SFOS June 2026 Members Meeting

 Monthly Meetings
Jun 042026
 

“What’s on the Tag?”

Decoding the Hidden Language of Orchids

Presented by Rich Ackerman

Rich Ackerman pic

Rich Ackerman

Have you ever looked at a plant tag and felt like you were trying to read ancient hieroglyphics? What is the difference between a species and a hybrid? What do all those acronyms like FCC, AM, or

HCC actually mean? And what on earth are “selfing,” “sibs,” or “polyploids”?

Whether you are an amateur grower just starting your orchid journey or a seasoned veteran looking to master the fine print, our June program has something invaluable for you.

This month, the South Florida Orchid Society is thrilled to welcome Rich Ackerman, who will present his highly engaging and practical talk, “What’s on the Tag.” Rich will break down the essential code behind orchid labels, teaching you exactly how to glean a wealth of information about an orchid’s ancestry, cultivation needs, and genetic potential just by reading its tag.

About Our Guest Speaker

Rich Ackerman has been cultivating a massive variety of flora in Fort Lauderdale for nearly forty years, catching the official “orchid bug” right here in Miami at the 2008 World Orchid Conference. Today, his primary passion lies in the beauty and conservation of Florida’s native orchids.

Rich is a UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer and an active partner in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s renowned Million Orchid Project. Deeply dedicated to our local orchid community, he is a Trustee and the Former President of the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society, and serves on the advisory boards for both the International Orchid Foundation and the UF/IFAS Extension for Broward County.

Native Orchid Sales & Auction!

In addition to a fantastic presentation, Rich will be bringing a beautiful selection of native orchids and choice select plants for purchase. He has also generously offered to donate several wonderful plants to our monthly raffle and silent auction to help support the society!

Come out early to shop the plant tables, catch up with fellow members, and celebrate our annual awards. Let’s give Rich a legendary SFOS welcome!

We look forward to seeing you all at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 17th at Pinecrest Gardens!

 

SFOS March 2026 Members Meeting

 Monthly Meetings
Mar 132026
 

Olivier Turina

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

Dear SFOS members!

Olivier Turina picture

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.

 

SFOS February 2026 Members Meeting

 Monthly Meetings
Feb 062026
 
Welcome, fellow orchid enthusiasts, to our February South Florida Orchid Society meeting on Wednesday, February 18 at beautiful Pinecrest Gardens (11000 SW 57 Ave, Pinecrest, FL). Plant judging will take place from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, giving everyone a chance to showcase and evaluate those stunning blooms, followed by our official meeting starting promptly at 8:00 PM. We’re looking forward to a wonderful evening of sharing, learning, and orchid camaraderie. Please bring a friend along to join the fun and help grow our community!

 

SFOS 2025 Holiday Party!

 Monthly Meetings
Dec 032025
 

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
SFOS Logo

SFOS November 2025 Members Meeting

 Monthly Meetings
Nov 142025
 

Joshua Jones

‘The Orchid Pyramid’ part 1.

Focusing on how to grow really great roots.

Grower, producer, and educator of all things orchid related.

Joshua Jones pic

Joshua Jones

Joshua has been growing healthy and established orchids for over 20 years. Living in Jacksonville, FL his entire life, he started growing orchids with a basic Phalaenopsis and graduated to more complex species and hybrids of all genera.

Eventually learning ceramics on his own and creating orchid pottery with great detail using the best products available.

Branching out to finally create his new venture in life with The Orchid Den. Joshua has received multiple awards for his exceptionally well grown plants, educates about orchid growing, is hybridizing orchids, and you can also watch his YouTube channel (The Orchid Den) to learn more for yourself.

Please join us on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at Pinecrest Gardens (we’ll be meeting this month in the Inspiration Room).

Doors open at 7:00PM

Plant registration is from 7:00PM to 7:30PM.
Due to time constraints no plants can be entered for judging after 7:30PM.

Our program begins at 8:00PM.

SFOS October 2025 Members Meeting

 Monthly Meetings
Oct 102025
 

AOS President, Cheryl Erins

“A New Home for the Little Guys”

Vertical Terrariums

Cheryl Erins picture

Cheryl Erins

We’re very excited to welcome AOS President, Cheryl Erins to our October South Florida Orchid Society Meeting! Cheryl will be giving a lecture on growing orchids (and other plants) in terrariums, which is something most of us living here in the worlds largest terrarium probably seldom think of. However, given how dry our indoor conditions can be with air conditioners running year round, a new home for the little guys isn’t such a bad idea. Actually, it’s pretty fascinating! I’m looking forward to this lecture!

Cheryl has been growing orchids for over 25 years. She is a certified Orchid Judge in the Chicago Judging Center and where she serves as Treasurer. She is also Secretary of the MidAmerica Orchid Congress also serving on the Education Committee where she helps coordinate the many webinars that the AOS presents. She is a member of the Batavia Orchid Society, Batavia, Illinois and has been its president for three terms.

Cheryl loves speaking to various groups about growing orchids and the value it brings to our lives.  She is semi-retired, a member of the Three Rivers Women’s Club and the Club of Little Gardens, both non-profit organizations dedicated to community outreach and service as well as donate time to the Food Pantry of Three Rivers. She is also the choir director for our small local Latvian choir, which performs extensively in the Midwest as well as a member and soloist of the church choir.

 

SFOS Annual Holiday Party

This year we will be holding our annual Holiday Party at the Montgomery Botanical Center in Coral Gables, FL.

Details are still being worked out but this is sure to be an amazing party.

Get ready for a magical evening at this beautiful location, surrounded by lush greenery, a welcoming room that opens onto the gardens, and even golf cart rides to whisk you in (or a lovely stroll if you would rather walk). We will have delicious food, laughter, and orchids everywhere. What a perfect way to wrap up the year together. We will have much more information at the October Members Meeting and in next months newsletter!

 

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