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.

Dr. Juraj Kojš

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!

“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

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.