SFOS August 2026 Members Meeting

 Monthly Meetings
Aug 162026
 

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

 

Martin A. Rivas, Ph.D.

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!

SFOS July 2026 Members Meeting

 Monthly Meetings
Jul 112026
 

“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

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!

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!

 

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
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