San Francisco Orchid Society
SFOS is a California non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation
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Nicholas Rust Habenarias A basic overview of the breeding traits of species Tuesday, November 4th @ 7:00 PM
Nicholas is an up-and-coming hybridizer in the orchid community. His orchid passion began in 2015 when a mini-Phalaenopsis was gifted to him. Like a flame to gasoline, this gift quickly pulled him into the diverse world of orchids. Shortly after his interests were formed, he began exploring the culture of several unique genera of terrestrial orchids. He now specializes in Habenaria and other related genera, jewel orchids, Australian terrestrial orchids, and Bulbophyllum. In 2019, this obsession bloomed into a small orchid nursery, RustyExotics Orchids, which he uses to share the wonders and beauty of his work. Through studying biochemistry and molecular biology during college, Nicholas approaches his orchids with the same scientific perspective he uses while working in a research lab. This led to an interest in the entire growth cycle of orchids and the start of his own hybridization program in 2018 which focuses mostly on terrestrial orchids, especially Habenaria. His aim is to use rarely cultivated species and distinct variations of species to create truly exceptional shapes and colors that will pave new directions for unique hybrids.
Next Meeting: 7:00pm Tuesday, Nov 4th, 2025 at San Francisco County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) in the Rec Room AND virtual meeting via Zoom (id: 2093634933 password: SFOS2025) See page 3 for details Show & Tell submissions: Send show and tell pics by Monday Nov 3rd 8 pm to: info@orchidsanfrancisco.org Welcome New and Returing Members: James Miller Speaker Dinner: If you want to attend the speaker dinner before our monthly meetings, please email peter@orchidsanfrancisco.org by the Friday before our meetings Monthly AOS judgings: Pac Central JC on the 1st Tuesday night (7pm at SFOS meeting) and on the 3rd Sat morning each month (10am at Filoli Gardens in Woodside); info? contact Sylvia Darr syldarr@gmail.com CA Sierra Nevada JC (CSNJC) judging: 1st Wednesdays at SCOS monthly meetings at Odd Fellows Hall, 1831 Howe Ave, Sacramento. AND on the 3rd Sundays in Lincoln, CA: 8:30 am at Dueling Dogs Brewing Company, 3030 Barrett Park Lane, Lincoln CA. Contact: Lynne Murrell, lynne.murrell@outlook.com More AOS judging details on page 12 Next Board Meeting: Next meeting scheduled for Monday, November 10th 2025. Interested in being more involved with SFOS? Sign up to volunteer! contact: info@orchidsanfrancisco.org On Instagram? Share your IG handles here to be tagged on show and tell photos posted on IG
In-person attendees will have a chance to win plants for the opportunity table raffle! Get a free raffle ticket if you bring food to share at the meeting or a plant for show and tell!
For over 70 years the SFOS mission has been to foster the culture and conservation of orchids and to promote education of its members and the public about orchids. Our goals include: an exchange of information from exhibitions, publications, and the Internet, maintenance of a reference library, and participation in worldwide activities.
At the corner of 9th and Lincoln, next to the SF Botanical Garden
1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
Golden Gate Park
Orchid Digest Cattleya Symposium
Opportunity Table Want to win orchids? In-person attendees will continue to have many opportunities at the monthly meetings to win some great plants to add to their collection - but you have to be there to win!
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Creating an equipment lending library supports the Society’s mission to promote orchid growing, education, and shared resources. Many members—especially those new to the hobby—may lack access to specialized tools needed for certain tasks. By lending equipment, the Society could make these expensive or rarely used tools accessible without the burden of individual ownership.
November 8, 2025 Huntington Gardens and virtual option
Tell us what you think! Potential SFOS Equipment Library
March 26-29, 2026 Dresden, Germany
In-person meetings at the Hall of Flowers Join us in-person for meetings at the SF County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers), Rec Room, in Golden Gate Park.
Please complete this short survey about a potential SFOS Equipment Lending Library SFOS Equipment Lending Library Survey
Tips for the Virtual Meeting on Zoom We will continue hosting our meetings in a "hybrid" format using Zoom to maintain access for those who prefer the virtual format. Everyone is encouraged to either use the weblink or download the Zoom app ahead of the meeting to be able to better see and share the video content. For the virtual show and tell, send pics ahead of time to share - email to info@orchidsanfrancisco.org (by no later than the day before the meeting, though sooner is of course better to give Heidi & Kay more time to prepare)! The link to join the meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/2093634933 Zoom password: SFOS2025. Sometimes your PC may not have a microphone and in that case you can still use the computer and monitor and call in on the phone with the phone number - but make sure to turn off the computer speakers to avoid static feedback. We will also continue to record the meetings and post them on our Members Only website via our YouTube Channel - so if you miss a meeting or just want to go back and see it again - it is there - check it out!
see pages 10 & 11 for details
24th World Orchid Confernce
There is plenty of free parking on the street, inside the park, and and from the back parking lot, accessible from Lincoln Ave across from 10th Ave. Enter the building from the front lobby or back parking lot. To protect one another, please be prudent and stay away if you're feeling ill. Please bring your plants for the in-person Show and Tell!
Month
Day
Speaker
Topic
November 2025
4
Nick Rust
Habenarias
December 2025
2
N/A
Holiday Party
January 2026
6
Fred Clarke
Mini-Cattleyas
February 2026
3
John McCallen
Orchids of Western China
March 2026
Gustavo A. Aguirre
Pleurothallids
Join Now!
Jeff Harris Laelia (Schomburgkia) superbiens in situ
Dave Hermeyer Maxillaria pachyuria
SFOS 2025-2026 Speaker Schedule
Jeff Harris Maxillaria lineolata in situ
Show and Tell October 2025 Meeting
Dave Hermeyer Masdevallia chaparensis 'Rip-Hoff'
Robert Fox Gomesa colorata
Jeff Harris Barkeris scandens
Natasha Kanhai Phalaenopsis no id
Dave Hermeyer Masdevallia lamprotyria
Show and Tell October2025 Meeting
Robert Fox Stanhopea oculata
Jeff Harris Meiracyllium trinasutum wendlandii
Robert Fox Comparettia speciosa
Jeff Harris Prosthechea pterocarpa
REGISTRATION includes lectures by experts, orchid sales, an AUCTION at happy hour, and dinner. Members before 10/31/25: $99.00 Non-members & all registrants after 10/31/25 $125.00 Guest Dinner $55.00 Virtual Only: $40.00 Everyone gets the link to the recording of the symposium!
The Huntington and Orchid Digest Present 2025 Cattleya Orchid Symposium Featuring lectures by experts, orchid sales, Happy Hour with an auction and dinner! Join us at The Huntington for the 2025 Cattleya Orchid Symposium—a must-attend event for orchid enthusiasts of all levels. This in-person gathering will feature leading experts sharing their knowledge on cultivation, conservation, and research within the Cattleya Alliance. Connect with fellow orchid lovers, discover the latest insights, and deepen your appreciation for these stunning blooms. Whether you’re an experienced grower or new to the hobby, you’ll find inspiration and practical takeaways. Mark your calendar for a day of beauty, learning, and community in the world of Cattleyas! Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Register Here
Board meeting called to order: 7:10 pm Attendance:(absent board members in parentheses) Derreck Carter-House, Peter Chianchiano, (Yujin Kim),( Carm Kuivenhoven), Alan Yip, Sharon Palmisano, (Geoff Harris), Rhiannon Croci, Heidi Arno, Jeff Harris Members in Attendance: Keith Robinson, Dave Hermeyer, Approval of Minutes of September 8, 2025 BOD Meeting September 8, 2025 - Final Minutes Heidi Moved, Derreck Second, Unanimous approval. Officer’s Reports President's update: Derreck Member tool library: (Need a survey to find what tools are needed by society.) Sharon Palmisano to take the lead. Next steps: Create google form submit to newsletter for dispersal, add to meeting announcements Zootrophion Project - No updates Treasurer’s report: Yujin August 2025 finance report budget review Jeff moved to approve the finance report; Rhiannon seconds, and motion unanimously. VP’s update: Peter Member Outreach Team Update: Paul K. Reblooming Workshops: Lot of members from OITP, handed out more plants at the last monthly meeting. To send out reminder in newsletter that you can join any time. Dec 2 Potluck plans / announcements Planned Speakers for upcoming Meetings See page 4 Membership Chair update: Heidi 22 people in Zoom, 60 in the room. 446 currently enrolled members. New Members during September: James Miller Newsletter editor update: Rhiannon. All newsletter content due by the 15th of each month. Other Announcements: Old Business: $1500 donation acknowledgement letter from CCSF IA&E and Tom Perlite: “Thanks Jeff. The donation really helps a lot. They have made great strides to get the environmental controls in the greenhouses finally working properly. It has taken years for this to happen, but it has made a huge difference. The plants have never looked better. There are also student workers who are paid to help out the Nursery Specialist with the plants.I have one that helps me with the orchids one day a week. Jean would be very happy.” (If you can forward this to the rest of the board, I'd appreciate it. For some reason I couldn't do that. Thanks. Tom) New Business: Received ~$2000 grant proposal for Vanda lamellata Conservation Research from Emily Jefferson from Florida International University - most of the request was a travel grant to do field work in Taiwan - we became aware of an overlapping grant request she made to other organizations (AOS & SDCOS), so delaying and awaiting follow up before proceeding to make a decision. Oakville Ranch Winery premier sponsorship renewed for 2026. Public Comment: ? Next Combo Board & Show Committee Meeting: Monday - November 10th at 7:00 pm on Zoom - Next month Peter’s Place. Meeting transitioned from Board to Show Committee at (7:48 PM) Respectfully submitted by Derreck Carter-House
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SFOS Board Meeting Minutes - October 13h Meeting
Board Minutes, Continued from page 10
Check out seasonal orchid care tips from AOS here.
All fields searchable in each entry … Name (Genus species / grex, awards) Have / Died / Want - Location / Division / Donated? Purchase date, source, price? Plant & flower description, potted / mounted, Fragrance? Growing conditions? Pictures of plant & flower Last bloom date / month? Virus test date and results? Free text field for other notes & reference websites
Pacific Central Judging Center hosts 2 monthly – The first Tuesday evening (11/4/25), during the regular SFOS monthly meeting at the Hall of Flowers, Golden Gate Park AND the third Saturday (11/15/25), at Filoli Historic House & Garden, 86 Canada Road, Woodside CA. Plant entry starts at 10AM. Questions? Contact Sylvia Darr syldarr@gmail.com California Sierra Nevada Judging Center(CSNJC) hosts 2 monthly – the first Wednesday evening (11/5/25) during the regular SCOS monthly meeting at Odd Fellows Hall, 1831 Howe Ave, Sacramento. In Lincoln, CA at Dueling Dogs Brewery, 3131 Barrett Park Lane, on the third Sunday (11/16/25) 9AM. Questions? Contact Lynne Murrell: lynne.murrell@outlook.com
MONTHLY AOS ORCHID JUDGINGS NEAR YOU:
Shockingly, it is officially Autumn, and that signals significant changes in our Orchid collections. The shorter days and cooler nights are initiating spikes on Phals, Cymbidiums and many Dendrobiums. Yaay...more flowers! At the same time, we need to begin to move outdoor plants into sheltered spaces for the rainy season. It is a perfect time to inspect each plant for bugs and other problems.
NOT AOS, but Noteworthy: Long-time SFOS Member Jason Douglass stars in “Check Please Bay Area” Season 20, Episode 2, recommending his favorite restaurant for upscale French dining: Papillon, 37296 Mission Boulevard Fremont, CA. Tune into PBS, KQED and scroll to the second episode of this season. Congrats on a job well done, Jason!
Orchid Wiz is Back! Go to OrchidWiz.com for more information and to purchase it. You do not need to have earlier versions of Orchid Wiz, because 20.0 is a complete, updated version, ready to install. You can get it as a link for electronic download, or on a flash drive.
Here is an interesting article by the AOS President, which I hope you find helpful: “A week or so before the plants come indoors I inspect the leaves, potting media, and pots, then give the plants a bath. I use a mild soap like Castile soap, fill up a bucket, add about a half pint of rubbing alcohol and the soap. It is great as a drench. I am really careful to pour the mixture over the pots, so that the potting media does not all come out. I do it twice. Let it drain for a bit before the second dose. I take the really heavy pots, put them in a big tray and fill it with the mixture of soapy water, and pour it over. It is amazing what comes out of the bottom, some caterpillars, earwigs, ooh hate those things. I let the plants sit in the water for a while and pour a couple of times, so I know the mixture got all through the plants. I use a tiny strainer to get rid of the bugs. I hear my Cattleyas saying thank you when I am all done. I have also used an old standby: 1 part alcohol, 1 part 409, and 1 part water, with a drop of Dawn. Does not smell and you can use in your house.You can use other methods, Orthene mixed according to directions, but it is toxic to butterflies and some good bugs, so use it sparingly…and it does smell, so you can only use outdoors. You can use the newer IGRs (Insect Growth Regulators) and they don’t smell much either. You can use a regimen of rotation in your house. A three pronged approach is good, but we are talking about prepping for coming back from their plant vacation, not winter.”
How do you track your orchid / plant collection? Tried Airtable? Works on all platforms. Free version Link to Jeff’s orchid collection template: https://airtable.com/invite/r/MNzzN8nV
Happy Orchid Growing to all! Lynne Murrell Your AOS Representative
Interested in building an orchid carousel? Check out Dexter's video on Building Orchid Carousels to better grow and display your orchids
OCA Orchids in the Wild Ecotours for 2025-2026 February 3- February 20, 2026 Orchids of Zimbabwe Our first trip to Zimbabwe, we will visit several national parks, enjoy both terrestrial and epiphytic orchid species, a day of bird watching, a visit to Victoria Falls, and a one day jungle safari! Learn More March 17-24, 2026 Special Pre-World Orchid Conference Orchids of Rhodes Tour Once again we have joined forces with Mariposa tours, with Jon Dunn and Sarah Cuttle as our tour leaders. Springtime in the Mediterranean can be breath taking, with the crystal clear waters of the sea, the gorgeous spring flowers, and a plethora of terrestrial orchids. Enjoy a spring orchid tour before attending the World Orchid Conference in Dresden! Learn More Orchids of the Gargano Peninsula: April 13-20, 2026 Once again we will join forces with our European partner, Jon Dunn of Mariposa Tours. Springtime in the Gargano Peninsula is wonderful, and this adventure won’t disappoint. Enjoy the scenery, orchids and magnificent wildflowers! Learn More Orchids of the Rio Negro: May 22-June 2, 2026 Enjoy a fascinating Journey into the jungles of the flooded Amazon. One of our most popular tours, this is the only way to view the orchids of the Amazon, on a cruise aboard the Otter, a specially designed riverboat. Learn More Orchids of Northern Yunnan: June 14-28, 2026 Travel with the Orchid Conservation Alliance to the incredibly biodiverse province of Yunnan. Well known for its plant diversity, Yunnan alone has over 400 different orchid species, many endemic to the region. Our trip focuses on the Cypripediums, but we will also are likely see species of Cephalanthera, Dendrobium, Holcoglossum, Liparis, Paphiopedilum, Phalaenopsis, Platanthera and Pleione. The trip features incredible scenery, the old town of Lijiang, many different species of flowering rhododendrons, as well as paeonies and too many alpine flowers to count. Learn More
Images: Copyright 2024 Orchid Conservation Alliance
hengduanbiotech.net
NEED ORCHIATA BARK? Plant'd is taking pre-orders (with full payment of $40), via email Check the bottom of the SFOS resources page for more information on size of orchiata bark **Delivery available (for a fee), and we can set up delivery dates/times individually. Pick up available at the greenhouse in Half Moon Bay, in-store at Plant'd in Four Embarcadero Center, or in San Jose, by appointment only.**
SFOS Membership Roster now available Find it in the members only portion of the SFOS website (requires log in with email & password) What’s there? Names of all are listed and for those who opted in, it also includes email, phone number, and location. Please look at your entry and confirm it is the way you want it. Note that “by accepting and opening this SFOS Roster file, all agree to use it for personal contact only, and NOT share it with others outside SFOS or for any commercial / advertising purposes.” Questions? Please email Heidi at: membership@orchidsanfrancisco.org
You can help... The San Francisco Orchid Society joins other orchid societies and businesses participating in the 1% FOC campaign by committing to budget 1% or more of our net revenue towards orchid conservation projects. For more information: orchidconservationcoalition.org
Have you joined Orchid Digest yet? As a member of Orchid Digest you not only get a quarterly magazine with amazing high-quality pictures of flowers and plants, but also access to so much more great new and historical content for a reasonable price – while also helping support other orchid conservation and educational programs. Check out the magazine for yourself or as a gift - SCAN THE QR code below with your phone camera to see the website https://orchiddigest.com/
Images: Copyright 2022 Orchid Conservation Alliance
1 year subscription (4 issues) $39.00 2 year subscription ( 8 issues) $75.00
Donate to SFOS Unrestricted Support to our efforts in general or more specifically in EDUCATION and/or CONSERVATION
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Join us as a member via the website www.orchidsanfrancisco.org If you are not sure about your dues status, check your email history or just ask! Automated SFOS Membership Dues renewal bills for those who paid online via the website will go out before the 12 month anniversary date. If you want help with this process we can assist you - email us at membership@orchidsanfrancisco.org If you cannot use the online process, you can still mail a check along with your updated contact information to: SFOS Membership PO Box 27145 SF, CA 94127-0145
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Current SFOS Contacts President: Derreck Carter-House (derreck@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Vice President: Peter Chianchiano (peter@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Secretary: Carmi Kuivenhoven (carm@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Treasurer (CFO): Yujin Kim (CFO@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Directors: Rhiannon Croci (newsletter@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Geoff Harris (geoffsharris@gmail.com) Sharon Palmisano (Sharonsplantythings@gmail.com) Alan Yip (ritesofantiquity@gmail.com) Past President: Jeff Harris (jeff@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Membership Chair: Heidi Arno (membership@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Newsletter Editor: Rhiannon Croci (newsletter@orchidsanfrancisco.org) AOS Representative: Lynne Murrell (lynne.murrell@outlook.com) Orchid Digest Representative: Jeff Harris (jeff@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Webmaster: John Rushworth (johnrush@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Show Co-Chairs: Carmi Kuivenhoven (carm@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Jeff Harris (jeff@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Information on open positions and General Inquiries at: (info@orchidsanfrancisco.org)
SFOS Website SFOS - www.orchidsanfrancisco.org
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A Bay Area Guide to Orchids and their Culture This richly illustrated book is tailored specially to the needs of the San Francisco Bay Area Orchid grower, offering detailed orchid culture information along with recommendations of orchids to grow indoors, in cool to warm-intermediate greenhouses or outdoors, with microclimate-specific suggestions for those choosing to grow outdoors. Note that SFOS paid for the cost of printing and SFOS gets 100% of the profits. Written by: SFOS member Mary E. Gerritsen Available directly from the San Francisco Orchid Society for only $20 at: https://www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/ shop.html
Annual Dues* $25: Standard Membership (includes opportunity table access and email newsletters to one person) $40: Household membership (2 or more people) $75: Supporting Membership (includes 2 POE weekend passes*, opportunity table access plus email newsletters) $150: SFOS Patron Membership (includes 4 POE weekend passes*, opportunity table access, email newsletters, one copy of A Bay Area Guide to Orchids and their Culture) $500: SFOS Benefactor Membership (includes a mention in one of the newsletters, as well as all items in the Patron level - donation value of $350 $1,000: SFOS Orchid Circle (includes everything in the Benefactor level as well as a donation towards SFOS conservation and education funds with a donation value of $850 *We can provide a donation acknowledgement letter in lieu of POE tickets. As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, SFOS Memberships. Donations can be claimed as tax deductible, but please consult your tax professional.
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