Orchid Viruses: Identification, Management, and Prevention

Guest Speaker: Mike Pieloor

If you grow more than one orchid, viruses pose a real threat to your collection. Join us for an informative presentation by Mike Pieloor, who will discuss how to identify virus-infected plants, manage infections, and take practical steps to prevent the spread of viruses in your orchid collection.

Mike has over 35 years of orchid-growing experience across cold, temperate, and tropical climates in Australia. He grows Paphiopedilums, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, and Cymbidiums, with a special interest in Australian native terrestrial orchids. Living in the bush of south-eastern Australia, Mike continually experiments with innovative and practical growing techniques adapted to challenging environments.

Topic: FCOS’s Orchid Talks

Time: January 8th, 2026 7 pm PST

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TALK TITLE: Explaining Why Orchids Do What They Do

TALK DESCRIPTION: What makes them bloom and more-learn the scientific physiology

of orchids, they cues they need to bloom, how they grow, and what makes an orchid

reiki rather than bloom?

BIO:Christopher Satch is a Professor at the New York Botanical Gardens, as well as the CEO

and Founder of NYC Plant Help, a horticultural consultancy for indoor and outdoor growers in

the greater New York area. Having been featured on NPR, the Wall Street Journal, Architectural

Digest, and more, Christopher breaks down the science behind growing plants and explains how

plants grow in human-understandable terms. Having specialized in plant physiology and

pathology, you can ask him any orchid growth, flowering, or culture question, and he will know

the answer. He is a member of the AOS Education/Tech Committee, has participated in the

rewrite of the care and culture sheets for AOS, and grows over 200 plants on windowsills, in

terrariums, and more in his tiny Manhattan apartment. His favorite orchids are Cattleya species,

Catasetiinae, Miltoniopsis, Lepanthes, and anything else that's either odd or fragrant

MONTH: March

DATE OF TALK:March 12

TIME OF TALK: 7PM via Zoom

SPEAKER NAME:Kristen Uthus

TALK TITLE:Dendrobium moniliforme: Unappreciated and Misudererstood

Dendrobium monoliforme is the type and species for the

genus and is one of the most popular orchid species in Japan. Where it is beloved for its

beautiful variegation and fragrant flowers. Here in the US, however, it is

underappreciated, and its culture is full of misinformation. I try to clarify how to grow the

species (as well as its relatives) and discuss some differences between judging in

Japan and the US.

BIO: Dr. Kristen Uthus studied both plant and animal ecology and evolution at Virginia

Commonwealth University (VCU)

and the Ohio State University (OSU). She then taught biology and ecology at several

colleges including VCU, OSU,

University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University. The daughter of a plant fanatic,

Kristen has been growing

orchids for over 30 years, and in 2014 she fulfilled her dream of making orchids a full-

time commitment by

purchasing NWO.

Although she enjoys growing many varieties of orchids and other plants, miniatures

remain her passion—the

weirder the better. New World Orchids specializes in Japanese species including

Neofinetia falcata and

Dendrobium moniliforme, but her miniature selection includes many other small species

including Dendrobiums,

Bulbophyllums, and Cattleyas. Although never entirely up to date, you can check out

NWO’s offerings at

www.newworldorchids.com.

Kristen lives in Manchester, MI, about an hour west of Detroit. She is supported in her

orchid pursuits by her

husband, Dr. Kevin Wehrly, and her two sons, Henry and Gus.

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON MEETING AT TOUCAN TERRACE

The April society meeting will be an in person meeting with Tim Cultberson. We

will be meeting at Toucan Terrace for a pot luck lunch, sílent auction and orchid

show and tell followed by an informative talk on Pescatorias.

Please bring all food to share by 11:30 so we can begin the meeting at noon.

At the meeting Tim be sharing a presentation entitled “Amazing Soft-Leaved

Orchids”. These plants are easy to grow and flower, are vigorous, and have

low cultural demands beyond the needs for heat and water. Genera in this

group, including Pescatorea, Cochleanthes, Bollea, and Huntleya, are under-

represented in collections of mixed genera; their beautiful (and often blue) flower

colors argue favorably for their inclusion, as does their tendency to produce

specimen plants quickly when grown well. By the end of this presentation, you

will have a new appreciation of what goes into breeding trends for these types of

plants, as well as an appreciation of their beautiful flowers and ease-of-growth. I

hope this talk will encourage you to try one in your collection.

Bio : One of Tim's passions has always been plants. He began growing orchids

as an offshoot from working at Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia just after

college. From the very beginning it was all about Paphs, particularly awardedand select clones of historic importance, of which my collection numbers nearly

3000. He currently manage the paphs at Sunset Valley Orchids, and do

hybridizing in a wide range of genera. He is an accredited judge with the

American Orchid Society, and have served in various capacities with various

orchid societies in California and on the East Coast. He loves meeting other

people who like orchids too, and finds himself traveling to shows, vendors, and

peoples’ greenhouses to see the latest and greatest in new hybrids and to get the

best orchid gossip. He likes to be involved in plants as much as possible: in

addition to Longwood, He has worked at the Smithsonian Institution tending to

their orchids, and for years for the United States National Arboretum, collecting

rare plants and documenting cultivated species and hybrids for their herbarium.

TALK DESCRIPTION: Sobralias are beautiful reed like plants with exquisite flowers yet

are not common in many orchid collections. This presentation will enlighten the hobbyist

about this genera, the species and hybrids, where are they are from and how to grown

them. Don’t be surprised if you feel the need to have a few in your collection after

seeing an array of these stunning plants and how easy they are to culture.

BIO:Deborah’s interest in orchids was sparked by a trip to Hawaii and has been under

their spell for over 30 years. She started with a few plants and her mixed orchid

collection expanded exponentially with the construction of a greenhouse in 2014. She

joined the Windsor Orchid Society in 2013 to gain more orchid knowledge and found

herself in the Presidents position six months later. She is very active member of the

WOS, involved in fundraising and publicity and has recently taken on the role as Show

Chair.

She is an Accredited judge in the AOS judging program at the Great Lakes Judging

Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan and enjoys presenting and educating audiences about

orchids. She was the recipient of the Orchid Digest Diamond Award in 2016 and invited

speaker to the WOC Tainan in 2024.

Academically, Deborah has a degree in Chemistry and spent her first years of work as a

researcher in medical microbiology and infectious diseases at both the University of

Calgary and Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta. She recently retired from St. Clair

College in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, where she taught chemistry for over 28 years.

She now has time to enjoy her passion for orchids, gardening, photography and trave

Fred Clarke has been our favorite speaker over the years. His orchid growing tips and techniques have helped our members improve their orchid growing skills and expanded our understanding of our orchid’s needs. Join us at OrchidFest on Sunday to meet Fred and attend one of his most informative presentations for those new to orchid growing as well as long term growers.

Lycaste history, species and modern hybrids

TALK DESCRIPTION: The program takes you through the most important species used

for developing new plants, showing all of them in depth. It also shows crosses that are

unusual and that may be found for sale at some nurseries. I also show how to grow

these plants, both the warm growing ones and the cool growing ones. I cover what has

been done in Australia with these plants from Japanese flask stock and then show many

of the most recent AOS awards of this species.

BIO: Carol Beule is an EMMY award winning Costume Designer with a Master of Fine

Arts in both Costume and Lighting Design from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

She was a professional Costume Designer from 1974 until her retirement in July of

2017. She has grown all species of orchids since purchasing a home at the base of the

Hollywood Hills 25 years ago, and it has been her quest to discover which orchids will

thrive in the unique climate we have in the San Fernando Valley and it’s surroundingcommunities. In her search to find the perfect plant for her growing area, Carol now

grows Neofinetia (Vanda) falcata, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Laelia,

Dendrobium, Lycaste, Asian Cymbidiums and Rossioglossum on her patio and in 2

small greenhouses. Carol is a Fully Accredited American Orchid Society Judge, the 1st

VP of the Orchid Society of Southern California, and is on the committee that creates

the Society’s display for the Huntington’s annual October Orchid Show. When she

retired, she started making ceramic pots for the Japanese/Korean/Chinese orchid called

the Neofinetia (Vanda) falcata, Asian Cymbidiums and other small plants. She grows in

2 small greenhouses and outside in her yard in Studio City, CA. She has grown orchids

for 28 years. She recently wrote a 3-part article for the American Orchid Society monthly

magazine on the pots used to display the Vanda falcata in Japan and the US. It was

illustrated using some photos taken by her and other OSSC members. The 1st part

started in February of 2022, and continued through to the April issue of last year.

Volunteers should arrive at 10AM to help set up. Pot luck food items as well as silent auction plants should arrive at 11. Lunch will begin at noon. New members who joined at OrchidFest will be introduced, we will have Show and Tell and a brief business meeting. Come see old friends, make new friends, share orchid growing tips and bid on exceptional orchids, air plants and orchid supplies. Let the fun begin!

TALK TITLE: MEMBER ONLY In-person mounting workshop at Toucan Terrace.

If you have ever wanted to try growing a mounted orchid now is

your opportunity. Each member will be able to choose either a L. anceps or mini Catleya

orchid to mount and take home. Materials and instructions will be provided by the club.

Sign up is required by July 15th.

TALK DESCRIPTION: Internationally recognized speaker, orchid hunter, breeder and

grower

extrordinaire Bill Thoms will be presenting a talk on Bulbophyllums, the Best of the

Beast. This program covers everything you need to know to grow and bloomthese fascinating plants, including super pictures of easy-to-grow species and the

latest hybrids.

Be prepared to learn more about this fascinating group of plants than you ever

dreamed!

BIO: Bill Thoms and Doris Dukes grew orchids around Central Florida for

more than 45 years and have received almost every award granted by the AOS as

well as more Awards for Culture than anyone else in the world, (105 in over 29

genera), including 54 in the Bulbophyllum alliance and 13 CCEs plus 4 others 90

points or above before they had the Cultural Excellence award.

Many of his crosses are winning awards around the country and the AOS has

added a yearly award named for him for the best Bulbophyllum exhibited.

TALK DESCRIPTION: The talk includes a discussion of the interesting diversity and

range of species and a few hybrids of one of the largest orchid genera along with

information on culture and native habitats.

ON LINE STORE: http://www.rvorchids.com/

BIO: Eric SAUER has been growing orchids for over 30 years under the greenhouse name of

River Valley Orchids and specializes in South American Species with a focus on

Brassia, Maxillaria and Phragmipedium. He has spoken internationally and across the

United States. Eric has had culture chapters published by Guido Braem in his book on

Paphiopedilum and in his book on Phragmipedium. He also has a feature article on

Maxillaria in Orchid Digest and several of his Maxillaria photos published in Eric

Christenson's book on Maxillaria. Eric has received over 100 awards from the American

Orchid Society and has three orchids named after him including two species from

Ecuador. He is the current president of the Miami Valley Orchid Society and the

president of the Mid America Orchid Congress. Eric's real job is as a registered

landscape architect serving as the planning manager for Five Rivers MetroParks in

Dayton, Ohio

TALK DESCRIPTION: The genus Tolumnia, a captivating group of orchids, enchants

enthusiasts with its vibrant colors and unique growth habits. Native to the Americas,

particularly the Caribbean and parts of South America, Tolumnia orchids are known for

their small size, intricate flowers, and remarkable adaptability. Tolumnias are epiphytic

orchids, often found clinging to trees in their natural habitats. Their compact size and

vivid blooms make them popular choices for orchid enthusiasts with limited space. The

genus includes around 50 species, each displaying a distinctive charm. Tolumnia

variegata, for instance, showcases a delightful mix of colors in its petite flowers, while

Tolumnia henekenii captivates with its bumble bee appearance. Despite their

ornamental appeal, several Tolumnia species face threats due to habitat destruction and

illegal collection. Conservation efforts aim to safeguard these orchids and their natural

environments, emphasizing the importance of preserving the biodiversity within the

Tolumnia genus. As orchid enthusiasts continue to explore and appreciate the beauty of

Tolumnia orchids, their conservation becomes integral to ensuring the enduring

splendor of this distinctive genus. As many Tolumnias come from the Caribbean, Manny

has taken many trips for conservation efforts to his native Dominican Republic to

photograph and promote protection of these small but beautiful orchids. This talk delves

into the genus and the outstanding hybrids produced.

BIO: Manuel Aybar works in the Technology Industry. He is originally from the

Dominican Republic (A grower’s paradise, as he describes it). He has been growing

orchids for approximately 26 years. The genus that got him started was Dendrobium in

which he specializes (phalaenopsis-type). Member of the American Orchid Society

since 1997 and the Greater North Texas Orchid Society since 2000. Manuel Aybar is an

Accredited Judge of the American Orchid Society Judging program, and serves

currently as a Chair for the AOS Dallas Judging Center. His current research includes

the orchids of the Dominican Republic, for which he has gone in numerous orchid

collecting trips back to his home country. He has been extensively involved in the

judging of many shows around the US, including the Miami International Orchid Show

and most of the southwest region (SWROGA) shows (New Orleans OS, Baton Rouge

OS, Shreveport OS, Greater North Texas OS, Fort Worth OS, Oklahoma OS, and

Arkansas). He has also served as an international judge for Orchid Shows in Taiwan

(TOGA 2010,2011,2013,2015,2016), Peru, Costa Rica, Colombia, as well as the World

Orchid Conference in Miami (2008), Singapore (2011), South Africa (2014), Ecuador

(Judging Chair-2017) He is affiliated with the Southwest Regional Orchid Growers

Association (SWROGA), and within this association he belongs to the publications

committee and serves as the Webmaster for the organization’s web site. He has given

several Orchid Seminars and Potting classes at Smith and Hawkins, North Haven

Gardens, and other popular gardening stores. He offered a series of orchid workshopsfor Range Rover, US as a part of the Land Rover Destination Tour. He is a regular

lecturer for the local orchid societies and visiting speaker for societies around the

country.

PHOTO OF SPEAKER:

10:00 volunteer members arrive to set up tables & chairs.

11:00 -11:30 members arrive with a pot luck dish, silent auction plants and show-and-tell plants.

12:00 - 1:00 lunch and show-and-tell (bidding begins for silent auction).

1:00 - 1:30 business meeting, vote for officers and BOD members.

2:15 Silent auction ends, pay for winning bids by cash, check or credit card.

2:30 members return chairs to storage, fold tables, assist with clean up.

Members to bring food to share and serving utensils (large spoons, spatulas, tongs, etc). FCOS will provide a cooked ham, bottled water, plates, cups and eating utensils (knives, forks and spoons).

Please complete the silent auction bid forms in advance for your donated orchids and supplies. Click here for the bid form.