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October 2024 Newsletter

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




Dear Five Cities Orchid Society Members,



Well, friends, fall is officially upon us, and you know what that means—time to swap out our sun hats for cozy sweaters and start thinking about how to keep our precious orchids snug and happy through the winter months! The days are getting cooler, which is nature’s way of reminding us that it’s time to tweak our orchid care routines.


Personally, I’ve already started scaling back on watering and I’m giving some much-needed TLC to my Sarcochilus orchids. They’re sprouting new roots, and let me tell you, a few of them are positively bursting out of their containers! So, if you’ve got some orchids looking like they need a new home, don’t wait—get those beauties repotted before the cold really sets in.


Need some more tips to keep your orchids happy this season? The American Orchid Society’s September and October Care Guide has you covered! It’s full of little nuggets of wisdom to ensure your orchids breeze through winter like the champs they are. Just remember: less water, more ventilation, and keep a close eye on those nighttime temps. (No one likes chilly toes, and neither do orchids!)


Avoid the Nightmare of Black Rot!


Speaking of chilly nights, if you're looking for a spooky tale to get you in the Halloween spirit, don't miss my latest story, "“The Night of the Black Rot: a Halloween Orchid tale". It’s a horror story every orchid grower dreads—cold, wet conditions can turn your beloved plants into the perfect victims for black rot. If you love orchids and a good scare, you won't want to miss this dark and twisted tale.


Get Ready for OrchidTober!


Now, if you’re looking for some weekend fun and a chance to dive into all things orchids, look no further than The Planted Parlour’s OrchidTober events. They’ve got workshops galore lined up every weekend this month! It’s the perfect opportunity to brush up on your orchid skills, chat with fellow orchid lovers, and maybe even snag a new plant (because, let’s be honest, there’s always room for one more orchid, right?).


Be sure to RSVP so they know you’ll be there. Let’s make OrchidTober a month to remember!


Save the Date: Annual Meeting & Holiday Party


Drumroll, please… Mark your calendars for December 14th, because our annual meeting and holiday party at the fabulous Toucan Terrace is not to be missed! Imagine-great company, delicious food, and plenty of orchid talk (obviously).


But wait, there’s more! This year, we’re adding a little extra flair with a Show & Tell and an Orchid Auction. Yes, that’s right—you can show off your prized orchids and maybe even go home with a few new treasures. It’s the orchid event of the year!


And while we’re celebrating, we’ll also be holding elections for our Executive Board. Positions like President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Board Members are up for grabs, so if you’ve been thinking about getting more involved (or know someone who’d be perfect for the role), now’s your chance. Just give Lillian Burns a shout if you’re interested in running or nominating someone. Trust me, it’s a fantastic way to be part of the action and help guide our society into an even brighter future.


Oh, and speaking of getting involved—if you’d like to help make the holiday party extra special, please reach out to Michelle Ralston. We’d love your help, and it’s a great way to connect with fellow orchid enthusiasts (plus, who can resist the charm of party planning?).


Be sure to visit our store for the latest orchid merchandise. It’s a great way to show your orchid passion and support our society.


Lastly, join us for our monthly business meeting via Zoom on the second Tuesday of the month, October 8th at 7 pm. (Use the same link as for Orchidtalks listed below).We will talk about upcoming events and future plans for FCOS.


Looking forward to celebrating with you all—and may your orchids thrive this fall!



Warmly,


Jeffery Parham

President, Five Cities Orchid Society

FCOS Members - don’t miss out on important member information


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 for the FCOS roster

Tonight’s discussion will explore the techniques used by three of our members. Chris Ehrler grows a range of cool growing miniatures in his Grover Beach greenhouse as well as a range of Dendrobiums, Cymbidiums and Masdevalias in his backyard. Jeff Parham has an amazing skill growing Sarchochilus outdoors in Los Osos as well as using supplemental LED lights in his lathhouse. Michael Jenne will offer tips for growing orchids indoors on windowsills and under lights at his Santa Maria location. Learn about watering, fertilizing, pest control and much more as well as an extended time for your questions and answers.


The Zoom link for our October 10th 7 PM PST Panel Discussion at 7PM is:


Join Zoom Meeting

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


Meeting ID: 823 5543 5739

Passcode: 204435

Last month’s visit to Switzerland


Our own Eric Holenda gave a presentation on his trip to Switzerland, June 2023, organized by the Orchid Conservation Alliance.


Surprisingly, Switzerland has a wealth of native orchids. We’re not talking about cloud forests with trees dripping with epiphytic orchids, but rather terrestrials. Just remember the country has a fairly long and snowy Winter, when all but the very hardiest plants are asleep. When the soil finally warms up in Spring, the dormant orchid tubers shoot up their growths rapidly, and for a relatively short period around June, the meadows are green and lush, and peppered with the greens, whites, and various lavender / purples of orchids and a host of other wildflowers.


Our accommodations we comfortable and frequently traditionally Euro charming. It was an easy trip, with the walking moderate over friendly terrain. A full report by Spiro Kasomenakis is available on the internet. Just Click Here, “Orchids of Switzerland”.

Our Silent Auction is coming Dec. 14th


Your generous donations of orchids, air plants and supplies are greatly appreciated. Auction proceeds help to fund FCOS programs and allow members to share great plants. Please look over your collections and make divisions to share with other members at our Holiday Party. Email Ed Lysek with questions and download the silent auction bid form here.

Time to consider growing Tolumnias?


I’ve had great success growing these miniature orchids with clusters of brightly colored, often spotted flowers. Being miniatures they are perfect for indoor growers and their tiny pots are essential to allow their roots to quickly dry after watering. I grow my Tolumnias mounted on thin oak branches to accomplish the same “fast dry” conditions. Ed Lysek



Amanda Matthews has some valuable insights on growing these fascinating miniature orchids. Please click here to read her Orchideria article.

Tolumnias are the perfect miniature size for growing indoors on a windowsill or under lights

Two growers offering Tolumnias for sale in a range of colors are Orchids by Hausermann and Natt’s Orchids.

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

Dracula cordobae 'Bartholomew' HCC/AOS. Is an epiphyte growing in cloud forests in Ecuador at elevations of 750 to 1,000 meters in elevation. Is considered a warm growing species but is growing well in a cool greenhouse. Growing mounted to a piece of cedar board with some sphagnum moss on the roots. As with many of the Draculas, the spikes grow downward from the growths so it needs to either be mounted or grown in a mesh pot. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Dracula cordobae 'Bartholomew' HCC/AOS flower.

Closeup of the front of the Dracula cordobae 'Bartholomew' HCC/AOS flower.

Closeup of the side of the Dracula cordobae 'Bartholomew' HCC/AOS flower. The pollinator must like the many hairs on the sepals.

Epidendrum porpax. A hot to cool growing, mat forming species found at elevations of 400 to 1,800 meters in wet montane and cloud forests in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. This orchid is growing on a piece of wood which is hanging in a cool greenhouse. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Closeup of Epidendrum porpax flowers.

Masdevallia caudata. A cool to cold growing epiphyte found in Colombia and western Venezuela at altitudes of 1,800 to 3,300 meters. This orchid is growing in a cool greenhouse on a wood mount but a division of this orchid is also growing well in a clay pot filled with sphagnum moss. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of the Masdevallia caudata flower.

Closeup of the front of the Masdevallia caudata flower.

Mounted Trichoceras antennifer plant.

Trichoceras antennifer. A cool to cold growing terrestrial or lithophytic species growing on dry, exposed, steep mossy slopes amidst shrubs in cloud forests at altitudes of 1,800-4,100 meters from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. 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. Grown by Chris Ehrler.


Side view of Trichoceras antennifer flower.

Trichoceros muralis. A cool to cold terrestrial growing native in dry rocky regions in Ecuador and Peru 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. Grown by Chris Ehrler.


Side view of Trichoceras antennifer flower.

Zootrophion aguirrei. Found in Colombia but details about its location are not provided in orchidspecies.com. The flowers of this species shown on the website have small purple spots which this one does not have. The pollinator must be very small as the opening at top of the purple stripe is tiny. Growing in a cool greenhouse in a plastic pot filled with a mixture of bark and lava rock. Grown by Chris Ehrler.

Side view of Zootrophion aguirrei flower.

Cattleya bowringiana var. coerulea ‘Blue Angel' HCC/AOS x self is one of my favorite Cattleyas. Growing in small volcanic (red) lava rock in a netpot inside a larger terracotta pot. This orchid would probably grow better if planted in a bark/perlite mixture and I’ll change to this media the next time it gets repotted. Ed Lysek

Cattleya bowringiana var. coerulea ‘Blue Angel' HCC/AOS x self close up of the flower. If you look closely you will see the glistening surface of the flower petals.

Cochleanthes timbiense is a less common Cochleanthes species and is related to Zygopetalums. Growing in medium bark in a netpot kept in a saucer filled with rainwater to keep the media constantly moist. Growing on the shady side of my greenhouse. Ed Lysek

I was worried a slug might get to this flower since the media is kept constantly moist. Lucky for me one of my many frogs had the same thought and kept a watchful eye out for lunch. Cochleanthes timbiense Ed Lysek

The name Cochleanthes aromatica tells you what to expect from this orchid. The flowers deliver a delightful mix of vanilla and gardenia fragrance. Kept constantly moist, this plant is growing in hydroton clay pellets in a netpot placed in a saucer of rainwater, a semi-hydroponic method. Ed Lysek

Here is a view of the entire plant, purchased from Ecuagenera a few years ago. This orchid is native to Costa Rica and Panama and grows at elevations from 3,000 to 6,000 ft. I grow my Cochleanthes in bright shade next to my slipper orchids (Paphiopedalums). Ed Lysek

Masdevallia paivaeana is one of the few Masdevalia species with some tolerance to my warm summer temperatures. This plant struggled with poor growth until I repotted it in fresh sphagnum moss this spring. It is in a small netpot inside a terracotta pot on a tray of wet gravel to keep the root zone as cool as possible. It has many new growth points and actively growing roots with several flowers beginning to open. Ed Lysek

Masdevallia paivaeana close up of the flower. You need to get really close to appreciate the subtle coloration and form of these flowers. Native to Peru and Bolivia, this orchid grows at fairly high and cold elevations of 7,200 ft to 8,000 ft. Lucky for me it tolerates my warm summer temperatures. Division of a plant from Joe and Kathy Parker, Pacifica, CA.

Aerangis luteoalba var. rhodosticta is a miniature orchid from Kenya, Africa best grown mounted. It can withstand temperatures from 40F to 95F favoring cooler temperatures according to Andy of Andy’s Orchids. Ed Lysek

If you decide to give this orchid a try here is an excellent article by “Pumpkin Beth” on how to grow this orchid. Please click here.

Dend. Avril’s Gold ‘Ray’: Like most Australian Dendrobiums, it has taken several years for this plant to be large enough to make several bloom spikes. Grown by Eric Holenda

Odontocidium Everglades Elegance ‘Nancy Lee’ HCC/AOS: As with all the widely available Oncidium type meristems, this has temperature tolerance, ease of culture, and particularly attractive flowers. Eric Holenda

Cattleya bowringiana ‘Blue Angel’: From Ed Lysek, and I bet his is also blooming now, as this species has a very definite Fall season. (Eric H. is absolutely correct, see Ed’s plant above).

Galeandra greenwoodiana: This species blooms sequentially, and has had flowers for several months. Culture is like for Catasetums. Eric Holenda

Clowesia russelianum x Catasetum tigrinum: One of my favorites. An appealing flower, but also has a nice arching inflorescence with the individual flowers well spaced. Catasetums love water, warmth, and fertilizer during their Summer growth season. Eric Holenda

One of the Maudae type Paphiopedilums for sale at the Planted Parlour

LC. Pink Treasure x Cattleya Orchidglade, originally purchased from Sunset Valley Orchids. grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard.

Prosthecia (Encyclia) brassavolae grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard.

Anacheilum meija grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard.

Dendrobium glomeratum grown by Michael Jenné, photographed by Chris Howard.

Clowesia russelianum x Catasetum tigrinum: One of my favorites. An appealing flower, but also has a nice arching inflorescence with the individual flowers well spaced. Catasetums love water, warmth, and fertilizer during their Summer growth season. Eric Holenda

Potinara Hawaian Charisma “Hawaii’ Grown by Ron Hardy, Gig Harbor WA.

Ctsm. ‘Frilly Doris’ X Ctsm.pileatum ‘Big Boy’ is a division of a plant grown by Dan Stocks and given to me in 2016. It has taken a few years but the plant has matured and is sending up 5 spikes this year. Growing in medium bark in a net pot and watered daily spring and summer and fertilized weekly with additional Nutricote fertilizer granules in the pot. Ed Lysek

Ctsm. ‘Frilly Doris’ X Ctsm. pileatum ‘Big Boy’ has large complex flowers. This Sunset Valley Orchids hybrid drops all of its leaves in winter. If you subscribe to the SVO newsletter Fred Clarke provides quarterly updates on how to grow these fascinating orchids and most importantly when to resume watering am]nd fertilizing in spring. Ed Lysek


“The Night of the Black Rot:

a Halloween Orchid tale



It was the night before Halloween, and a heavy fog settled over the coastal cliffs of Pismo Beach…..


Beneath the moon’s eerie glow, an orchid blooms only once a year—but beware, for it may not be the only thing stirring in the night...


Click here to read this amazing Halloween tale by Jeff Parham

Upcoming Orchid Events


Join Us for OrchidTober at The Planted Parlour – Let’s Show Our Support!


This October, we have a special opportunity to come together as a community and support The Planted Parlour, one of our local treasures in Grover Beach. As part of our partnership with The Planted Parlour, we’re excited to offer exclusive events designed for Five Cities Orchid Society members. These workshops and social gatherings are not just a chance to learn and connect—they're a way to show our appreciation for a business that continuously supports our passion for orchids.


Upcoming Orchid Events:

🌸 October 5 | 4-6 PM – FCOS New Member Social. Welcome, new members! This social is all about YOU. Join us for a friendly gathering where you can ask questions, get tips on growing orchids on the Central Coast, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Plus, enjoy food, drinks, and special giveaways! RSVP: info@ThePlantedParlour.com (This event has been cancelled)


🌸 October 12 | 2 PM – Orchids as Houseplants
Whether you’re growing orchids in your home or under lights, this class is perfect for learning how to make them thrive indoors. The Planted Parlour is generously offering this workshop to help us succeed—let’s fill every seat and show our gratitude!
Space is limited – Reserve your spot today!


🌸 October 19-20 – Orchid Mini Show
Show your support by participating in our Orchid Mini Show! This is a wonderful chance for FCOS members to display their orchids for the public and showcase the beauty of autumn bloomers. Don’t forget to explore the unique orchid varieties and supplies The Planted Parlour will have available for purchase.
Prizes awarded for Best in Show!


Let’s come together to support The Planted Parlour and make OrchidTober a success.They’ve gone above and beyond to bring us these events, stock up on special orchid varieties, and create a welcoming space for our society. Now, it’s our turn to show our appreciation by participating and attending these fantastic workshops!


RSVP today to be part of OrchidTober!
For more information, contact The Planted Parlour or visit https://www.theplantedparlour.com/events/ (https://www.theplantedparlour.com/events/)

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

Orchids are really great!