January 2021- Volume 70 Number 1
Bill Thoms speaking on Bulbophyllums Internationally recognized speaker, orchid hunter, breeder and grower extrordinaire Bill Thoms will be presenting a talk on Bulbophyllums. This program covers everything you need to know to grow and bloom these 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! Bill Thoms and Doris Dukes have been growing 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 recently added a yearly award named for him for the best Bulbophyllum exhibited. The talks are spiced with funny stories and funny associations so whether you grow thousands of orchids, only a few, or none at all, you will have a wonderfully entertaining time and be able to grow anything better. Many of the most important requirements for growing world class plants are made easy to understand and remember. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn how to grow these fascinating plants and to hear one of the most knowledgeable, interesting and funny speakers in the orchid world. His book, Bulbophyllums: the Incomplete Guide, From A to WHY? will be available for purchase ($65) and he will sign them for free! His new EBook is 4 years old now and you can sign up for 2 more years ($69). It is better than sliced bread. Please see his website: Bulbophyllums.com for offers. There is a 20% discount for attendees who spend $50 or more. The Promo Code will be given at the meeting. 2019.return.khlklk."to !"#$ %" & %"'()**'""+ &!" ,#!"-"# $.//)&!"0 122&3" 1"& &#" "" """4($ , )***% 5%# #4# #&,5./)6 " .7- %
San Francisco Orchid Society
SFOS is a California non-profit 501(c)(3) Corporation
Next Meeting: There will be NO in-person meeting on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021. There will be a virtual meeting through 'Zoom'. More details on page 3. AOS judging by the Pacific Central Judging Center is still on hold until further notice. However, California Sierra Nevada JC's next AOS judging session will be Sunday, January 3rd at Gold Country Orchids 390 Big Ben Rd, Lincoln, CA 95648 916-645-8600 Plant entry between 9am and 10am, judging will start at 10am.
For over 65 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.
Detail-photo by Bill Thoms
Tridactyle bicaudata
From the President Though it may seem arbitrary, I think most people find that the start of a new year brings hope – let's hope that 2021 will be a real turning point for positive change – especially after the year 2020 turned out to be. Despite all the heartache and disruptive changes that have occurred, we can still find happiness, things to be thankful for and to motivate us. We had a record turnout for the Dec 1st meeting – we gave out 65 gifts in the holiday raffle – with donations from Tiny Jungle, Orchid Design, California Orchids, RF Orchids, Sunset Valley Orchids and Tropical Orchid Farm. At the Jan 5th meeting we welcome Bill Thoms speaking on Bulbophyllums. As always, PLEASE RSVP for the Zoom meeting (and note the password changed!) via our website (www.orchidsanfrancisco.org) and send your 3 show and tell pics by email to Lynne Murrell (lynne.murrell@outlook.com) by no later than Monday, Jan 4th (the day before the meeting) – though sooner is of course better to give her more time to prepare! Though it appears unlikely that POE or OITP will take place in 2021, we are still planning for two back-to-back events in February – first at Filoli Gardens’ 2nd annual orchid show – which we are scheduled to set up on Jan 29th – and take down on Feb 10th, as well as a display at the SF Conservatory of Flowers (COF) from Feb 11th- 21st, 2021. So please let me know if you want to help out with plants or other efforts needed to put on these displays, or future events. We are also preparing already for elections in May – so let me (or our nominating committee chair, Mary Gerritsen) know if you have any interest in being an officer, on the Board or taking on an chair/co-chair role, or take part in any other way. And remember to renew your dues if you have not done so already and to consider gifting a membership or a copies of our Bay Area Guide to Orchids and their Culture – more info is on the website. Wishing everyone good health, success and happiness in the new year! Jeff Harris
Cyrtorchis arcuata
Microcoelia sp.
January 2021 - Volume 70 Number 1
Tips for the upcoming Virtual Meeting For those who are unfamiliar with Zoom, it is a video chat application you can download and set up ahead of time, or just follow the link below at the time of the meeting. Rather than just calling in, 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. We will ask people to do “show and tell” - so plan to have either your plants nearby to share live pics or take/send pics ahead of time to share. the specific meeting link is: https://zoom.us/j/2093634933 NOTE the Password CHANGED - it now is SFOS2021 The following devices all will work: Desktop computer, PC or Mac, Tablets, Cell Phones. If the device has a camera and a microphone you can use it. 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. If you do this make sure to turn off the computer speakers to avoid feedback.
Phalaenopsis Singher Pure Love Chris Neitro
We will raffle off $20 online gift credits redeemable for plants from The Tiny Jungle to attendees who are members "in good standing" - so be sure you 2021 dues are paid before the meeting!
Paphiopedilum Burki x malipoense Chris Neitro
Phalaenopsis Zheng Min Anaconda 'Yaphon' Chris Neitro
"Opportunity Table"
Design by Samuel Wantman & Photos by Ron Parsons
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-specificsuggestions 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/member-sales.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 signed 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 *Note that we will track tickets owed or provide a donation acknowledgement letter in lieu of POE tickets if no show occurs in 2021. As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, SFOS Memberships and Donations can be claimed as tax deductible. Please consult your tax professional.
Note that we are no longer using MemberPlanet. Join us as a member via the website www.orchidsanfrancisco.org If you are not sure about your dues status, just ask! If you want help with this process we can assist you - email us at info@orchidsanfrancisco.org If you cannot use the online process, you can still mail a check along with your contact information to: SFOS Membership PO Box 27145 SF, CA 94127-0145
Have you paid your 2021 Dues?
During the active Shelter-In-Place and while future in-person meetings of the SFOS are suspended, we will do a virtual Show & Tell each month. If you would like to participate you may send pictures/videos ahead of time to lynne.murrell@outlook.com
Oncidium Wild Willie 'Pacific Bling' Carol DiGiorgio
December Show & Tell Table Members took pictures of their in-bloom Plants & Growspaces
Isabelia virginialis Susan Anderson
Cattleya bicolor Glenn Finch
Bulbophyllum tingabarinum Glenn Finch
Dendrochilum williamsii Susan Anderson
Vuylstekeara Melissa Brianne Carol DiGiorgio
Phragmipedium besseae Susan Anderson
Dendrobium igneo-niveum Judy Carney
Dendrobium annae 'Bailey'S Best' AM/AOS Susan Anderson
Schoenorchis buddleiflora Judy Carney
Phalaenopsis celebensis Judy Carney
Oncidium Tsiku Marguerite Jeff Harris
Restrepia cuprea Jeff Harris
Oncidium Grafo Judy Carney
Dendrobium Hibiki 'Tiny Bubbles' Tom Pickford
Cattleya Circle Of Life Tom Pickford
Cattleya dormaniana Dave Hermeyer
Vanda Penang Sunset Jeff Harris
Barkeria whartoniana Jeff Harris
Cleisocentron gokusingii Roberta Fox
Ceratostylis retisquama fma. rubra Roberta Fox
Maillaria phoenicanthera Tom Pickford
Cattleya Mini Purple Bill Weaver
Sartylis Toowoomba Sparkle Tom Pickford
LC Dorothy Elliott 'Volcano Embers' Jan Anderson
Dendrobium smilieae Robert Fox
Isabelia virginalis Glenn Finch
Cattleya cernua Glenn Finch
Cattleya Frenchy'S Melange 'Cylvia' Jan Anderson
BLC Kaboom Jan Anderson
Zygonisia Murasakikomachi Winnie Wang
Miltonidium Peter Komp Jason Douglass
Cattleya Tanya Lam 'Bud Segraves' HCC/AOS Tanya Lam
Dendrobium Jonathan's Glory Winnie Wang
Cattleya maxima Tanya Lam
Cattleya Love Castle 'Kurenai' Winnie Wang
Phragmipedium QF Ula'ula Jason Douglass
Vanda coerulea Ron Norris
Brassavola cebolleta Tanya Lam
Monnierara Millenium Magic Tanya Lam
Angraecum leonis Jennifer Poulakos
Phragmipedium Eumelia Arias Jennifer Poulakos
Rlc Momilani Rainbow Tanya Lam
Vanda Paki Tanya Lam
Masdevallia ivanii Mary Gerritsen
Haraella retrocalla Mary Gerritsen
Masdevallia andrettana Mary Gerritsen
Alternative way to mount Orchids Andrea Laudate
Masdevallia agaster Mary Gerritsen
Porphyrostachis pilifera Scott Simono
Howeara Lava Burst 'Puanani' Stuart Menaker
Cattleya Irene Teo Lei Kong Bill Weaver
Cattleya Amethyst Star 'Purple Flame' Stuart Menaker
Oncidium noID Stuart Menaker
Dracula amaliae Jenny Lumb
Angraecum sp Kay Klumb
Laelia anceps fma. alba Renee Ready
Coelia bella Lynne Murrell
Constantia cipoensis Kay Klumb
Gastrochilus acutifolius Lynne Murrell
Kefersteinia tolimensis Chaunie Langland
Oncidium zappii Chaunie Langland
Barkeria skinneri Chaunie Langland
Fredclarkeara Kelly Longley Bill Weaver
Dendrochilum williamsii Chaunie Langland
Fredclarkeara After Dark 'Black Pearl' FCC/AOS Chaunie Langland
Coelogyne mooreana 'Brockhurst' AM/AOS Bill Weaver
Brassavola Little Stars Kay Klumb
Cattleya Bog Ben x Laelia grandis Bill Weaver
Cycnoches Mass Confusion x warscewiczii Chaunie Langland
Recent Awards
20202312 Phragmipedium Millbrook 'Malbec' (Phrag. besseae x Phrag. Nicholle Tower) AM 82 Exhibtied by: Dave Sorokowsky
All plants were awarded on 12-06-2020 at the CSNJC Judging.
20202311 Paphiopedilum helenae 'Honey' species HCC 77 Exhibited by: Gold Country Orchids
20202310 Phalaenopsis Corona 'Red Kitsune' (Phal. amboinensis x Phal. cornu-cervi) AM 81 Exhibited by: Ramon de los Santos
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 Upcoming Orchids in the Wild® trips orchidconservationalliance.org Please refer to the OCA Website for updates! For more information, see the OCA website
SFOS Board Meeting Minutes December 7th, 2020
Attendees: Jeff Harris, Erik Sayle, John Russell McCallen, Faye Rabino, Christian Neitro, Lynne Murrell, Stuart Menaker and Dave Hermeyer Absent: Lauren Iverson Zoom Board meeting called to order: (7:07 pm) President's update: Jeff Mary Gerritsen appointed as 2021 SFOS Nominating Committee Chairperson Current board members to expect a check-in from Mary Consider if there’s anyone new you’d like to encourage to become part of the board (Jeff has also supplied 3 candidates) Embezzlement Case Update: we are continuing to get repayment from Jack on schedule - next hearing date is currently scheduled for 9am on January 15th in Department 23. Treasurer’s report: Faye Monthly (Nov 2020) finance report Erik moved to accept the monthly finance report as presented and Stuart seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by verbal vote. VP’s update: Erik - Programming Updates: Jan 5 - Bill Thoms - Bulbophyllums; Feb 2 - Dennis Szeszko - Barkerias; Mar 2 - TBD; (suggestions: Alan Koch, Marni Turkel or perhaps someone from AOS speakers list - if you have other ideas, let Erik know!) Apr 6 - Wenqing Perner - Orchids of China Membership update: (Jeff - for Lauren) Welcomed 16 new members this past month at the Dec 1st meeting (Scott Simono, Mimi Rose, Diane Barker, Julio Gomez Ochoa, Azitta Hekmati, Helen Dunne, Cathleen Bailey, Kelly McCracken, Winnie Wang, Andrew Smith, Sophoan Sorn, Jason Gebbia, Andy & Barbara Cameron, Qiming (Rick) Yang and Carolyn Fisher). Meeting attendance (50 RSVPs; 25 people participated in show & tell; 70 people attended the meeting on Zoom Newsletter editor update: (Christian) - reminder to submit contributions including classified ads by the 15th of the month for target e-distribution of newsletter around the 20th of the month. Old Business: Award of Education and Conservation committee funds. After appropriate review and group discussion, funding decisions were as outlined below: $2500 to conservation grant proposal from Jis Sebastian's project in Kerala to study the reporoductive ecology Paphiopedilum druryi in the south Western Ghats $500 to Helen Crocker Russell Horticulture Library at SFBG $1000 to CCSF Environmental Horticulture & Floristry scholarship program $1000 to Orchid Conservation Alliance [in-kind donation to Conservatory of Flowers discussed, but not happening this year] Ideas for future action: - Enable and advertise more about our donation activities and options (especially for big days like Giving Tuesday - just past) where people can donate to specific funds, e.g. conservation, education etc - Save and share pictures with scholarship/donation recipients for record keeping and encouragement for future efforts. New Business: None Next Board Meeting: Monday Jan 11th Zoom Meeting to be scheduled to start at 7PM Meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm. John Russell McCallen (Secretary)
Special Pricing $60.00 for SFOS Members! Written by Phillip Cribb and Christopher Purver, this 282 page book covers the tropical American species of three genera of slipper orchids, Selenipedium, Mexipedium and Phragmipedium. Beautifully illustrated throughout with color botanical paintings by Carol Woodin, as well as black and white line drawings, color photographs and maps. To purchase your copy please contact Jeff Harris: president@orchidsanfrancisco.org
FAREWELL TO 2020, WHEW! As this calendar year comes to a close, we will remember this year as a year of challenges. If you believe in folk-tales, you might be in agreement that this is the year that March came in like a lamb and out like a lion. The lion continues to roar as we struggle with the continuing ripple effect of the coronavirus. Let us count the truly good things that have happened in our lives this year. Have you enjoyed additional time spent learning about the orchids in your collection? Do you understand more about their cultural needs, growth, and bloom cycles? Have you taken an opportunity to tune in remotely to dynamic guest speakers? Did you take advantage of the chance to view some of the AOS webinars? We have made it this far. Congratulations! We sincerely hope that 2021 will have fewer challenges and bring increased interest to this orchid passion we all love. PESTS AND DISEASES It’s always a good time to inspect your orchids for those pesky critters and problems that crop up from time to time. Once you have brought your orchids in for the winter and they are in close range, be on the lookout for anything that looks out of the ordinary. See a yellow blotchy area on a leaf?…turn it over, and look underneath. Notice buds or blooms that have been munched?...suspect snails or slugs? Compare what you see to what it might be, by looking over Orchid Ailments -- The AOS’s Pests and Disease Series. ORCHIDS magazine ran a popular series of articles in the early 2000s titled Orchid Ailments. That information is available on the AOS website. It provides viewers with information and images to help identify orchid ailments and grow healthier plants. From Aphids to Virus, the series explores the finer points of insect pests, rots, disease, and cultural challenges, to name a few, and offers advice on prevention and treatment for common problems. Use the list of articles in this series to learn about specific orchid problems. https://www.aos.org/orchids/orchid-pests-diseases.aspx AOS ORCHID JUDGING While many judging centers are unable to schedule indoor judgings due to COVID, the California Sierra Nevada Judging Center (CSNJC) will conduct its next outdoor (tented) judging Sunday January 3 at 10am, at Gold Country Orchids, 90 Big Ben Rd., Lincoln CA. Allan Koch will be there to greet poeple. We welcome you to bring your plants for judging. Plant check-in will be between at 9am and 10am. This is before the brewery opens, so there is plenty of room to spread out, and there will be a food truck and beer after judging. In December CSNJC had 9 orchid entries, and awarded 4. (Note: if it is too cold, the judging will move to Gold Country Orchids’ greenhouses in Lincoln CA). It’s easy to register for the scheduled webinars on the AOS website. You’ll find the link under the All About Orchids tab. To view a Webinar, REGISTRATION is REQUIRED, and it’s as easy as going to this link: http://www.aos.org/orchids/webinars.aspx You can join live either on your computer or by phone. ALL webinars are recorded and available to view at your leisure. GREENHOUSE CHAT Webinars are indexed by topic for future viewing. KICKING OFF the CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION! The American Orchid Society looks forward to celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2021, and is kicking off thecelebration with this limited edition commemorative glassware, which you can order now, in time for the Holidays. From the AOS homepage, click on SHOP, and you will see the selection of wine glasses and champagne flutes, including discounted prices for AOS members. Until we meet again, hopefully SOON, stay healthy and Happy Growing. AOS Representative
Lynne Murrell
AOS Corner
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We want to especially thank our Premier Sponsor :
Current SFOS Contacts President: Jeff Harris (president@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Vice President: Erik Sayle (VP@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Secretary: John Russell McCallen (secretary@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Treasurer (CFO): Faye Rabino (CFO@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Directors: Christian Neitro (cneitro@yahoo.com) Stuart Menaker (stuart@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Lynne Murrell (lynne@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Lauren Iverson (laureniverson@protonmail.com) Past President: Dave Hermeyer (dave@hermeyer.us) Membership Chair: Lauren Iverson Newsletter Editor: Christian Neitro (cneitro@yahoo.com) AOS Representative: Lynne Murrell (lynne@orchidsanfrancisco.org) Orchid Digest Representative: Faye Rabino (CFO@orchidsanfranciso.org) Librarian/Historian: Lauren Iverson Show Chair: Vacant - please apply! Webmaster: John Rushworth (johnrush@orchidsanfrancisco.org) General Inquiries: (info@orchidsanfrancisco.org)
Orchid Digest Do you subscribe? If not, you might want to consider doing so. Orchid Digest is published quarterly with over 200 pages of amazing photos and excellent articles. 1 year subscription (4 issues) $39.00 2 year subscription ( 8 issues) $75.00 www.orchiddigest.org
This Bulletin Board is a FREE service for SFOS members’ orchid-related items and orchid events. Send items by the 15th of the month by email to: newslettereditor@orchidsanfrancisco.org
Events & Announcments
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Dendrobium jacobsonii Does anyone have a plant or division of Dendrobium jacobsonii for sale? Please reply to: andrewmacnaughtonsmith@gmail.com
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Do you shop on Amazon? Do you want to support SFOS at no cost to you? AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to SFOS. Go to: smile.amazon.com and choose The San Francisco Orchid Society as your designated recipient. It’s that simple!
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Do you want to get a set of the new 2nd edition of A Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species by Ron Parsons and Mary Gerritsen for yourself or as a gift? We are trying to get a group of at least 10 SFOS members to place a bulk order to get a discount not only on the books, but possibly save on the shipping costs. Should end up being ~$300 per set of 4 including shipping. For more detailed information about these beautiful books, see the publishers website by clicking on the image to the right! Contact: info@orchidsanfrancisco.org Hello, I am searching for Tree Fern Pots & Spheres, any size. Larger Sizes preferred though. Please send offers to: cneitro@yahoo.com
Chris Neitro
Deep down he goes, the little gnome, Deep down into his earthy home. Deep down among the roots he lives; such help to all the plants he gives. He helps the seed to split its skin; He helps the roots to settles in; He helps the shoots to stand upright, And grow to reach the warm sunlight. Sometimes he comes above the ground; Sometimes his footprints can be found; Sometmes, before the moon is up, He drinks the dew from bluebell cups.
Photos by: Rick Burian, OCA Member
A newly dicovered Orchid species has been making the rounds on multiple social media platforms and online media outlets recently. Gastrodia agnicellus has been dubbed as the 'World's ugliest orchid'. The species hails from eastern Madagascar, where it spends most of it's exitence buried in leaflitter on moist floors of the rainforest, at elevations 650-800m. The Plant only emerges from its dark hiding spot to give birth to a singular tube shaped flower, which is about 5mm wide and 10mm long, that has been discribed as being fragrant with a floral-citrusy scent. This species is mycotrophic, which means they derive all or most of their nutrients and water through a symbiotic relationship with certain Fungi. This funny little plant was named after its botanical illustrator, Deborah Lambkin. The latin Agnicellus translates to 'little lamb' or 'lambkin', and refers to the fuzzy woolly covering on the rhizome and ear like petals. I for one don't think it's ugly at all, and would be delighted if it popped up under a shrub in my garden! Don't you think it just looks like a curious little gnome? Happy Holidays
The Bloom Room