The Brevard County Orchid Society

The Brevard County Orchid Society The Brevard County Orchid Society aims to increase public interest and knowledge in growing orchids. Join us!

Membership meets at 7:00PM, monthly every 2nd Monday at the Space Coast Association of Realtors, 2950 Pineda Plaza Way, Melbourne, FL 32940.

Brassavola cucullata Sib - a beautiful and fragrant orchid
06/16/2026

Brassavola cucullata Sib - a beautiful and fragrant orchid


Sometimes little mistakes lead to interesting discoveries… and today was exactly one of those moments 😊In our earlier po...
06/15/2026

Sometimes little mistakes lead to interesting discoveries… and today was exactly one of those moments 😊
In our earlier post, Epidendrum radicans magically turned into Epidendrum radicantem (thank you to Jim Roberts who caught that! 🙌). Of course, …now we had to know: where did that extra “-tem” even come from?

🌿 A quick (and actually fascinating!) word dive:
“Radicans” comes from Latin and means “taking root” or “having rooting stems.”
It’s derived from ‘radix’, meaning ‘root.’
The word ‘radicantem’ is a form meaning “bringing forth roots.”
So Epidendrum radicans is very appropriately named — it literally describes what it does best: producing roots all along its stems and happily spreading wherever it can!

We apologize for the typo — and thank you again for keeping us on our toes
(And yes… autocorrect has officially been downgraded from “expert” to “assistant in training” 📱🌿)

Let’s continue growing our orchids—and our knowledge—together.

One of the terrestrial orchids, Epidendrum radicans, is what I like to call simple beauty.Its flowers may not be large o...
06/15/2026

One of the terrestrial orchids, Epidendrum radicans, is what I like to call simple beauty.

Its flowers may not be large or flashy, but they have a delicate charm that is hard to overlook. What I especially love about this orchid is the colorful display it creates when several plants are grown together in a single pot. As they bloom, the cheerful flowers form a vibrant bouquet of color that can brighten any garden or growing area.


The Brevard County Orchid Society

A beautiful specimen of Encyclia tampensis var. alba was presented by one of our members at our June meeting The B...
06/14/2026

A beautiful specimen of Encyclia tampensis var. alba was presented by one of our members at our June meeting


The Brevard County Orchid Society

06/14/2026

Orchids from Seed to Flowers: isn't it magical

06/13/2026

Orchids Speak Without Words:

The Meaning of White Orchids

We all know that orchids make the perfect gift. Their beauty, elegance, and long-lasting blooms make them a wonderful way to celebrate life's special moments. But did you know that the color of an orchid can carry a special message?

Let's begin a journey through orchid colors and discover what they symbolize. First, let's talk about one of the most timeless and beloved colors—white.

🤍 White orchids symbolize purity, innocence, elegance, respect, and sincerity. They are often associated with new beginnings, making them a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations.

A white orchid can also express admiration and deep respect. Sometimes, when words are difficult to find, a white orchid quietly conveys feelings of appreciation, sympathy, hope, or heartfelt gratitude.

In many cultures, white flowers represent peace and spiritual growth. Their simple beauty reminds us that true elegance does not need to be loud or extravagant.

Whether you are giving a white orchid to a loved one, a friend, a colleague, or simply adding one to your own collection, it carries a message of grace, kindness, and genuine affection.

🌸 Have you ever given or received a white orchid? What message did it convey to you?

Stay tuned as we continue exploring the fascinating meanings behind other orchid colors and discover how orchids can tell an entire story without a single word.

Aphids are one of the most common pests orchid growers encounter. While small, they can quickly become a serious problem...
06/12/2026

Aphids are one of the most common pests orchid growers encounter. While small, they can quickly become a serious problem if left unchecked. Understanding how they behave is the key to protecting your plants.

🔍 How Aphids Look
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects, usually green, but they can also appear black, yellow, brown, or even pink. They are pear-shaped with long antennae, and some may develop wings when populations grow.

📍 Where to Find Them
Aphids prefer tender new growth. Check flower spikes, buds, young leaves, and the undersides of foliage. They often cluster in groups and are easy to spot once you know where to look.

🔄 How They Spread
Aphids reproduce very quickly—often without mating—and populations can explode in a short time. They spread by crawling, flying (winged forms), or hitchhiking on new plants, tools, or even clothing.

⚠️ What Damage They Cause
Aphids feed by sucking plant sap, which weakens orchids. This can lead to distorted growth, deformed buds, and reduced flowering. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and lead to sooty mold.

🌱 What Encourages Infestation
Poor air circulation and bringing in new, untreated plants are common causes of infestations.

🛡️ How to Prevent Aphids
Inspect new plants carefully before introducing them
Maintain good air circulation
Avoid excessive fertilizing
Regularly check your orchids, especially new growth

🧼 How to Get Rid of Aphids
Rinse plants with a gentle stream of water to remove them
Wipe affected areas with a soft cloth or cotton swab
Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil for heavier infestations
Repeat treatments as needed to break their life cycle

Consistent monitoring is your best defense. Catching aphids early makes them much easier to control—and keeps your orchids healthy and thriving!

Sources: American Orchid Society & St. Augustine Orchid Society

Gomesa Jiaho Queen ‘Jia Ho’ FCC/AOS — a truly eye-catching orchid presented by one of our members at our June meeting. ...
06/11/2026

Gomesa Jiaho Queen ‘Jia Ho’ FCC/AOS — a truly eye-catching orchid presented by one of our members at our June meeting.


Brevard County Orchid Society

What a wonderful evening at the Brevard County Orchid Society’s June meeting! We had the pleasure of learning from Court...
06/10/2026

What a wonderful evening at the Brevard County Orchid Society’s June meeting!
We had the pleasure of learning from Courtney Mace, who gave an inspiring and practical presentation on growing orchids right here in Florida landscapes. From mounting orchids on trees to selecting varieties that thrive outdoors, Courtney shared valuable tips that make it easier to bring orchids out of the pots and into our gardens.

It was exciting to see how orchids can be incorporated naturally into Florida yards, creating beautiful, low-maintenance displays that truly reflect their native growing habits.

A big thank you to Courtney for sharing her knowledge and passion, and to everyone who joined us for another great meeting. We love seeing our orchid community continue to grow!

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Melbourne, FL

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