


The Orchids of New Guinea
Spiro Kasomenakis has travelled the world photographing orchids. Join this Zoom presentation as Spiro and his Orchid Conservation Alliance friends travel through the mountains and jungles of New Guinea photographing orchids in their natural habitat.
Spiro lives in Queens NYC, and has been an orchid freak for many years !
He has a degree in horticulture, however orchids were a personal discovery .
Archaeology, history, books, the arts and travel are also strong interests, all of which limit him to a small collection of approx. 60 plants; mostly Pleurothallids and oddballs
grown under lights and outdoors during good weather.
He has published several articles in the 'bulletin of the AOS/ORCHIDS', the first one appearing in the 80's.
He has been a member of the AOS since then, and more recently, the Orchid Conservation Alliance, for which he has led and co-led several trips.
Seeing orchids in their natural habitat, and as part of a larger ecosystem is eye opening; it makes one understand why its urgent to protect what's left!



Holiday Party at Toucan Terrace
Get into the Holiday Spirit with your FCOS friends and bid on some extraordinary orchids in our silent auction. Always an enjoyable event. Times and date are approximate, please check the Dec. newsletter for updated information. Download the silent auction bid sheet HERE.

Jack Zhu - Asian Cymbidiums
Jack Zhu is an orchid hobbyist from the Los Angele area in California. He grows many varieties of orchids, focusing on Asian cymbidiums. Jack is also very interested in the culture and history of Asia cymbidium. Jack is currently an Accredited Judge in AOS Pacific South Judging Region and has more than forty AOS awards for Asia cymbidium.
Title: The form and color of Asian cymbidium
With more than one thousand years of cultivation history, the Asian cymbidium community has developed some unique appreciation criteria for Asian cymbidium, including several major flower forms. These appreciation systems are very different from the AOS point score system. Understanding these differences, we could appreciate more the beauty of Asian cymbidium.
During the talk, Jack will go over the flower forms and colors of various Asian cymbidiums. Within each category, he will present multiple examples, especially with plants from his own backyard. In the end, Jack will briefly go over the leaf variegation of Asian cymbidium, which is another important aspect of Asian cymbidium.

OrchidFest 2025
OrchidFest returns for a two day orchid show and sale. We’ve added additional orchid vendors and artists to make the show larger and better than previous shows. Parking is free at Nipomo High School. Come and enjoy food, art and music on the outdoor courtyard and browse orchids, air plants and houseplants for sale inside Olympic Hall. Check back for a schedule of orchid talks, potting, dividing and mounting demonstrations. There will be a large display area of blooming orchids from our vendors and neighboring orchid societies. Saturday 9-5, Sunday 9-4, 925 N. Thompson Ave. Nipomo, CA. $5.00 admission, children 12 and under are free.

Summer BBQ and silent auction
Our ever popular Summer BBQ is a great time to get together with your FCOS friends. Share pot luck favorites, win prizes for Show and Tell entries, donate plants for our raffle and bid on silent auction orchids, Tillandsias and supplies.

Masdevallias and Draculas: Not as Scary as You Think
This subset of the Pleurothallid Alliance has long been beloved by orchid growers; however, I hear the refrain, “I can’t grow them” way too often. You would be surprised at the success the average grower can have under “normal” growing conditions. I will talkabout what makes these two genera so attractive, how to grow them in intermediate to warm conditions, and some great species to try if you are still hesitant. Dr. Kristen Uthus Of New World Orchids will entertain us with this fascinating discussion. www.newsorldorchids.com.

Faerie Festival - San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
Five Cities Orchid Society will participate in this fun filled day at the Botanical Garden. A range of orchids will be will be available for purchase and FCOS members will be available to provide answers to your orchid growing questions. Check www.slobg.org for updates.


Nature’s Inspiration: The Beauty of Orchids” at studios on the Park, Paso Robles
Join Five Cities Orchid Society on a journey through the world of orchids. From historical illustrations to contemporary artists learn how modern orchid breeders are applying artistic principles to create amazing new hybrids. We will share growing techniques and show the diverse range of easy to grow orchids for windowsills and even backyard gardens.

Laelia anceps an in-person Saturday talk by Tim Culbertson
Laeliocattleya Santa Barbara Sunset ‘Showtime’

Orchid Talk - Morro Bay
Join FCOS for a lively orchid talk at St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Morro Bay. Learn what orchids need to thrive and bloom and what orchids grow best in our coastal climate - whether it be on your windowsill, in your backyard or under lights. Learn the simple techniques to get your Trader Joe’s moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) to grow and re-bloom as well as the many other easy to grow orchids you should try.

Aussie Dendrobiums and their Cultivation By Fred Clarke - Sunset Valley Orchids
Fred Clarke returns as one of our most popular speakers. Aussie Dendrobiums are notable for their tolerance to both warm and cold conditions making them ideal candidates for outdoor growing on the Central California Coast.

Miniature orchids by Peter Lin
Peter started growing orchids over 40 years ago, but then stopped due to school and starting a career. It wasn't until about 20 years ago that the orchid "bug" came back and he is now heavily involved once again! He is an accredited judge with the American Orchid Society, and a hybridizer of mini-catts. He enjoys meeting with other orchid enthusiasts, and can often be found at various orchid shows and societies around the country.
Due to limited growing space, Peter likes to specialize in miniature orchids, both species and hybrids, and has received numerous AOS awards. His interests in orchids include Dendrobiums, Angraecoids, and Neofinetias. He is also known as "Mr Sophronitis" as he has a passion for growing and collecting them. He maintains a collection of a several thousand orchids at his home in Southern California in 3 small greenhouses, outdoors, as well as an offsite greenhouse.

A Wine and Orchid Evening-MEA Wine
A Wine and Orchid Evening"
hosted by
MEA Wine (John Merrick Owner/Winemaker) and
Five Cities Orchid Society (FCOS)
MEA Wine
4405 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA. 93422
Thursday February 27, 2025 6:00-7:30
Appetizers, Wine Tasting, Learn about Orchids (and take home a blooming orchid)
For more information, contact Lillian Burns 805-459-9873 (FCOS Board Member)

Outdoor orchid growing in California
Roberta Fox is an expert grower of a wide range of mostly orchid species in her Orange County, CA backyard. Utilizing lath and shade structures, Roberta will share her growing knowledge and cultural practices. Roberta publishes a monthly blog of locally grown orchid species -click here to see the latest.
This is a Zoom meeting.


Holiday Party, pot luck and silent auction - date and times approximate
Get into the Holiday Spirit with your FCOS friends and bid on some extraordinary orchids in our silent auction. Always an enjoyable event. Times and date are approximate, please check the Dec. newsletter for updated information. Download the silent auction bid sheet HERE.

The Orchid Conservation Alliance - preserving orchids for future generations.
Mary E. Gerritsen, Ph.D. is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Orchid Conservation Alliance. She is the former Chief Financial Officer, Orchid Conservation Alliance. Former Chair, San Francisco. Orchid Society Conservation Committee. Former President, Peninsula Orchid Society. Board Member, Orchid Digest. Member, Orchid Specialist Group, IUCN. Consulting Professor of Vascular Surgery, Stanford. Independent consultant to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Formerly in senior management at Exelixis, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Genentech and Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Author of several orchid books (Masdevallias, Gems of the Orchid World; Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species (1st and 2nd editions), A Bay Area Guide to Orchids and Their Culture, The American Orchid Society Guide to Orchids and Their Culture) with co-author and photographer, Ron Parsons. Orchid interests: cool and intermediate growing miniature orchids, preservation of orchid habitats.

The Planted Parlour mini-orchid show
Join owners Chris Howard and Michael Jenne as they showcase a wide range of blooming orchid species and hybrids at their Grover Beach shop. Have your orchid questions answered by members of Five Cities Orchid Society who will be at the shop. There will also be orchids for sale - recent comments have been heard by shop visitors , “that can’t be an orchid….is it?” Chris reports strong sales this past weekend have necessitated more inventory to prepare for the mini-show on Saturday the 19th. Here’s your chance to take home an easy to grow and bloom slipper orchid (Paphiopedalum) or perhaps a “dancing lady” Oncidium with a long lasting spike of yellow flowers.

Best Practices - Fertilizer, Water, Pest Control and Much More
Several of our FCOS members will discuss how they grow their orchids and some of the do’s and dont’s they’ve learned through the years. This will be an interactive Zoom discussion, so get your questions ready. Please note this is a West Coast Zoom event and times are Pacific Time Zone

The Orchids of Switzerland
FCOS member Eric Holenda takes us on trip to Switzerland, a most unusual location to find orchids. Eric has traveled the world to see and photograph orchids in the wild. His past presentations on “Dancing Lady” orchids (Oncidiums) and a visit to the Amazon basin during high water season were filled with useful orchid growing information. Join us for this most interesting journey to Switzerland. Please note this is a West Coast Zoom event and times are Pacific Time Zone

Zygopetalums - an in-person Saturday meeting
Tim Culbertson will talk about the exciting new varieties of Zygopetalums and hybrids being developed by plant breeders including Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids. Tim will show some amazing photos of both species and hybrids. Best of all, since this is an in-person Saturday meeting he will have Zygopetalums for sale. Please check the August newsletter for specific times for Tim’s presentation and sale. Please note this is a West Coast Zoom event and times are Pacific Time Zone

Finding Orchids for Your Growing Conditions -Ed Lysek
My greenhouse is now 13 years old and I’ve learned a lot about what orchids like the conditions I’m able to provide. By focusing on the orchids that grow best I’ve expanded my collection to include a range of hybrids related to my best growers. I’ve also made a few critical mistakes and will discuss the good, the bad and the compost.

Summer Party at Toucan Terrace
Join us for a pot luck lunch, silent auction of donated member plants and good times for all. Times are approximate, please check the June newsletter for updated information.

Cambria Nursery -Orchid basics
Join FCOS as we discuss orchid growing basics at Cambria Nursery during their Enchanted Fairy Garden Celebration. We will display blooming orchids, provide growing recommendations and discuss the benefits of belonging to Five Cities Orchid Society. A great opportunity to visit Cambria, see old friends and recruit new FCOS members. Please check the Cambria Nursery website for current information about this event.

Orchids of Madagascar
Join Ron on an orchid exploration of Madagascar. Ron always provides amazing photographs and lively commentary wherever he journeys in the world to photograph orchids.

Field Trip - Ambriz Kingdom of Plants
Join us for a fun filled day in Carpenteria. Joe Ambriz always has an amazing collection of orchids, succulents and air plants, all at very reasonable prices. Specific times and details will be posted in the May FCOS newsletter. Lunch will undoubtedly be at the Padaro Grill followed by a visit to one or more additional orchid growers.

Workshop - Getting to Know Your Roots
Workshop: Getting to Know Your Roots
The Five Cities Orchid Society is excited to announce a workshop on Getting to Know your Roots and Orchid Repotting.
We will have demonstrations in repotting Epidendrums, Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis, Cymbidiums, and Sarcochilus. This is also an opportunity for you to add some orchids to your collections.
The event will take place on April 13, 2024, at 1 pm at the Planted Parlour in Grover Beach. The worskshop is $10 for FCOS members, non members $20, registration is required due to limited space. All attendees will receive a free Orchid seedling that you can pot and grow.
We have acquired the famous Mtssa. Shelob 'Okika' named after the evil spider in JRR Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings. (Pictured below)
We also have several seedlings of Wils. Space Mine 'Red Rendevous'. Both of these are rewarding plants to grow, requiring medium light levels. You can take your pick of either plant and we will offer any left over plants for sale.

CCGGA - Central Coast Greenhouse Growers Association
Join FCOS at Nipomo High School for this multi-location event. Plant nurseries from the area are open to the public and sales benefit the CCGGA’s scholarship program. Orchid sales by FCOS courtesy of CalCoast Orchids.

Orchids Alfresco - Outdoor Orchid Growing in Temperate Areas
Orchids Alfresco! Best Orchids to Grow Outdoors
This talk is suited for temperate areas. These are some of the best orchids to grow outdoors. Most of the orchids discussed here will tolerate temperatures from 32 to 100 degrees. Culture tips are given for each orchid as well as general growing tips for outdoors.
This is a Zoom presentation - subscribe to our newsletter to receive the Zoom link.

CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN - SLOBG Plant Sale and Art in the Garden
UNFORTUNATELY THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
Join FCOS as we sell Phalaenopsis and other orchids at this plant and art lover’s event. Always a fun day meeting plant enthusiasts and shopping for art and native plants.

FCOS summer social pot luck and silent auction
Join us for an in-person get together. Pot luck lunch followed by a silent auction of member grown orchids. Here is your opportunity to obtain divisions of our member’s prized orchids at very affordable prices. This is one of the key benefits of being an FCOS member - let the bidding begin!