February 3 - Tricks for Growing Orchids
Linda Stewart & Eric Milstrey, SAOS
SAOS members will be giving us some tips and tricks for growing orchids in St. Augustine. Linda will show how she customized a Wardian Case for her cool growing miniatures. Eric's program will focus on ways to grow your orchids using locally available materials (moss, fern and palm fiber) and how to make and use hand-made baskets.
He'll also demonstrate some safe modifications to
low cost plastic and clay pots and show how to make fence cages for epidendrum and vandaceous orchids.
Eric has been growing orchids for decades and has a deep personal knowledge of orchids growing in their natural habitats from having lived for years in the Caribbean, Central and South America while serving in the Army. Linda has grown orchids for many years in a variety of environments, including an atrium, greenhouse, under eaves and a pergola and now in her home under lights.
Eric Milstrey and Steve Hawkins will have plants for sale at the meeting. Here's Eric's preorder list and Steve's preorder list.
When: February 3, 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church
Drive around to the back entrance
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
February 11 - Virtual Show Table
Courtney will zoom into cyberspace at 7 pm to tell us about the orchids pics sent in for the virtual show table. An invitation will be sent to your email address. Here's a link to Courtney's January Virtual Show Table on Rumble and YouTube.If you want to share images of your beauties in bloom for next month, send high res pics by the 23rd to staugorchidsociety@gmail.com.
SAOS News and Activities
Questions? Call or text Sue at 904-501-0805 or email staugorchidsociety@gmail.com.Click to join the St. Aug Orchid Society.
February 7 Repotting Clinic.
Need help with your orchids? The first Saturday of the month from 10 am til noon, February through October, St. Augustine Orchid Society members are available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids at the Southeast Branch Library.
Where: Southeast Branch Library
6670 US 1 N, St Aug 32086
When: Saturday, February 7, 10 am - noon
Individual Membership Family Membership Culture Notes. Plants will continue to manufacture food during the winter, albeit at a reduced rate. Everything will occur at a slower pace until spring arrives so the need for water and fertilizer is reduced. Indoor growers: pull you orchid away from the window if its leaves are touching the exterior glass. Outdoor growers: keep an eye on the minimum projected temperatures, such as the hourly forecasts by zip code from Wunderground.
Monthly Meetings
Photo of the Month. Our January selection is Stanhopea graveolens 'Chris Knapp' grown and photographed by Steve Dorsey. This epiphytic orchid is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, and is known for fragrant, waxy flowers that emerge from the base of its pseudobulbs and hang downwards. It's characterized by large, complex blooms that are short-lived and pollinated by male euglossine bees.Monthly Meetings. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. The meeting begins at 6:30 with a plant sale followed by a review of the show table plants and presentation by an orchid expert. The meeting closes with a plant raffle where members can expand their collections. It's fun and informative for growers of all levels. Join us, visitors and guests are always welcome!
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
When: First Tuesday of Month, 6:30 til 9 pm
Not from St. Augustine? Sign up for a $7 annual online subscription. We'll deliver our newsletter packed with advice right to your inbox and you'll help us maintain the quality of our website and newsletter!
Cultural Tips for Orchid Growers
Bob Scully's Month by Month Orchid Growing:
January in St. Augustine. Plants will continue to manufacture food during the winter, albeit at a reduced rate. Everything will occur at a slower pace until spring arrives so the need for... read moreDr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Phalaenopsis. Winter is officially here and with the short gloomy days comes the beginning of Phal season. Phalaenopsis can put on a spectacular display... read moreBeginner Orchid Growers Orchids are viewed by the public and many new hobbyists as very exotic plants; difficult to grow. There are certainly orchid species that fit into that... read more
Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. After an exceptionally wet start, October has come to an exceptionally dry conclusion. This is blessed relief for our orchids from disease pressure after... read moreOrchids in January. January is somewhat like December but in reverse, with each succeeding day bringing longer hours of sunlight until days are long enough that afternoons... read more
Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
Primary Hybrids. Primary hybrids have always had a special appeal to me, long before I actually knew what a primary hybrid was. They are hybrids between two species... read moreJoin or Renew Your Membership
The St. Augustine Orchid Society is a dynamic group of orchid growers having all levels of experience, from those who just brought their first orchid home to those with overflowing greenhouses. All members have one thing in common. We love to share our experiences, our knowledge and our orchid divisions with other orchid growers. Come to one of our meetings so we can get to know each other. If you would like to join, you can complete this interactive form.Join the Club or Pay Your Dues
The dues are $20 for an individual or $30 for a family if paid by Zelle (904-501-0805), Venmo (to St. Augustine Orchid Society under charities) or check (mail c/o Linda Stewart, 1812 Diana Drive, Palatka 32177). For an extra dollar use the PayPal links below.Individual Membership
Family Membership
Newsletter Subscription
Not from St. Augustine? Sign up for a $7 annual on-line subscription. We'll deliver our newsletter packed with advice right to your in-box.Donate to the Nonprofit SAOS
Donate to the Nonprofit SAOS
Donate to the St. Augustine Orchid Society and PayPal waives all fees. Select the St. Augustine Orchid Society as your favorite charity by clicking this link.Ebay for Charity Add St. Augustine Orchid Society as your favorite charity on eBay today!