Jan. 6 - Tiny Treasures, Big Blooms
Miniature Orchids Indoors
Luis Manuel Ortiz Jordán, Hobbyist
Luis will talk about how to grow cool growing miniature orchids in Florida.
Every warm climate orchid grower has dreamed of growing plants that are considered impossible to grow because they do not have the right conditions. Luis will present some of this techniques, tips, and tricks to help orchid growers cultivate highland climate orchids in their home.
While his collection includes other larger growing genera, his greatest passion lies with cool-growing miniature orchids. Despite the challenges of cultivating them in hot, humid South Florida, Luis embraces the process and enjoys sharing his knowledge, teaching others how to help their own miniatures thrive. Beyond his orchid endeavors, Luis is a research scientist at UF-Scripps Biomedical Research in Jupiter. In April 2021, he published a paper on Eurystyles luisortizii, a species he discovered in Puerto Rico. He also serves as a student judge for the American Orchid Society, a role that reflects just how deeply orchids define his world.
When: January 6, 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church
Drive around to the back entrance
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
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SAOS News and Activities
Questions? Call or text Sue at 904-501-0805 or email info@StAugOrchidSociety.org.Click to join the St. Aug Orchid Society.
2025 Dues. Want to join or renew your membership? It's that time of year! The dues are $20 for an individual or $30 for a family if paid by Zelle (904-501-0805), Venmo (staugorchidsociety under charities) or check (mail c/o Linda Stewart, 1812 Diana Drive, Palatka 32177). For an extra dollar use these PayPal links.
Individual Membership Family Membership Culture Notes. The prime repotting season is over for most of the orchids cultivated in our area. Phals should be exposed to temperatures into the mid 50’s this month, which will trigger the flowering process. By mid-November, they should be moved to their winter homes. Shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures are causing the growth rate of most orchids to slow, so watering and fertilizing rates should be reduced. Winter dormant varieties like Catasetums and Habenarias are either dormant or entering dormancy, no fertilizer and water sparingly, if at all. The spring blooming Dendrobiums are looking forward to a coolish dryish winter. We’ll resume our repotting clinics in February of 2026, hope to see you there!
Monthly Meetings
Photo of the Month. Our November selection is Blc. (now Rlc.) Goldenzelle 'Orange Pumpkin' grown and photographed by Suzanne Susko. This hybrid between the well shaped Horace and Fortune is heavily influenced by the dowiana and trianae in its parentage.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
Courtney weaved his orchid tales for our November Virtual Show Table, using pictures of blooming orchids sent in by members. Here's a link to Courtney's November Virtual Show Table on Rumble and YouTube.
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 intensity and its duration, the seasonal change must be obvious... read moreDr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Beginner 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 moreCold Hardiness. Most orchids grown by hobbyists are tropical in nature. That term was once thought to mean “hot and steamy” and tens of thousands of orchids imported to Europe... 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 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
Join 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 charitities) 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
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