January Meeting Moved to Second Wednesday
January 9 Mtg - Cattleya Collecting
Dave Off, Waldor Orchids

   Our meeting has been rescheduled so we can feature Dave Off of Waldor Orchids, who is travelling down to Tamiami for the big show. Known on his blog as the OrchidNerd and sometimes as the action hero Captain Orchid Plants, Dave is focused on the best cultural practices for the heirloom cattleya collection he manages. He will talk about the methods and reasoning in building your cattleya collection.
   Dave Off is the third generation of Offs specializing in growing cattleyas, cymbidiums and other orchids at Waldor Orchids in Linwood, New Jersey. Waldor Orchids’ mission: to continue George Off’s legacy by preserving his old-time collection and selecting the very best of anything new. Waldor Orchids not only is growing in this century but continues the traditions of the family, growing well and being inventive.
    Bring your flowering orchids to exhibit on the Show Table. We will have our normal raffle at the end of the meeting. Friends and guests are always welcome!

Date and Time:  Wednesday, January 9, 6:30 pm
Where:   Watson Realty, Conference Room by Back Parking Lot
3505 US 1 South, St. Augustine

We normally meet on the first Tuesday of each month. January and July meetings are often rescheduled to accommodate the holidays. The meeting begins 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!    
Here's a video of one of our meetings!

Some Cultural Tips for Orchid Growers

Bob Scully's Month by Month Orchid Growing:
December in St. Augustine. Winter's cool days and nights have already affected most collections; if all plants are not already indoors, they soon may be. Concerning daylight... read more

Dr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Cold Tolerance of Some Orchids. Cymbidiums are one of the most cold tolerant groups even though some come from warmer areas. Hybrids are almost certain to be cool tolerant... read more

Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. November has been exceptionally warm and temperate. Our orchids have been most appreciative. Vandas in particular have enjoyed the extra warmth... read more
Orchids in December. December marks the beginning of the serious dry season in South Florida. While this additional dryness provides relief from the autumnal rains... read more

Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
Winter Relocation. Greenhouses can become ovens in the summer heat, but they sure help keep your plants happy in the winter. If you normally grow outdoors but... read more

St. Augustine Orchid Society Happenings:
Gail Marshall puts together the SAOS Happenings so you can find all the orchid events around town. read SAOS Happenings

January 27 Keiki Club - Meet Your Mentor

Our mentoring program pairs experienced growers, acting as mentors, to new growers and growers new to St. Augustine. We will have a meet and greet at Sue and Terry’s to introduce you to your mentor and talk about your goals. Contact us if you would like to join the program as either a mentor or mentee.

Moderator:   Susan Smith
Where:   Sue and Terry Bottom's Home
6916 Cypress Lake Court, St. Aug 32086
When: Sunday, January 27, 1 - 3 pm

The Keiki Club is for our beginning orchid growers. We begin with a short presentation on a timely orchid culture topic and then it’s a free for all to discuss any thoughts or questions you have about growing orchids. Spouses and partners welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!    
Here's a video of one of our get togethers.

Mentoring Program

The mentoring program works in tandem with our Keiki Club, pairing our novice and/or new SAOS orchid growers with an experienced grower. This program allows our mentees to get one-on-one assistance and answers to their orchid growing questions. If you are interested in learning more, email Mentoring Coordinator Susan Smith.

Plant Clinic at Ace Hardware, 9 am to noon

The first Saturday of the month from February through October, St. Augustine Orchid Society members will be available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids.    
Here's a video of a repotting clinic!

Date and Time:   Saturday, February 2, 9 am to noon
Where:   Ace Hardware on US 1 South
3050 US Highway 1 South, St. Augustine 32086