April 7 - Bifoliate Cattleya Hybrids
Ben Oliveros, Orchid Eros
In 2025, Ben talked to us about the different bifoliate cattleya species, those beautiful cattleyas that bloom in the spring through fall with clusters of flowers. This year, he is returning to talk about the some of the different bifoliate hybrids, many of which are the result of his toothpick. His primary goal is to advance the breeding of species and hybrids in the Cattleya alliance.
Ben Oliveros is the owner of Orchid Eros, a mail order orchid nursery located on the slopes of Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. He specializes in quality, not quantity, growing and breeding award quality Cattleya species and hybrids. Ben is an AOS judge who has judged in many regions as well as internationally at the World Orchid Conference and the Tokyo Dome orchid show. Even if you’re not looking for AOS awards, you can learn a lot from this expert grower about how to grow your orchids to be the best that they can be.
When: April 7, 6:30 to 9 pm
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church
Drive around to the back entrance
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
SAOS News and Activities
Questions? Call or text Sue at 904-501-0805 or email staugorchidsociety@gmail.com.Click to join the St. Aug Orchid Society.
If you want to share images of your beauties in bloom for next month, send high res pics by the 23rd to staugorchidsociety@gmail.com
May 2 Repotting Clinic. Need help with your orchids? The first Saturday of the month from 10 am til noon, February through October, St. Augustine Orchid Society members are available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids at the Southeast Branch Library.
Where: Southeast Branch Library
6670 US 1 N, St Aug 32086
When: Saturday, May 2, 10 am - noon
Monthly Meetings
Photo of the Month. Our March selection is Blc. (syn. Rlc.) Luscious Blush, hybridized, grown and photographed by Courtney Hackney. This is a hybrid between the standard cattleya Rlc. Volcano Star and the anceps hybrid Lc. Higher Ground creating a beautiful semialba.Monthly Meetings. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. The meeting begins at 6:30 with a plant sale followed by a review of the show table plants and presentation by an orchid expert. The meeting closes with a plant raffle where members can expand their collections. It's fun and informative for growers of all levels. Join us, visitors and guests are always welcome!
Where: Memorial Lutheran Church
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
When: First Tuesday of Month, 6:30 til 9 pm
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Cultural Tips for Orchid Growers
Bob Scully's Month by Month Orchid Growing:
April in St. Augustine. This is one of the most exciting months of the year, filled with an abundance of flower spikes emerging. It's the beginning of the long growing season... read moreDr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
ABCs of Watering. The most frequent question asked is how often should I water my Orchid? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Most novice growers want to be told... read moreDeflasking. Every January the mail brings beautiful seed catalogs to help us get through the winter. The Orchidist’s equivalent is buying community pots or flasks. Many books... read more
Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. After an exceptionally wet start, October has come to an exceptionally dry conclusion. This is blessed relief for our orchids from disease pressure after... read moreOrchids in April. Far from the cruelest, April is the kindest month to South Florida orchid growers. The weather in April is definitely settled into warm, even deliciously hot... read more
Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
Spring into Action. The dull, gray, cold days of winter are behind us. It’s warm, it’s bright and new green orchid root tips are growing. It’s time for you to spring into action!... read moreSpring Migration. Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this year, so we hoped for an early spring. If you have ever brought out your plants too early thinking spring has sprung... read more
Culture Article by Eric Milstrey
Make Your Own Wooden Baskets. This cutting guide is designed for most orchid basket needs, with a basket depth of about three inches. Some may wish for deeper baskets... read moreJoin or Renew Your Membership
The St. Augustine Orchid Society is a dynamic group of orchid growers having all levels of experience, from those who just brought their first orchid home to those with overflowing greenhouses. All members have one thing in common. We love to share our experiences, our knowledge and our orchid divisions with other orchid growers. Come to one of our meetings so we can get to know each other. If you would like to join, you can complete this interactive form.Join the Club or Pay Your Dues
The dues are $20 for an individual or $30 for a family if paid by Zelle (904-501-0805), Venmo (to St. Augustine Orchid Society under charities) or check (mail c/o Linda Stewart, 1812 Diana Drive, Palatka 32177). For an extra dollar use the PayPal links below.Individual Membership
Family Membership
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Donate to the Nonprofit SAOS
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