Vern will talk about Laelia purpurata, one of the finest of all cultivated orchids. In addition to its large showy flowers, it has one of the widest ranges of color forms. There are probably more named clones of L. purpurata than any other Laelia or Cattleya species. This species is used extensively in hybridizing and Vern has amassed a nice collection of the species and hybrids. Vern will be sending us a list of all the plants he has available so you can preorder, as well as purchase others from his sales table. Vern operated the Palm Bay Orchid Range and has conducted programs for numerous orchid societies.
    Bring your flowering orchids to exhibit on the Show Table. We will have our normal raffle at the end of the meeting.

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 pm
Where:   Watson Realty, Conference Room by Back Parking Lot
3505 US 1 South, St. Augustine

We normally meet on the first Tuesday of each month. January and July meetings are often rescheduled to accommodate the holidays. The meeting begins 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!    
Here's a video of one of our meetings!

The first Saturday of the month from February through October, St. Augustine Orchid Society members will be available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids.    
Here's a video of a repotting clinic!

Date and Time:   Saturday, May 4, 9 am to noon
Where:   Ace Hardware on US 1 South
3050 US Highway 1 South, St. Augustine 32086

April 28 Keiki Club - Picnic and Orchids

  We’ll be enjoying barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs at our orchid picnic. Bring a side dish to round out the meal and your liquid libation of choice, and join in the fun.
  If you have extra divisions or a plant or two you want to share or sell, bring them and see what you might be able to get in trade. If you don't have plants to barter with, cash works. We may have a few plants to auction too!
  Please let Events Veep Dianne know if you plan on attending (436-5618) to ensure there is a hamburger and/or hot dog for you.

Where:   Memorial Lutheran Church
3375 US 1 South, St. Aug 32086
When: April 28, 4 - 6 pm

The mentoring program works in tandem with our Keiki Club, pairing our novice and/or new SAOS orchid growers with an experienced grower. This program allows our mentees to get one-on-one assistance and answers to their orchid growing questions. If you are interested in learning more, email Mentoring Coordinator Susan Smith.

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... read more

Dr. Courtney Hackney Tips, Redux:
Orchids in Spring. Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for orchid growers. Many genera are beginning their growth cycles with new leaves and roots... read more

Repotting Do's and Don'ts. If emails and casual conversations are any indication, repotting is traumatic for many orchid hobbyists. It is not surprising to most of us that have been doing this awhile, because it... read more

Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season. March weather has been as much a delight for our orchids as it has been for ourselves! With wide swings from day to night temperature... read more
Orchids 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... read more

Culture Article by Sue Bottom:
Soluble Salts. Good quality water is the “holy grail” for orchid growers. The better your water, the... read more
Plus articles on Rainwater Collection and Reverse Osmosis

St. Augustine Orchid Society Happenings:
Gail Marshall puts together the SAOS Happenings for all the orchid events around town... read SAOS Happenings

Fred Clarke sent us 20 plugs of this new hybrid, Ctsm. Portagee Star 'Brian Lawson's Sunrise' x Ctsm. lucis and they were distributed to raffle ticket winners at the January meeting. We are going to have prizes for the first one to bloom this hybrid, the one with the nicest flower, and the best grown one. Here's more information about the cross and how to grow catasetums.

In April: It seems like it is taking forever for that new growth to grow up. Never fear, once it hits its stride it will grow very rapidly indeed. Just be patient a little bit longer. Keep the plants warm and in bright light, but don't water until the roots are close to the bottom of the pot and the new leaves are 3 to 5 inches tall and unfurled.
Check out Fred's Spring Newsletter for some tips on when to start watering.