October 2 Mtg - Unusual Species for the Cattleya Grower
Alan Koch, Gold Country Orchids
    Alan Koch of Gold Country Orchids will talk about the many weird and unusual species that grow with Cattleya culture. If you can grow a Cattleya you can grow any of these. The program starts off with a well known Cattleya species and those plants that grow just like it. Alan is always entertaining and educational, don’t miss this meeting!
    Alan will be bringing plants for sale at the meeting. He also offers a 10% discount on preorders. Here's his advance list so you can preorder plants for delivery at the meeting. Email your order or call the nursery 916-645-8600; deadline for preorders is September 27.
    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:   Tuesday, October 2, 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!

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, October 6, 9 am to noon
Where:   Ace Hardware on US 1 South
3050 US Highway 1 South, St. Augustine 32086

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.

October 21 Keiki Club - Getting Ready for Winter

It may not feel like it, but winter is coming. We'll talk about fall preparations and the minimum night time temperatures your plants can tolerate in winter. We'll also talk about those orchids that require special winter care, like the deciduous dendrobiums and the catasetinae.

Moderator:   Bob Schimmel
Where:   Bob and Yvonne Schimmel's Home
702 Wilkes Court, St. Aug 32086
When: October 21, 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.

Some Cultural Tips for Orchid Growers

Bob Scully's Month by Month Orchid Growing:
September in St. Augustine. The welcome transition to fall is upon us. Once the temperature and humidity mediate, you’ll notice many of your plants putting on a second growth spurt. Reward them by... read more

Dr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Prepare for Cooler Weather. Once again it is time to prepare for cooler weather. Careful attention to both plants and potential problems will save time in the future. If you have had problems with scale... read more

Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. For most of South Florida August was a little drier than usual. This was beneficial to our orchids. The paucity of rain has given our plants some relief from fungal pressure... read more
Orchids in September. September looms as the only truly dismal month in South Florida. Even without the prospect of the unspeakable 'H' word, September disheartens since it is easily the dampest, dullest... read more

Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
The Tropical Storm Season. It is summertime and the growing is easy. As the spring days lengthened and warmed, you ramped up your watering and fertilizing schedule to match the growth rates of your orchids... read more

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

Donate to the SAOS
We have assembled lots of information on the website to help you grow the happiest and healthiest orchids. Help us maintain this orchid cultural database with your financial support! The SAOS is a Section 501(c)(3) not for profit organization so all donations are tax deductible.