Co-Presidents’ Letter

October 2026

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Suddenly, at the end of September, it feels like it's possible to be outside without breaking a sweat. The hummingbirds and goldfinches who delighted me all summer have disappeared.

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Your orchids are also aware of a change—cooler nights, shorter days will trigger them to slow down on vegetative growth, and focus on creating flower buds, either this winter or spring. A little chill, especially followed by a warmish day, is perfect for this scenario. Just be very aware, if your collection is outdoors, who enjoys a nip in the air and who might resent it terribly. These days, temperature tolerances of various orchids are easily researched on the internet. St Augustine Orchid Society’s website has wonderfully detailed articles available for free. It very helpfully divides the dendrobium family into their individual tolerances.
   

Our next meeting will be October 18, and our speaker will be an old friend of our society, Edgar Stehli of Windswept in Time Orchids. His topic will be 'The Business of Orchids'.

 

Even if you have no ambitions to be a professional orchid grower, it might give us an appreciation for what it takes to raise these plants for sale. He will have plants for sale, so no member sales will be permitted.

 

Please consider becoming an active member of the OSWP. We are desperate for Show Managers. If you are a lone wolf type, you could do it yourself, but, speaking from personal experience, it is much easier to team up with a compatible team and share the job. However you choose to do it, there is a lot of framework in place, and former Show Managers are available for coaching and support. 

 

Be well, keep an eye on the forecast, and see you in October.

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Sheila Nathanson & Mike Lysy