Demystifying AOS Awards! 🏆🌸

Dear SFOS Members and Orchid Friends,

Join us this Wednesday, November 18, 2026, for our regular monthly meeting at Pinecrest

Gardens as we pull back the curtain on one of the most fascinating—and often mysterious—parts of the orchid world: American Orchid Society (AOS) Judging!

Featured Program: Demystifying AOS Awards — Is My Orchid Worthy of an Award?

Speaker: Martín A. Rivas, Ph.D. (SFOS Program Director & AOS Student Judge)

Have you ever walked past the judging table at an orchid show and wondered why one stunning bloom walks away with an AM/AOS or FCC/AOS while another seemingly gorgeous plant doesn’t get pulled? Or looked at a blooming orchid on your own bench and wondered whether it has what it takes to earn an official AOS award?

In this lively, interactive session, we will break down how the AOS judging system actually works—from flower quality awards (HCC, AM, FCC) to cultural excellence (CCM, CCE) and botanical recognition. Even better: you will get to “play the judge!”

Using real-world examples and point scales, audience members will step into the shoes of an AOS judging team to evaluate blooms, debate form, color, and floriferousness, and score plants together before revealing the official results. Whether you are a seasoned exhibitor or simply curious about what judges look for when they inspect a flower, you’ll leave with a sharper eye for orchid quality and a clear understanding of how to prepare and present your own plants for consideration.

Meeting Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Time: Regular meeting schedule (mingling begin at 7:00 PM; program at 7:30 PM)

Location: Pinecrest Gardens (Hibiscus Room)

Bring Your Blooms: Don’t forget to bring your blooming plants for our monthly show table!

See you Wednesday night!

Warm regards,

South Florida Orchid Society

The Place to Be

The Art and Science of Orchid Exhibition & Spatial Design
Featured Speaker: Santiago Hernández

• Location: Pinecrest Gardens
• Doors Open & Plant Registration: 7:00 PM
• Meeting & Presentation: 8:00 PM

  

The South Florida Orchid Society is thrilled to welcome Santiago Hernández, an accomplished spatial designer, master exhibition builder, and orchid judge joining us to explore the intersection of
botanical artistry, staging architecture, and plant culture.

A native of Medellín, Colombia, Santiago holds a degree in Interior and Spatial Design from Colegiatura Colombiana. Growing orchids since the age of six, his childhood passion evolved directly into his design philosophy. Since 2011, he has served as a principal designer for Florecer (formerly Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores), Colombia’s iconic international orchid exhibition, conceptualizing and executing monumental multi-tiered installations. His exhibition staging work spans major shows across the United States, Colombia, and Africa, pioneering displays that elevate orchids beyond mere show plants into living elements of architectural spaces.

Alongside his design practice, Santiago is an Accredited Colombian Orchid Judge with the Colombian Orchidology Association and an Associate Judge with the American Orchid Society (AOS). His dual perspective as both an accredited judge and an interior architect informs his core philosophy: successful orchid displays must strike a seamless balance between dramatic aesthetics, spatial geometry, and the biological and environmental needs of each species.

Join us at Pinecrest Gardens for an inspiring evening as Santiago shares trade secrets on spatial composition, lighting, mechanics, and techniques for creating world-class exhibition displays that respect the natural habitat and beauty of our plants.

Martin A. Rivas, Ph.D.

Program Director
South Florida Orchid Society

Exploring Aerides and Rhynchostylis

Presented by Dr. Juraj Kojš

Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Doors Open & Plant Registration: 7:00 PM
Meeting & Presentation: 8:00 PM
Location: Pinecrest Gardens

The South Florida Orchid Society is excited to welcome back our good friend Dr. Juraj Kojš! After delivering a wonderful presentation to our society last September, Juraj returns this month to share his deep expertise on two of the most spectacular, fragrant genera in the Vanda alliance: Aerides and Rhynchostylis.

Famed for their magnificent, pendulous “fox-tail” inflorescences, rich color forms, and incredible fragrance, Aerides and Rhynchostylis are natural standouts for South Florida collections due to their love of heat and humidity. In this presentation, Juraj will break down key species within both genera, compare their growth patterns and cultural requirements, and share practical techniques to cultivate vigorous roots and award-winning displays.

About our Speaker

Dr. Juraj Kojš is an avid orchid collector, mentor, and Accredited American Orchid Society (AOS) Judge, having juried major exhibits in the US, Colombia, Taiwan, and Japan.

He is the past president of the Coalition for Orchid Species, and he conceived and chaired the first Orchids & Arts Festival at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden in 2024. Dr. Kojš is credited with over 70 AOS flower quality awards. He has published articles in the AOS Orchids magazine, while also delivering frequent presentations and hands-on workshops, including a recent speaking tour for the Hawaiian orchid societies.

His creative research links orchids and sound—he is the creator of Orchid DNA Music, and founder of the FETA Foundation for experimental and interdisciplinary arts. An Associate Professor of Professional Practice at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, Dr. Kojš integrates culture, science, and art to advance orchid appreciation, selection, and care. Learn more about his work at www.kojs.net and www.youreyeorchids.com.

Arrive early at 7:00 PM to submit your blooming plants for ribbon judging, browse the raffle table, and catch up with fellow members over refreshments!

Connect With Us on Our New Official Instagram!

The South Florida Orchid Society is excited to announce the launch of our brand-new official Instagram account: @thesouthfloridaorchidsociety!

After retiring our older, inactive account, the SFOS Board created this fresh page to keep our community connected and informed. Follow us to get real-time updates on monthly meetings, guest speakers, hands-on workshops, judging results, and upcoming orchid shows.

Be sure to give us a follow, share it with fellow orchid lovers, and tag @thesouthfloridaorchidsociety in your blooming plant photos so we can celebrate your successes together!

To Mount or Not to Mount?
The Art and Science of Mounting Orchids

Presented by Martin A. Rivas, Ph.D.

Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Tired of struggling with soggy potting mix during South Florida’s summer rainy season, or wondering if your favorite orchid would be happier growing on a slab? Join us this month for an interactive, practical workshop, exploring the ins and outs of mounting orchids.

Our speaker this month truly needs no introduction—it is our very own Program Director, Martin Rivas. A biologist by training, Martin is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology who brings both scientific rigor and a hands-on grower’s passion to the orchid world.

We will dive into:

• The Pros & Cons: Understanding the benefits of natural root aeration versus the demands of daily watering.
• Selection Criteria: Which genera thrive when mounted (and which ones you definitely want to keep in pots!).
• Mounting Materials: Comparing cork bark, hardwoods, driftwood, coconut fiber, and more.
• Live Hands-On Demonstration: Step-by-step techniques to properly orient, cushion, and securely fasten your plants for optimal root attachment.

Bonus: The plants mounted live during the demonstration will be placed directly into our Silent Auction at the end of the evening, giving you the chance to take home a newly mounted addition to your collection!

Come early at 7:00 PM to socialize, view the show table, and grab a great seat. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

“Cattleya Species of Venezuela and South America” Presented by 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

“What’s on the Tag?”

Decoding the Hidden Language of Orchids

Presented by 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!

Please note: There will be no SFOS Judging this month.

Judging will resume in July! 

We’ll also be recognizing our intrepid volunteers this month for their contributions to the South Florida Orchid Society!

And, we’ll be recognizing our members who have consistently presented the best Orchids for judging over the past year!

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

Olivier Turina

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

Dear SFOS members!

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.