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December 2024 Newsletter

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Dear FCOS Subscribers,


As we wrap up 2024, we reflect on an extraordinary year of growth, community, and conservation at the Five Cities Orchid Society (FCOS). Thanks to supporters like you, FCOS continues to thrive as a hub for orchid enthusiasts, offering opportunities to connect, learn, and inspire.



This year, FCOS made a significant impact through:

  • Monthly orchid talks on Zoom featuring renowned speakers.
  • Four in-person meetings to share ideas and showcase member orchids.
  • Educational outreach programs that introduce new generations to orchid care and conservation.
  • Contributing $5,000 to the Orchid Conservation Alliance, helping protect endangered orchids and their habitats worldwide.
  • Expanding our reach through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where we share videos from our talented FCOS members.


We’re also excited to announce the launch of our 2025 Events Page, where you can stay up-to-date on all the exciting activities we have planned for the new year. Visit https://www.fcos.org to learn more.


As a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but there’s still so much more to do. With your support, we can accomplish even more in 2025. Here’s how you can make a difference:


  1. Join or Renew Your Membership
  2. Explore Member Benefits at https://www.fcos.org/memberbenefits.


To join, simply complete our online membership application.


Make a Tax-Deductible Donation:

  • Support critical conservation initiatives like the Orchid Conservation Alliance.
  • Maintain essential technology for accessible programming.
  • Fund our dynamic educational programs and outreach activities.


Donate conveniently through Betterworld at:

https://fcos.betterworld.org/campaigns/five-cities-orchid-society-annua.



Shop Our Online Store. https://www.fcos.org/fcos-merchandise.



Connect with Us on Social Media-Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to engage with our community, watch member-created videos, and stay informed about upcoming events.


Your membership or donation makes you a part of a thriving global community of over 700 orchid enthusiasts. Together, we can protect and celebrate the beauty of orchids while fostering education and appreciation for generations to come.


As the year draws to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Five Cities Orchid Society in 2024. To our incredible volunteers, your dedication and hard work behind the scenes make everything we do possible. To our speakers, thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion, inspiring us all to grow and learn. To our generous donors, your support fuels our mission and ensures we can continue our educational and conservation efforts. To our executive officers, your leadership and vision guide us forward. And to our members and subscribers, your enthusiasm and participation bring our community to life. Together, we’ve created another remarkable year, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring! Thank you all for making FCOS a thriving and vibrant society.


With gratitude,


Jeffery Parham

President, Five Cities Orchid Society

Dendrobium kingianum plant is beginning to flower. I am growing this in bark and Leca in a plastic basket in my front yard in Los Osos.

Tolumnia/ has been in spike for the last month. Growing with no media in a tiny plastic pot in my greenhouse under LED lights.

Reed stem Epidendrum that I purchased from the Cambria nursery last summer. I choose this for the orange and yellow flower.

This is the same plant as the last picture with the orange and yellow flower. It appears the plant has mutated and the last two growths have flowered red. This plant has been in continuous flower for 3 years but this is the first time these red flowers have appeared. What’s up with that?

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

The holidays are here—let’s celebrate with flair!

Join us for orchids and laughter to share.

On December 14th, from 11 to 3,

At Toucan Terrace, it’s the place to be!


Bring a dish, bring dessert—something tasty and sweet,

A potluck feast that’s a festive treat!

From savory bites to delights divine,

We’ll dine like royalty on orchid time!


Our Show & Tell awaits—show off your best,

With blooms so lovely, we’ll put them to the test.

Bright Cattleyas, elegant, bold, and true—

Will your orchid charm the judges (and you)?


An auction of treasures will dazzle your eyes,

With orchids so rare, it’s no surprise.

Tiny Neofinetias, fragrant and neat,

And Masdevallias with colors so sweet.

Dendrobiums stand tall with blooms so bright,

While Oncidiums dance like butterflies in flight.


New leaders we’ll choose, a new year begins,

With your vote deciding who leads us to wins.

So come cast your ballot and make your voice loud,

It’s your moment to shine, so be proud!


Raffles and prizes? Oh, they’re in store,

With door gifts, surprises, and so much more!

So don’t miss the fun, this orchid soirée,

At 955 Terry Ave, where we’ll laugh and play.


Toucan Terrace will sparkle, a magical sight,

For a holiday party that’s pure delight!

🎉 Volunteers Needed for Our Holiday Party! 🌟


The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread some cheer than by lending a helping hand at our FCOS Holiday Party on December 14th? We’re calling on our fabulous members to help make the magic happen!

• Set-Up Crew: Arrive at 10:00 AM to transform Toucan Terrace into a festive wonderland.

• Clean-Up Heroes: Stick around from 3:00 PM until we’re done to help pack up the fun.


🎁 Perks Alert! Volunteers will earn $5 in Bloom Bucks as a thank-you for your efforts. These handy little treasures can be used toward auction items and orchid sales throughout the year. (Orchid karma and spending power? Yes, please!)


If you’re ready to dive in, reach out to Michelle Ralston to sign up. Trust us, you’ll have a blast connecting with fellow orchid enthusiasts while ensuring the party is a hit!


💼 Speaking of Getting Involved…

We’re also holding Elections for our Executive Board during the party! The positions of President, Secretary, and Board Members are up for grabs. If you’ve been thinking, “I could totally help guide FCOS into a fabulous future,” now’s your chance!

Got someone in mind (or yourself)? Let Lillian Burns know! Serving on the board is not only rewarding but also a great way to shape the future of our society.


🌸 A Little Auction Action!

Got plants for the auction? Help us keep things smooth and organized by filling out your Silent Auction Bid Form ahead of time and bringing it with your plants. You can find the form here: Silent Auction Bid Form.


Your efforts make a huge difference, and we can’t wait to celebrate the season with all of you. See you at Toucan Terrace on December 14th! Let’s make this holiday party one for the books! 🎄✨

Mary Gerritsen who is the current president of the Orchid Conservation Alliance (OCA) gave a presentation to the Five City Orchid Society entitled “Orchid Conservation Alliance: Preserving Orchids for Future Generations”. The OCA began after a talk by Lou Jost after a talk at the San Diego Orchid Society in 2004 about his work with Fundacion Ecominga in Ecuador. A group got together at Peter Tobias’ home in San Diego and after some discussion about how to help with their work OCA was set up to raise funds to help preserve orchid rich land.


The OCA does not own the land but their funds help to purchase land that is owned by a foundation or university. Their first funds went to help purchase land in for the Rio Anzu Reserve near Banos, Ecuador. Their funds have now helped purchase 5,108 acres of land in seven (7) reserves all in South America. Their total contributions have been over $850,000. Their funds have been combined with other groups with a total now of 12 reserves protecting a total of about 20,000 acres. These reserves have not only protected the orchids but also many plants and animals, some of which are species never found before. Funds have also help purchase land in the Dracula Reserve which has lots of primary forest and lots of Dracula species. This area is threated by encroaching agricultural expansion and gold mining.


The OCA works with many local individuals and small communities in the areas near the reserves, including helping to give funds after a recent landslide that did major damage to a local community and road cutting off their access with one of the reserves. Some OCA funds have gone to SalvaMontes in Colombia to help preserve three reserves. OCA generates funds from their membership, merchandise sales, species naming opportunities, transformative donations and their “Orchids in the Wild” tours. During the presentation Mary showed a number of photos of the various reserves and also photos taken during the OCA tours in 2023 and 2024 in many different areas.


If you are thinking about your next vacation, why not consider an OCA Ecotour in 2025? For a list of 2025 tours please click here.


To view a recording of Mary’s presentation:


https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/jREvBW1yQp6UTJXNvEZdMZ15wJ7mtPPPzCkpVWWxn9zEHzpyw12LJwkKXRTTxGFI.yJW-58WEGWEO4Dtu

Passcode: u4bB%7A?


A new Zoom feature is a transcript of Mary’s presentation:


https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/xdrj0QN_U90wo9tzRvZolZSC4ZG_J5hbnPFGR5LsO1EfPA6ThdEx7wXqMPPy1MbQ.GAUl65cCDDyk60lR

Passcode: u4bB%7A?

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

Cattleya Arctic Star ‘Snow Queen’ HCC/AOS

This exquisite orchid, grown by Ron Hardy in Gig Harbor, WA, is celebrated for its pristine white blooms and symmetrical form, earning an HCC/AOS (Highly Commended Certificate) for its outstanding quality. A hybrid with lineage tracing back to Cattleya intermedia, ‘Snow Queen’ features snowy petals and a delicate blush of pink on the lip, captivating judges and enthusiasts alike.

Thriving under standard Cattleya conditions, ‘Snow Queen’ prefers bright, indirect light, good air circulation, and a well-draining medium such as bark or bark-perlite mixes. With careful attention to temperatures—75-85°F during the day and 55-60°F at night—this orchid rewards growers with elegant, long-lasting blooms that are a true testament to expert cultivation.

Cattleya percivaliana semi alba is one of my earliest percivalianas to bloom. This is a division of Larry Vierheilig’s original plant and this year it has 5 bloom spikes. For a detailed description of the history of this orchid and how to grow it, please click here. Grown by Ed Lysek

Cattleya percivaliana standard color form. I grow my several C. percivalianas in shallow clay pots, net pots or in this case, mounted on an oak branch. Watered or misted daily spring and summer, fertilized weekly while in active growth and potted using hydroton clay pellets. This is a very temperature tolerant Cattleya and I’ve found it easy to grow and bloom as long as you keep it dry during the coldest months, misting occasionally on sunny winter days. Growing in a bright area of my greenhouse. Grown by Ed Lysek

Sl. Dorothy Elliot x L. anceps. is my first L. anceps hybrid to bloom this season. Comprising 50% L. anceps, 25% L. cinnabarina and 25% C. coccinea the bloom spike has 5 to 6 flowers which will open in succession. Growing in a slatted wooden basket with a sprinkle of medium bark in a bright area of my greenhouse. Grown by Ed Lysek

L. Primerio Passo (L. pumila f. alba 'Mt. Snow Storm' x L. alaorii f. alba 'Snowflake') shows the strong influence of L. pumila in the flower form and L. alaori should keep the plant small in size. One of Sunset Valley Orchids newer hybrids I’ve been growing this orchid in a hanging net pot with Hydroton clay pellets as the media. Grown by Ed Lysek

Vanda Pachung Blue is the first Vanda I purchased from Wayne Ferrel at Santa Barbara Orchid Estate about 12 years ago. In the last 4 months it has produced 3 flower spikes and the deep purple color is amazing. Wayne assured me the V. coeruela in the background of this hybrid would allow it to thrive in my cool in winter/hot in summer greenhouse. He was right. Grown by Ed Lysek

Vanda Pachara’s Delight is in bloom next to my V. Pachung Blue so I can compare the size and color. Both are amazing and highly recommended for growing in frost free coastal areas outdoors or in intermediate greenhouses. For more details on how I grow my Vanda orchids, please click here. Grown by Ed Lysek

Neofenetia falcata grown by Guy Gottschalk outdoors in Pismo Beach. Guy has an extensive collection of specialty forms of this orchid found in Japan and Korea. If you have questions on how to grow this orchid look for Guy at our upcoming Holiday Party on Dec. 14th. Guy has graciously donated several of his Neofenetia orchids for our silent auction. Don’t miss your chance to take home one of these fantastic orchids.

Guy Gottschalk with his Neofenetia falcata collection. Guy recommends allowing these orchids to dry thoroughly between watering and also giving them plenty of air circulation. He elevates the roots over a modified inverted net pot then wraps the roots with a combination of long fiber sphagnum moss and “gorilla hair” coconut fiber. The orchid is then placed in a clay pot with the bottom drainage hole enlarged using a diamond drill bit.

Cymbidium ‘The Krankster’ Mamamoto x Canary (EarlyGirl) growing in a mix of orchid bark and Kellogg potting soil. Multiple huge spikes have emerged and blooms are just beginning to open. Growing outdoors in Pismo Beach by Guy Gottschalk.

Lc. Betty Ford 'York' AM/AOS is a large sized cattleya with a dramatic red/purple lip. Introduced by Orchids by Hausermann in 1982 it is estimated they have sold 20,000 specimens of this orchid! Growing in a square plastic net pot with Hydroton clay pellet media. Grown by Ed Lysek. For the complete story of this orchid, please click here.

Vanda nana from a flask donated by Marni Turkel for an FCOS silent auction several years ago. Several of our members are growing these seedlings under a range of conditions. My 3 seedlings are in a slatted wooden basket in a bright section of my greenhouse. Ed Lysek

Lc. Betty Ford 'York' AM/AOS is definitely not a windowsill orchid. The new growths produced this year are amazingly large. My cool winter greenhouse conditions caused previous bloom failures. This year I’ve grown this orchid over a warm trash can of rainwater (warmed using a fish tank heater) and the slightly warmer conditions have resulted in two flower spikes. Ed Lysek

Dendrochilum cobbianum. A cool growing species from the Philippines at elevations above 1200 meters. Grows either epiphytically or as a lithophyte. Growing in a cool greenhouse in a plastic container that is filled with hydroponic type clay balls. There is a hole drilled in the plastic so that there is no more than 1 inch or so of water in the bottom of the container. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup up of Dendrochilum cobbianum inflorescence.

Closeup up of Dendrochilum cobbianum flowers.

Masdevallia (Aurora 'Sensation' x Tourmaline 'Mars'). Growing in a mesh pot filled with a bark and perlite mixture. Pot is in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Masdevallia veitchiana. Grows around Machu Picchu on steep rocky slopes covered with grasses and shrubs in full sun but with the leaves protected by the grass occurring at elevations of 2,000 to 4,000 meters as a small sized, cold growing terrestrial, sometimes lithophytic or rarely epiphytic. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse in a plastic pot filled with a bark and lava rock mixture. The purple color on the sepals is due to the presence of minute purple hairs. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Masdevallia (Aurora 'Sensation' x Tourmaline 'Mars') flower.

Side view of Masdevallia veitchiana flower.

Myoxanthys serripetalus. Chris AM/AOS. Is a cool to cold growing terrestrial or epiphyte found in Peru and Ecuador on the eastern Andes at elevations of 1,000 to 3,100 meters. This plant is about 3 feet tall and produces flowers throughout the year. This orchid is growing in a clay pot filled with moss and placed in a cool greenhouse. But some keikeis from this orchid are growing well outside in a clay pot filled with moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Myoxanthus punctatus. Grows in southern Brazil at elevations around 670 to 1500 meters as a warm to cool growing epiphyte. This orchid is growing on a piece of cork oak that is generally hanging in a cool greenhouse. It was set in the clay pot only for the photo. Plant was acquired in the latest FCOS auction and was donated by the Huntington Orchid Collection. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Myoxanthus punctatus flower.

Pleurothallis groybi type. A cold to hot growing species from 60 to 3200 meters in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, French Guiana, Surinam, and Guyana. This plant is growing in a cool greenhouse mounted to a piece of wood with some sphagnum moss at the roots. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Close up of Pleurothallis groybi type flowers.

Restrepia chameleon. A cold growing epiphytic species found at about 2,700 meters of elevation in Colombia. This orchid is growing in a plastic pot in a bark mixture with the pot in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Restrepia chameleon flower.

Restrepia chameleon (pale form). Growing in the same conditions as the more normal color form above. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Restrepia chameleon (pale form) flower.

Restrepia guttulata (yellow flower form). A cold to cool growing epiphyte found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela at elevations of 1,700 to 3,000 meters. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Front view of Restrepia guttulata (yellow flower form) flowers.

Restrepia landsbergii. Found at elevations of 700 to 3,000 meters in Venezuela, Ecuador, and 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.

Front view of Restrepia landsbergii flower.

Restrepia muscifera. A warm to cool growing species found in rain forests in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador at elevations of 300 to 2,500 meters. Flowers are on the underside of the leaves. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Restrepia landsbergii flower.

Front view of Restrepia muscifera flower.

Side view of Restrepia muscifera flower.

Scaphosepalum decorum. A cool growing epiphyte native to southern Colombia where it grows in cloud forests at elevations around 1800 meters. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse in a plastic pot filled with a bark and lava rock mixture. These flowers are 2 inches across which is normal for this species but large for the other species in the genus. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Scaphosepalum decorum flower.

Specklinia (Pleurothallis) montezumae. A warm growing epiphyte found at an elevation of 600 meters in Costa Rica. Currently growing well in a cool greenhouse in a plastic pot filled with a bark mixture. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Specklinia (Pleurothallis) montezumae flower.

Specklinia (Pleurothallis) montezumae flowers grow near the base of the leaves.

Pleurothallis allenii: Grows in central Panama as a warm to cool epiphyte at elevations between 550 and 1,000 meters. This plant is in a cool greenhouse mounted to a piece of wood with a small amount of sphagnum moss on the roots. Might grow and flower better with intermediate conditions. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Epidendren nocturnum, grown by Ron Hardy, gig Harbor, WA.

Stanhopea oculata and Judy Scheithauer

Stanhopea oculata Two beautiful baskets in bloom and more on the way. The greenhouse smells like chocolate mint. Grown by Judy and Chuck Scheithauer.

All of the Oncidiinae, with their fine roots which do not like to dry out, do very well in semi hydroponic as they never dry out in it, and the leca allows enough air or a good balance door that group as well as other genera


Grown by Harvey Brenneise, Oak Harbor, Washington.

Harvey method, with an empty clay pot sitting in a shallow water pan, in some cases with leca or even water beads! Tolumnias seem to love it. Air water balance is key.

Oda. Prince Vultan x Hanniespum

This is my Dendrobium Phlox from Andy’s Orchid in Encinitas.


This is thriving with my Cattleyas in the same covered patio but I water them more often than the Cattleyas because they are in a net basket with sphagnum moss. Grown by Earlene Velasco.

This is Blc California Girl - White.


This is a division from Newport Orchid Society. This is fragrant and has a very big flower. This is growing in a covered patio facing east, all year long. It’s growing in a plastic pot with barks and being watered once a week. Grown by Earlene Velasco.

This beauty is C. (Harrisoniana x Loddegesii) X C. Janice Evans ‘Sweet Sixteen’


I bought this from Dan Asbell 2019.

This is a medium size bifoliate cattleya and very fragrant. It’s growing in my covered patio facing east all year round. It’s growing in a pot with bark and being watered once a week. Grown by Earlene Velasco.

This is LC. La Selva - Dark reddish-pink clusters, CCA-1806, Cabbage, HCC-AOS


Temperature Tolerant/Fragrant from SB Orchid Estate. It’s growing in my covered patio facing east all year long. I have this orchid since 2018.

It’s growing in a pot with bark and being watered once a week. I use 20/20/20 weakly/weekly in Spring and Summer in all my orchids. Grown by Earlene Velasco.

Cattleya trianiae: Colombia’s National Treasure

Known as the ‘Christmas Orchid,’ this stunning species enchants with its ruffled petals and vibrant hues of pink and purple, embodying the heart of the tropics.” Grown by Michael Jenné, photograph by Chris Howard.

Oncidium blooming just in time for the holidays. Label lost many years ago so no idea if this is a species or hybrid. Kept dry in winter and growing in a small pot so the roots can thoroughly dry between waterings. Growing in a bright area of my greenhouse. Ed Lysek


Dragon’s Blood is a natural red resin obtained from various plants such as Dracaena, Daemonorops, Croton, and Pterocarpus, has a history of use in traditional medicine, dyes, and varnishes. It is increasingly explored in horticulture, including orchids, due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties. Please click here to continue reading….

Did I pay my FCOS 2024 Membership? CLICK HERE to see if your name is on our Paid Members List. Thank you for all who have paid their 2024 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.

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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