Next Meeting: Friday November 13, 2026. 6:30 setup. Meeting starts at 7:00.
Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
November Program: Javier Perez will be presenting his talk, "Understanding & Managing Fungal Infections". With Winter fast approaching this is a relevant talk for any grower!
About Javier…
Javier’s fascination with orchids began more than 50 years ago, when he was given several large Cattleya gaskelliana plants that had fallen from trees during a major storm. As his curiosity grew, so did his collection. After tropical storms, he and his friends would search the forests for fallen orchids that could be rescued and cultivated, deepening his appreciation for the plants and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Over the years, Javier has grown orchids in settings ranging from open-air gardens and greenhouses to shelves beneath grow lights and sunny windowsills. His passion for plants also shaped his education in botany, tropical forestry, and ecosystem ecology, taking him to many regions of the world to work in environmental science research and tropical ecology. His studies and field experience have helped him understand how factors such as light, temperature, moisture, and habitat interrelate and shape orchid growth.
After moving to the Bay Area 26 years ago, Javier joined several orchid societies to learn how to grow orchids in our new set of climatic conditions. Through meetings, talks, shows, and conversations with fellow members, he discovered how he had to grow orchids suited to the region’s circumstances. Those exchanges became the most important part of his ongoing education. A reminder that growing orchids is as much about sharing knowledge as it is about caring for plants.
Javier continues to experiment with potting methods, growing media, and settings to help each plant thrive. For the last years, he has specialized in warm-growing orchids, along with bromeliads and succulents that flourish outdoors in the Bay Area. His love of gardening reflects a lasting connection to plants and their diverse ecosystems, as well as a commitment to cultivating beautiful, healthy plants.
Meetings:
Meetings are held the second Friday of every month at the Live Oak Grange Hall, 1900 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
Guests are welcome to attend.
Meetings include:
A speaker presentation or panel discussion by an orchid expert(s)
A show & tell table of blooming plants brought in by members who gladly share information on how they grow them.
Chance to win an orchid from the opportunity table.
Light refreshments.