Northeastern Wisconsin Orchid Society

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Today marks the last day of The Native Orchid Conference, Inc.'s Symposium here in Wisconsin! Three of our club members attended the event, which was two days of lectures by local experts and two days of hiking in and around The Ridges Sanctuary, Inc. in Door County.

Stay tuned in the next couple of days for photos of the orchids spotted and summaries of the captivating presentations!

06/10/2026

Another public service announcement … inexpensive plastic flower pot cones are a great way to convert a standard clay pot with a single drainage hole into an orchid pot! They come in different sizes and can be cut easily for custom fit. Orchid roots want both water & air!

06/09/2026

Orchid Today Series. Beginner friendly!

We will be posting a new orchid and briefly identifying its particular growing habits and physical characteristics. If you have a specific species or hybrid you're curious about, please inquire in the comments, and we will try our best to touch base on it.

Today, we have the Bulbophyllum (bulb-oh-FILL-um) alliance. There are at least 2200 species in over 101 sections. That’s more species than any other alliance. Their native range is huge and includes sections of Africa, Pacific islands, Southeast Asia, and even South America. Most Bulbophyllum flower from nodes at the base of the pseudobulb, while a select category bloom from the rhizome. Their diversity truly is endless. As epiphytes, these orchids do well in shallow baskets or mounted on bark or Treefern. Bulbos require extremely high amounts of water and humidity. They are a favorite among people who grow under lights and in tents or Orchidariums. Good airflow is a must and moderate light (very bright indirect) is recommended. A vigorously growing Bulbo will soon delight you with incredibly interesting blooms. Buyer beware, some of these flowers may not be as wonderfully smelling as they look. 👃 For specific culture recommendations, we suggest you look up your particular species or hybrid, and its specific growing needs, as no two Bulbo species are alike. 

If you have a Bulbophyllum type orchid in bloom, please post your pics of it in the comments. We’d love to see it!
Here is an example our member Jenny currently has in bloom in her grow tent. And Leslie has growing in her greenhouse.

06/08/2026

Orchid Today Series. Beginner friendly!

We will be posting a new orchid genus and identifying its particular growing habits and physical characteristics. If you have a specific species or hybrid you're curious about, please inquire in the comments, and we will try our best to touch base on it.

Today, we have the Phragmipedium (frag-meh-PEE-dee-um) alliance. This genus is a subtribe of Cypripedioideae (lady slippers) Phragmipedium are a genus of 15 species ranging from southern Mexico to Bolivia and Trinidad. They grow as terrestrials and lithophytes, rarely epiphytes, lacking pseudobulbs, producing fan-shaped growths. Inflorescences are erect with flowers borne simultaneously or sequentially one-flowered. The plants will take nearly full light provided that reasonable leaf temperatures can be maintained. Do not allow the roots to dry out at any time. Pay attention to the root system to not get heated and your water quality should be pure; as salts are not generally tolerated. Frequently flush pots and change your water trays. Ensure repotting is done yearly in a coarse moisture retaining mix. Once the plant needs are met, blooming can take place several times per year. Growing Phragmipedium orchids is very rewarding and the flowers are quite magnificent.

If you have a Phragmipedium species or hybrid in bloom, please post your pics of it in the comments. We’d love to see it!
Phragmipedium are Leslie’s favorite orchid to grow! Here are examples she currently has in bloom in her greenhouse.

06/06/2026

Orchid Today Series. Beginner friendly!

We will be posting a new orchid and identifying its particular growing habits and physical characteristics. If you have a specific species or hybrid you're curious about, please inquire in the comments, and we will try our best to touch base on it.

Today, we have the Miltoniopsis (mil-toh-nee-OP-sis) genus. Commonly referred to as the pansy orchid. This genus is a subtribe of  Oncidiinae and closely related to Miltonia, differing by having several leaves to each pseudobulb and not being as warm tolerant. Miltoniopsis are found from Central to South America.
Miltoniopsis closely resemble Oncidiums in growth and development, but their ease of care is not quite as forgiving, and are known for being fussy. Provide plentiful water but never let the roots get soggy as root rot will set in quickly. Leaves that are crinkled or accordion like may suggest a root or watering problem. Miltoniopsis are not very heat tolerant and temperatures should remain below 80°F. They require high humidity of at least 70%. Light levels should be moderate and indirect for the plants to produce their large, beautiful blooms without being burned. Getting a Miltoniopsis to rebloom can be challenging. Once successful, the large colorful flowers may last 4-6 weeks.

If you have a Miltoniopsis type orchid in bloom, please post your pics of it in the comments. We’d love to see it!
Here is an example our member Leslie currently has in bloom in her greenhouse.

06/04/2026

Orchid Today Series. Beginner friendly!

We will be posting a new orchid and identifying its particular growing habits and physical characteristics. If you have a specific species or hybrid you're curious about, please inquire in the comments, and we will try our best to touch base on it.

Today, we have the Masdevallia (mas-deh-VAHL-lee-ah) genus.

Masdevallia are a large genus with over 650 different species grouped into several subgenre.  They are found from Mexico to southern Brazil, but mostly in higher elevations of the Andes mountains. Known for growing in cloud forest, they are found growing on trees as epiphytes or rocks as lithophytes. Masdevallia’s grow from a creeping rhizome, that extends to a leaf, without a pseudobulb.  Care must be taken to provide proper humidity, watering, cool temperatures at night, and air circulation, for these plants to thrive and bloom.  These plants will exhibit spotting and wrinkling, and shedding of the leaves during times of stress.  Masdevallias are miniatures, and if cared for properly, can be an exciting addition to your collection, since you can grow many of these in a small area. 

For in depth culture information review the AOS website. https://www.aos.org/orchid-care/care-sheets/masdevallia-culture-sheet

If you have a Masdevallia type orchid in bloom, please post your pics of it in the comments. We’d love to see it!
Here are some examples from members past and present.

06/02/2026

Batavia shared their tip on visual identification of a virused orchid. Stay updated on how to test and what this means for your collection. By attending orchid club meetings and presentations you can advance your growing knowledge and understanding of how to properly care for them and protect your investment.
Orchid repotting is the number one way to transfer diseases. But there are others.
~Here are a few ways to mitigate contamination.
Cleaning and sanitation of tools, pots, and work areas.
Drip line management.
Purchasing new plants from reputable vendors.
Controlling pests that can transfer disease.
Keep informed and remain diligent.

05/28/2026

Happy Thursday!
Hope to see you at the next meeting/Picnic. NEWOS Annual Picnic