South Florida Orchid Society

“Cattleya Species of Venezuela and South America” Presented by Alex Bello

Alex Bello

While mid-summer in South Florida keeps us busy managing the heat and humidity in our grow houses, it is also the perfect time to dive deep into the spectacular orchid habitats of our neighbors to the south.

This month, the South Florida Orchid Society is thrilled to welcome local horticultural powerhouse Alex Bello for a stunning visual and educational journey: “Cattleya Species of Venezuela and South America.” From the dramatic cloud forests to the rich tropical lowlands, Alex will explore the magnificent Cattleya species that define South American orchid flora, offering invaluable insights into their history, variety, and unique habits.

About Our Guest Speaker

Alex Bello is an avid collector, grower, and true expert across a massive spectrum of tropical flora, ranging from bromeliads, orchids, and ferns to aroids and beyond. He has been cultivating and collecting tropical plants for over 25 years. While he loves all things green, his botanical journey took off when he was gifted a single variegated Neoregelia—sparking a lifelong, beautifully “out-of-control” passion for bromeliads and tropical ecosystems.

Alex’s leadership in the plant community is extensive. He has held high-level positions across several major plant societies, serving as the Southern Regions Director for the Bromeliad Society International, President and Show & Sale Chairman of the Bromeliad Society of South Florida, and Former President of the International Aroid Society.

When he isn’t managing a collection or leading plant societies, Alex is a dedicated 24-year veteran of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, serving as a high school administrative assistant overseeing school operations, budget, and personnel. He is also a passionate outdoorsman with a profound love for the Florida Everglades and local ecology, enjoying fishing, swamp walks, and just about any outdoor adventure.

Alex’s deep operational background in the plant world means he knows exactly what growers love. Come out early to browse the plant sales tables, catch up with fellow orchid enthusiasts, and pick up some incredible new additions for your summer collection!

We look forward to seeing you all at 7 PM on Wednesday, July 15th at Pinecrest Gardens

Martin A. Rivas, Ph.D.
Program Director
South Florida Orchid Society
programs@sforchid.com
https://www.sforchid.com

Olivier Turina

“Trichocentrum: What they are & how to grow them!”

Dear SFOS members!

Olivier Turina

For March, we’re thrilled to welcome Olivier Turina as our guest speaker!

Olivier comes to us from Brussels, Belgium, and now calls Ft. Lauderdale home. He is a passionate hobbyist who loves working with species and primary hybrids across many genera. Fun fact: his plants have snagged eight awards from the American Orchid Society! He has been an active Board member since 2020 and has been sharing his knowledge as a newsletter contributor since 2018 with the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society. If you’re looking for some great growing tips, be sure to check out his YouTube channel, “Orchid House, Fort Lauderdale, Florida,” where he shares insights and tricks—with over 500,000 views and 5,000 subscribers, it’s a treasure trove for orchid lovers! Plus, Olivier is quite the linguist, speaking 7 languages and holding a Bachelor’s in Finance and Economics!

Olivier’s lecture is entitled, “Trichocentrum: what they are and how to grow them”

Looking forward to an amazing spring season together! Happy growing!

Martin A. Rivas
Program Director
South Florida Orchid Society

Please join us on Wednesday, March 18th at 8:00 PM for what is sure to be an entertaining and informative presentation!

Remember also, if you have plants you wish to enter for judging they must be registered between 7:00 & 7:30PM. Due to time constraints, no plants will be registered after 7:30PM.

Dear Members and Friends

This is a friendly reminder that our SFOS Annual Holiday Party is almost here, and we truly hope you’ll join us!

Location: Montgomery Botanical Center 11901 Old Cutler Rd

Coral Gables, FL 33156

Date and Time: Wednesday, December 17th 4:30pm – 10pm

We have a wonderful evening planned, featuring an Italian Feast for dinner, great company, and the gorgeous atmosphere of the Montgomery Botanical Center. If you haven’t visited recently, Montgomery is one of Miami’s hidden treasures, lush, peaceful, and filled with rare palms, cycads, and beautiful open spaces. It’s the perfect backdrop for celebrating the season with friends who share a love for orchids and nature.

The cost for the evening is $35 per person, and as a special thank-you for your membership, every SFOS member will also receive a free orchid to take home.

We want this to be a warm, memorable night that reflects everything our Society stands for, community, beauty, and a shared passion for growing.

If you are planning to attend, please email jamesfurst@gmail.com

Warmly, James Furst, President

South Florida Orchid Society