Category: Orchid Culture

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – January 14, 2026, 7:30 pm. 

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“Oncidium Intergeneric Orchids – A Survey”

This Month’s Meeting: 
“Oncidium Intergeneric Orchids – A Survey” is presented by Arthur Pinkers

Our January 2026 meeting will be an in-person presentation by AOS Judge Arthur Pinkers on oncidium intergeneric orchid hybrids.  Intergeneric hybrids are crosses of plants of differing genera.  Warm growing intergeneric oncidiums are very popular because of their beauty and ease of culture.  Arthur’s presentation discusses the relationship between warm growing genera of this group and their hybrids.

Oncidiopsis Bizarro ‘Sun Downers’, AM/AOS 86 pts

2026 Membership Dues
Annual membership fee is $40 for individuals, $50 per household.  Due in January, pay no later than March.  See Treasurer Angela Watt during the meeting.

Are you interested in being more involved with OSSB? 
We are seeking candidates for President and Vice President (includes Program Chair).  Please contact PJ Sanderson for more details:  pj-sb@hotmail.com or see her at the meeting.

Meeting refreshments
Remember to sign up to bring in light refreshments and beverages to each monthly meeting.  Please see Hospitality Chair, Richard Hughes during the meetings.

Location Reminder
We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except March and August. 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn with a flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.

OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events
January 17, 2026, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Slipper Orchid Symposium & 70th Paphiopedilum Guild Meeting.
Hosted by the Orchid Digest and The Huntington and held at the Huntington in San Marino.  Speakers, Vendors, Silent Auction Book Sales.  More information and registration:   orchiddigest.com
March 20-23, 2026, Santa Barbara International Orchid Show ‘Orchid Escape’.
Held at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara.  Display setup on 18 March (Wed) and Orchid Judging on 19 March (Thurs).  More information and registration:  sborchidshow.com

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – November 12, 2025, 7:30 pm “Growing Specimen Plants” by Sandra Svoboda

Posted on by moflo

This Month’s Meeting: 
“Growing Specimen Plants by Sandra Svoboda”

Our November Orchid Society of Santa Barbara meeting will be an in-person presentation by our own Sandra Svoboda of her American Orchid Society (AOS) Webinar, originally broadcast on September 23, 2025.  Sandra is an AOS Past President and AOS Judge.

Sandra will explore the latest AOS awards for culture, the CCE (Certificate of Cultural Excellence), and present orchid plants that earned this highest honor for their grower/owner. She will also give us tips on how to cultivate orchids to specimen size.

CCEs are awarded to the exhibitor of a well-flowered specimen plant of robust health. The plant must have been in the care of the exhibitor at least 12 months immediately prior to the award and must score at least 90 points on a 100-point scale for culture. Growers receiving this award represent the highest level of orchid culture.

Location Reminder
We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, except March and August. 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn with a flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available. 
Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.
OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events

Nov 8, Sat, 10:30-7:00:  2025 Cattleya Orchid Symposium in San Marino, CA. 
The Huntington and Orchid Digest present the inaugural 2025 Cattleya Orchid Symposium.  Lectures by experts, orchid sales, happy hour with an auction and dinner.  Registration deadline is Oct 31 to receive the member rate of $99 for in-person registration, $59 for additional guest dinners, $40 for virtual presentations. Full details and online registration:  2025 Cattleya Symposium

Nov 7, 8, 9, Fri-Sun:  Santa Barbara Nursery Fall Open Houses – Look for Laelia anceps and more

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate, 1250 Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara CA
Open Fri 8-3, Sat 8-3, Sun 9-3
Website:  SBOE

Cal-Orchid, 1251 Orchid Drive, Santa Barbara CA
Open Fri 9-4, Sat 9-4, Sun 9-4
Website:  Cal-Orchid

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – September 10, 2025, 7:30 pm. “Growing Orchids Indoors and in Terrariums” with Chris Satch.

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Our September meeting will be an AOS webinar on growing orchids indoors and in terrariums that was originally presented on April 16, 2025.

Location Reminder

We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday.  Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn/flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – June 11, 2025, 7:30 pm, Orchid Repotting Demo

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Our June meeting will be a live demonstration of orchid repotting by Phil Watt (and others)

“Orchid Repotting Demo“

Regular repotting of your orchids gives them the boost they need to continue to grow and bloom.  Over time, potting media breaks down and roots can become root-bound or die.  Repotting allows fertilizer and oxygen to reach the roots and prevent root rot and disease.

OSSB member Phil Watt is an orchid expert with decades of experience growing and repotting orchids.  He has spoken to thousands of people during his demonstrations and talks during the annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.  Phil will share his tips and tricks to help you successfully repot your orchids at home.

Location Reminder

At Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (except March and August). 
Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn/flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available. 
Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging (7:00 pm) in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room.

Upcoming Orchid Events

July Meeting:  At Maravilla on July 9.  Details TBD.
July Orchid Sales at Nurseries:  Santa Barbara Orchid Estate https://www.sborchid.com/ open July 18, 19, and 20, Cal-Orchid https://www.calorchid.com/ open July 18 and 19 only (closed Sunday July 20).
August Potluck:  Summer Potluck Picnic and Silent Auction on a Saturday or Sunday.  Details TBD.
September Meeting:  At Maravilla on September 10.  Details TBD.

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – May 14, 2025, 7:30 pm

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“Fragrant Orchids”

Our May meeting will be a live presentation by T.J. Hartung on fragrant orchids.

Maxillaria tenuifolia

Fragrant Orchids by T.J. Hartung

What is your favorite scented orchid?  Join us to learn more about this alluring aspect of orchids.

T.J. is a retired computer systems specialist and systems analyst. He designed computers and wrote computer software to manage hotels. His love for orchids began when he lived in Southern California and started growing Cymbidiums in his yard. For quite a few years, every secretary in the company where he worked received, anonymously, a Cymbidium blossom on Valentine’s Day.

Since retiring to Mexico, he has been rescuing orchids from downed trees and broken limbs before they are eaten by animals or washed down the streams and rivers into the sea. Much of what he knows about orchids he has learned in the laboratory of the great outdoors. The rest comes from online research and numerous books on the subject.  He is on the board of directors of the Vallarta Botanical Garden. In recent years he has given talks to orchid societies in the US, Canada, England and Scotland. He became a Mexican citizen about 20 years ago.

Information

2025 Membership Dues Reminder: Annual membership fee is $40 for individuals, $50 per household.  Due in January, pay no later than March.  See Angela Watt during the meeting.

Location Reminder: We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday.  Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn/flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room. OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Upcoming Orchid Events: The annual local summer orchid sale weekend will be July 18, 19 and 20.

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – February 12, 2025, 7:30 pm

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“Coelogyne, My First Love”

Our February meeting will be a live presentation by AOS Judge and award photographer Arthur Pinkers on the genus Coelogyne.

Speaker

“Coelogyne, My First Love” by Arthur Pinkers

There is a long association between romance and flowers, especially orchids.  Our speaker Arthur Pinkers will share his experiences with these natives of southeast Asia and their gorgeous flowers.  The genus Coelogyne is very diverse, and Arthur will explore some of the warm and cool growing species, their culture and some of the hybrids that are commonly available.  These wonderful plants can provide very showy specimens on relatively small plants and should be a part of everyone’s collection.

Arthur Pinkers has been an orchid enthusiast since he was sixteen and now has more than forty years of growing experience. He grew up in the Seattle area and graduated from Washington University Bellingham where he studied Chemistry and Biology.  Arthur is an AOS judge and has served as an officer for many orchid societies and is one of the photographers for the Pacific South Judging Center. Though he has an interest in a wide variety of orchids, botanicals are a special draw to him for their diversity and charm. 

2025 Membership Dues

Annual membership fee is $40 for individuals, $50 per household.  Due in January, pay no later than March.  See Angela Watt during the meeting.

Location Reminder

We are now meeting at Maravilla on the 2nd Wednesday.  Directions:  From Calle Real, enter Maravilla and bear left.  On the right is a lawn with a flagpole.  The meeting rooms are to the left of the lawn/flagpole.  To park, continue to drive around a loop that will lead you to the parking lot.  Additional parking is available to the right as you drive in, any parking space without a number is available.  Meeting Rooms:  AOS Judging in the Galleria Room, Orchid Society in the Valencia Room. OSSB on the web:  Orchid Society of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara 77th International Orchid Show “Exotic Gardens”

Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara CA.  Open to the Public:  7-9 March, 9 am to 5 pm

You are invited to participate in Ribbon Judging:  6 March, starts at 9 am. Ribbon judges work in small teams awarding ribbons to orchids entered for judging at the show.  At the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show, the ribbon judging focus is on education and fun!  There are so many reasons you should participate, even if you are brand new to orchids!

No experience is necessary!  Your will work with a small group of hobbyists led by an American Orchid Society (AOS) Accredited Judge who will teach you all that you need to know to vote for the best orchids.  Beginners and novices are totally welcome and strongly encouraged to join! 

You will learn so much about orchids!  Your AOS judge will teach you all about the qualities of all the orchids your team evaluates and answer all your questions.  The judging team process is very interactive, and you are encouraged to participate fully.  However, if you are more comfortable observing quietly, that is fine too. 

You will see the orchids and displays in prime condition and without crowds.  The orchid show is not open to the public on judging day.  You will see the plants and displays at their freshest and very best.

Lunch is available for ribbon judges.  The Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is sponsoring these events for ribbon judges in order to support both experienced hobbyists and welcome novices to the world of orchids.  However, you must register in advance at: https://sborchidshow.com/register-to-judge/  If you register BEFORE WEDNESDAY, FEBRURY 19, you can purchase lunch there for $10.

You will meet new people.  Ribbon judges work together in small groups.  Take time to talk with your teammates and meet people from other areas and orchid societies.  It is easy to make new friends who share your orchid passion.

You will have fun!  What could possibly be better than a whole morning of orchids with kindred “orchidaholics” in beautiful Santa Barbara?   

Remember to register in advance at https://sborchidshow.com/register-to-judge/

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara Meeting – November 13, 2024, 7:30 pm

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Phalaenopsis:  From Soup to Nuts

American Orchid Society Webinar by David Edgley – recorded February 7, 2024

We will join Accredited Judge and Chair of the AOS Judging Committee, David Edgley, for a wonderful panorama of Phalaenopsis breeding and the culture needed to grow these delightful orchids.

Phalaenopsis hybrids, also known as moth orchids, are the most popular orchids available commercially today.  In nature the species range from Sri Lanka and southern India to New Guinea and northeast Australia, extending as far north as southern China, and are especially rich in the Philippines and Borneo.  Most are found in hot, steamy lowlands and a few have adapted to higher altitudes with cooler climates.  Habitats are usually moist and humid year-round under dense- to partial-shade near streams in rain forests.  Lacking storage organs, most do not survive in seasonal climates.  They grow as epiphytes or occasionally lithophytes.  Their large and colorful flowers have been extensively bred to produce the hybrids we see today.  Breeders select for superior size, color, form and lasting qualities.  The best performers are mass-produced via tissue culture in areas with optimal labor costs and growing facilities, then shipped around the world.  In cultivation, Phalaenopsis require warm conditions year-round and slightly higher light levels than species in nature to produce better flowering.  Potting medium should retain some moisture between waterings without becoming soggy. 

Orchid Society of Santa Barbara – September 11, 2024 Meeting, 7:30 pm (New meeting location)

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Our speaker on September 11th will be Sandra Tillisch Svoboda!

Sandra Tillisch Svoboda: “Those Amazing Masdevallias”

About the Speaker:
Growing up in Minnesota, Sandra’s only exposure to orchids was that prom corsage. She began her orchid life as a pot washer for her late husband Al and became fascinated with the history of her husband’s complex paph collection, which included many oldies like Paph. F. C. Puddle. Al’s knowledge, love, and enthusiasm for orchids were contagious. When they built a second greenhouse, Sandra decided it would be hers, and that was when orchids became an important part of her life. Sandra is editor-in-chief of the Orchid Digest. She has served as president of the American Orchid Society, World Orchid Conference Trust, Cymbidium Society of America, and the Orchid Digest. Locally, she was president of the Orchid Society of Santa Barbara and the local branch of the Cymbidium Society. Sandra served on the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show board and, for several years, was the show manager of this prestigious show, one of the largest in the nation. Sandra is a senior accredited judge in the American Orchid Society. Besides the plants themselves and the never-ending opportunity to learn about them, Sandra loves being involved in the orchid world because it offers an opportunity to travel, meet, and work with many amazing and fascinating people.

Program:  “Those Amazing Masdevallias”
Sandra will share the diversity of the flowers of the species of the amazing genus, Masdevallia. The talk will include general culture information for each species, AOS award information, and where species is found in its native habitat.

Important Announcement – NEW meeting location starting September 2024

Address
Maravilla Senior Living Community
5500 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Parking
Main lot (to the left as you enter the property).  For additional parking, as you enter turn right, then the first left.  Any parking space without a number is available.

Meeting Rooms
AOS Judging:  Galleria Room
Orchid Society Meeting:  Valencia Room
The judging and meeting rooms are next to each other. The Club House is straight ahead as you enter the property, and there is a putting green to the left of the Club House. The closest entrance to the rooms is to the left as you face the putting green. I will see if there is a way to put up a sign. If you go through the main entrance, you must sign in and get a pass.

Santa Barbara Summer Orchid Weekend – July 19-21, 2024

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The best of summer blooming orchids!

Visit our local orchid nurseries located at 1250 (SBOE) and 1251 (Cal-Orchid) Orchid Drive in Santa Barbara!

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate Summer Open House

The colorful Cattleyas from southern Brazil should be putting on a quite a colorful display.  Some Encyclias and Renantheras may still be in bloom.
Friday July 19, 2024, 8am-4pm
Saturday July 20, 2024, 8am-4pm
Sunday July 21, 2024, 9am-3pm

Cal-Orchid Summer Hummer Sale

Everyone looks forward to a party, WITH ORCHIDS, and we kick off summer with a doozie. Cal-Orchid has been madly potting all spring in preparation for summer growth and the sale.

Our foreign vendors look forward to a Santa Barbara weekend.
TOKYO ORCHID NURSERY This is a very unique chance to explore a collection of world class paphs and cattleya species. Don’t miss out.
SUWADA ORCHIDS Munekazu Ejiri has been a friend of ours for decades. He is perhaps the best breeder of Cattleyas in the world today and the President of the very prestigious Japan Orchid Growers Association. His catalogue is an invaluable tool for shopping.
AFRI ORCHIDS Lourens will join us from South Africa. We are so proud of how he and his wife, Jolisa, have built a solid nursery and worldwide following. Don’t miss this opportunity to find something truly special, shipped all the way from South Africa. That is an accomplishment in its own right!!

2024 Fūkiran Exhibition and Judging

The Fūkiran SOA is pleased to announce the 14th annual Fūkiran Exhibition and Judging to be held on Saturday, July 20th at Cal-Orchid. There will be many plants entered for judging, including both flowering and non-flowering plants. Five top Fūkiran will be awarded trophies. There will also be the Negi Trophy. This year the award will be presented by Negi san himself!!  He will be attending the show for the first time, coming from Japan.
Along with judging there will be several lectures on Fūkiran. Vendors will have many wonderful Fūkiran for sale!
The event will run from 11am to 1:30pm, with judging at 1:30pm.
10:30-11am Entries for judging should be registered at the registration desk
11am Lecture 1
12pm Lecture 2
1-1:15pm Judging begins
1:15-1:30pm Judging results