a bark and lava rock mixture. The pot is placed outside under a wood lath cover. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Masdevallia coccinea var alba x Masdevallia don quijote flower.

Miltoniopsis (Evelyn Cumpley x purpurata 4n). This orchid is growing mounted on a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss on the root. The mount is in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Miltoniopsis (Herralexandra x MP 264 4n). Growing in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss with the pot in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Miltoniopsis hybrid. Growing in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss with the pot in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Miltoniopsis Lynne Waihee 'Kay' x N. Hajime Ono 'Black & Blue' AM?AOS. Growing in a plastic pot filled with bark and lava rock with the pot in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Mystacidium capense. A shade and humidity loving, cool to cold growing epiphyte found at elevations of sea level to 700 meters in South Africa. Generally found growing in deep shady areas. There area total of four spikes on this small orchid. Flowers emit jasmine scent at night. Growing mounted to a small piece of wood which is hanging in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Mystacidium capense plant and spikes.

Front view of Mystacidium capense flower.

Side view of Mystacidium capense flowers showing long spur on each flower.

Scaphosepalum fimbriatum. A hot to warm growing epiphyte native to Ecuador at elevations of 750 to 1,200 meters. Growing in a plastic pot filled with a bark and perlite mixture. Was purchased March 2024 and so far is growing well in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Scaphosepalum fimbriatum flower.

Trichoceros muralis. A cool to cold terrestrial growing native in dry rocky regions in Ecuador and Peru in at elevations of 2,200 to 3,200 meters. This orchid is growing on a piece of manzanita with most of the plant hanging free of the mount. Mount is hanging in a cool greenhouse.

Side view of Trichoceros muralis flower.

Den. mochatum - when Eric Holenda gave me a small division several years ago he said it gets “BIG.” He was right! After a dry winter’s rest and a lot of water and fertilizer in Spring the older canes produce sprays of pendulous salmon colored flowers. Potted in a small gravel filled plastic pot inside a larger clay pot for stability. The canes reach 42 inches high. Grown by Ed Lysek.

The lip of Den. mochatum forms a pouch, much like a Paphiopedalum slipper orchid - but on a vastly different plant.

Oncidium Mayfair ‘Trinity’ is a solid yellow form of this temperature tolerant orchid. Growing in a small hanging net pot filled with Hydroton clay pellets to allow excellent drainage. Grown by Ed Lysek.

The solid yellow color of Onc. Mayfair ‘Trinity’ glows in sunlight.

Renathera Imshootiana x Ren. Brooke Chandler is temperature tolerant and a reliable bloomer. The foot tall plant grows in a bark filled slatted wooden basket and is watered daily Spring and Summer and much less in the cooler months. Purchased from SBOE 9 years ago. Grown by Ed Lysek.

Sometimes it helps to see the overall size and appearance of an orchid to know if it will fit in with your collection. Renathera Imshootiana x Ren. Brooke Chandler.

Some say the fragrance of Encyclia diurna reminds them of a freshly baked loaf of banana bread. Multiple spikes with numerous flowers make my greenhouse smell like a bakery mid-afternoon. Allow to dry between watering and use a fast draining bark/perlite or Hydroton media. Grown by Ed Lysek.

Onc. ‘Sherri Babyis common in many members orchid collections. I have several plants scattered around my greenhouse and the fragrance is very pleasant. As Eric Holenda mentioned in his “Dancing Ladies” talk several years ago, keep the pots small, use a fast draining media, let the plants dry between watering and grow in bright light (not direct sun). Grown by Ed Lysek.

Ikebana.

Had some fun putting this arrangement together.

The center stem cymbidium is from an unnamed

cymbidium I picked up at our auction. I love doing

this type of Japanese arrangement. I have collected

several of the special vases over the years. Judy Scheithauer

Neofinetia falcata Kibana. This one appears to have pink spots so it is possibly not actually Kibana (but that's what the tag says). Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard.

Vanda Newberry Apricot (V. Virgil x V. curvifolia, Carter & Holmes cross) - greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard. .

Lycaste tricolor. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard. .

Laelia purpurata. The tag says it is L. purpurata "vanelata" or possibly "var elata" though I can't find anything about either varietal. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard. .

Dendrochilum longifolium. Smells when it first opens like a freshly snuffed candle. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard. .

Phragmipedium Memorium Dick Clements, a primary hybrid of Phrag. bessae and Phrag. sargentianum, is in the parentage of better known Phrag. Jason Fischer. This sequential bloomer has been in our collection for over 15 years. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard. .

Dendrobium denneanum. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard. .

A happy Neofinetia falcata. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard

Neofinetia falcata 'Shoujyo'. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard

Cynorkis gibbosum. The leaves on this have dark brown spots. Dormant in winter. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard

Encyclia Atropine is a primary hybrid of E. tampensis and E. cordigera. Greenhouse grown.

Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard

Cypripedium. It once had a tag. It is either a white C. parvifolium or C. kentuckyense...or a hybrid. We've had a number of these and only this one does well here. Grown outdoors on the north side of the house. Dry winter dormancy in the coolest spot possible. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard

Paph. philippinense 'DDs' x Paph. gigantifolium 'Patti'. Greenhouse grown. Grown by Michael Jenné, in Guatelupe, CA. photographed by Chris Howard

Maxillaria sanderiana: A cool grower, grown in covered patio year round. Stays damp all the time. Good blooming this year, about a dozen flowers. Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.

Masdevallia Highland Monarch “Sheila”. AM / AOS: You just can’t beat these. 4” flowers with such smooth color, outdoor culture. Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.

Laelia (AKA Cattleya) tenebrosa : Now is the bloom season for tenebrosa, its close relative purpurata, and their hybrids. I find them all to be vigorous, problem free growers. Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.

Laelia Zip : This is a cross of L. tenebrosa with Laelia milleri, one of the so called rupiculous (rock growing) Laelias of Brazil. To avoid 💀 I keep it on the dry side. Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.



Encyclia cochleata: A gift fron Ed, doing well. Native to Florida. Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.

Clowesia dodsoniana: Clowesias are related to Catasetums, and make some great hybrids with them. Most are warm growers, many from the Western slope of southern Mexico, as is dodsoniana (From the state of Michoacan).

Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.

Close up, Clowesia dodsoniana.

Laelia Latona x L. milleri : Here is milleri again, showing the intense orange color it gives its hybrids. Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.

Dendrobium Bensoniae is found in Asssam, Myanmar and Thailand as a medium sized, pendant, hot to cool growing epiphyte at elevations of 450 to 1550 meters.

It gets a dry winter rest and blooms every year for me. Originally mounted on an oak branch it seems happier now that I’ve “planted” the mount in a hanging basket filled with a mix of bark and perlite. The roots have a choice of growing on the oak branch or rambling through the higher moisture zone in the hanging basket. Ed L.

Cymbidium Mitz 'Mabel' This lovely pendulous cymbidium is an easy to grow, reliable spring bloomer. We keep it outside most of the year -- And bring it into the greenhouse when spikes show up. It needs dividing and repotting often. Some of you may already have a basket of this. Fertilize and water with other cymbidiums. We have two pots of this. The other pot is finished blooming and this one is finishing up.

Grown by Judy Scheithauer.

Aeranthes arachnites: I bought this plant from Susan Hamilton at our show in February. Grows best mounted inside a greenhouse. Grown and bloomed by Eric Holenda, Nipomo, CA.


The Current State of Orchid Conservation: Challenges and Conservation Efforts


Orchids, renowned for their beauty and ecological significance, face numerous threats that jeopardize their survival in the wild. With approximately 28,000 species distributed across diverse habitats globally, Orchidaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants. Here, we explore the challenges confronting orchid conservation and highlight the efforts of specific conservation groups and orchid preserves dedicated to protecting these iconic plants.


Challenges Facing Orchid Conservation


  1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Orchids are highly specialized plants that often rely on specific habitats, such as tropical rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands. Deforestation, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development have led to extensive habitat loss and fragmentation, threatening orchid populations worldwide.
  2. Climate Change: Alterations in climate patterns, including temperature fluctuations, altered rainfall regimes, and extreme weather events, pose significant challenges to orchid survival. Climate change disrupts orchid flowering cycles, affects pollination dynamics, and exacerbates habitat degradation.
  3. Illegal Trade and Overexploitation: Orchids are coveted for their ornamental value, medicinal properties, and use in traditional medicine. Illegal harvesting and overexploitation for commercial trade, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia and South America, contribute to population declines and local extinctions of vulnerable species.
  4. Pollinator Decline: Many orchid species have specialized relationships with specific pollinators, such as insects, birds, and bats. Declines in pollinator populations due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change threaten orchid reproductive success and long-term survival.
  5. Invasive Species: The introduction of invasive plants and animals into orchid habitats can outcompete native orchid species for resources, disrupt ecosystem dynamics, and reduce suitable habitats for orchid growth and reproduction.


Conservation Efforts and Initiatives


Despite these challenges, dedicated conservation groups and orchid preserves are actively engaged in protecting orchid diversity and promoting sustainable practices:


The Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA):

The OCA works globally to conserve threatened orchid species and their habitats through partnerships with local communities, scientific research, and habitat restoration projects. Contact information: Orchid Conservation Alliance


Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (UK):

Kew Gardens conducts extensive research on orchid ecology, conservation genetics, and propagation techniques. They manage one of the world's largest orchid collections, contributing to ex situ conservation efforts.

Contact Information: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew


Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (USA):

Located in Florida, Fairchild Garden focuses on orchid conservation through research, education, and habitat restoration initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations.

Contact Information: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden


Orchid Conservation International (OCI):

OCI collaborates with botanical gardens, universities, and conservation organizations worldwide to conserve orchid species threatened by habitat loss and illegal trade.

Contact Information: Orchid Conservation International


Orchid Conservation Coalition (OCC):

The OCC advocates for orchid conservation through policy advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives aimed at protecting orchid habitats and promoting sustainable practices.

Contact Information: Orchid Conservation Coalition


Visiting Orchid Preserves

If you're interested in experiencing orchid diversity firsthand or supporting conservation efforts, consider visiting these renowned orchid preserves:


Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar:

Home to diverse orchid species endemic to Madagascar, this park offers guided tours and educational programs focused on orchid conservation.

Contact Information: Ranomafana National Park


Kinabalu Park, Borneo:

Kinabalu Park boasts a rich diversity of orchids amidst its stunning mountain landscapes. Visitors can explore orchid trails and participate in conservation-oriented activities.

Contact Information: Kinabalu Park


Orchid Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens:

Singapore's Orchid Garden showcases a spectacular array of orchid hybrids and native species, highlighting conservation efforts and sustainable orchid cultivation practices.

Contact Information: Singapore Botanic Gardens


Conclusion

Orchid conservation faces multifaceted challenges, but ongoing efforts by conservation groups, botanical gardens, and local communities underscore global commitments to preserving orchid diversity. By supporting conservation initiatives, promoting sustainable practices, and raising awareness, we can ensure a future where orchids thrive in their natural habitats and continue to enrich our lives with their beauty and ecological importance.

Overview of Recent Studies on Orchid Biology


Recent research on orchid biology reveals diverse aspects of their floral, pollination, biotechnological interventions, defense strategies, biochemistry, and genomics. Sugiura (2022) studied the floral and pollination biology of the critically endangered Calanthe amamiana, highlighting its dependence on the long-horned bee Eucera okinawae for pollination. Another significant study by Ahmad et al. (2022) focused on biotechnological interventions in orchids, emphasizing advancements in tissue culture and genetic engineering that have led to the development of exotic orchid varieties with novel traits. Further, Ahmad et al. (2022) explored the defense mechanisms in Cymbidium orchids through transcriptome profiling, identifying key genes involved in plant-pathogen interactions. Chen (2022) compiled insights on orchid biochemistry, detailing the molecular mechanisms of pigment formation and flower scent. Finally, Nargar and Chen (2023) provided an editorial on the advancements in orchid genomics, discussing the latest developments in genetic and developmental biology. These studies collectively enhance our understanding of orchid biology, addressing both conservation and commercialization aspects.


Detailed Insights



Floral and pollination biology of the critically endangered insular orchid Calanthe amamiana (Naoto Sugiura, 2022)

Explores the relationship between Calanthe amamiana and its exclusive pollinator, highlighting the orchid's dependency on Eucera okinawae and the implications for conservation strategies.

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Biotechnological interventions in Orchids: Recent updates, Translational success, and Commercial outcomes (2022)

Discusses recent advances in orchid biotechnology, including tissue culture and genetic engineering, contributing to the development and commercialization of novel orchid varieties.


Beauty and the pathogens: A leaf-less control presents a better image of Cymbidium orchids defense strategy (Sagheer Ahmad et al., 2022)

Investigates the defense mechanisms in Cymbidium orchids through transcriptome profiling, identifying key genes involved in plant-pathogen interactions.


Orchid Biochemistry 2.0 (Jen-Tsung Chen, 2022)

Summarizes the biochemistry and molecular mechanisms of pigment formation, flower scent, and plant-microbial interactions in orchids.

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Editorial: Orchid genomics and developmental biology, volume II (Katharina Nargar, Jen-Tsung Chen, 2023) Reviews the recent advancements in orchid genomics and developmental biology, providing insights into genetic research and its implications.

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 win beautiful and quality orchids. 
  • Network with amateur, advanced collectors and commercial growers 
  • Select invitation to our Holiday Party/Summer Picnic and Auctions.
  • Participation in our Annual Central California Coast Orchid Show
  •  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 $25 per year for an individual or family. $15 after June 1 for the balance of the calendar year.
  • 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.

Five Cities Orchid Society 2024 Board of Directors

(Click on name to contact by email)


Jeff Parham, President


Ed Lysek, Vice President


Eric Holenda,Treasurer


Michelle Ralston, Secretary


Chris HowardAnne Bachmann & Lillian Burns, Directors at Large


Linda Hauss, AOS Liaison


Jeff Parham, Show Chairman



Chris Ehrler, Past President

Orchids are really great!