Carlos Lopez will speak on Habenaria orchids.
It is time to take a break from politics and the numerous propositions that are going to be on the California ballot and enjoy beauty.
The Malibu Orchid Society, a volunteer, nonprofit formed in 1963, monthly hosts speakers. Carlos Lopez will speak on “Habenaria Orchids and Their Relatives” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, in the Community Methodist Church, Hart Lounge, 801 Via de la Paz.
Lopez, who is a fascinating speaker, makes his talks accessible to even novice growers.
When he saw his first Habenaria, he was intrigued and wondered if he could grow it. He has now become an expert on these flowers that are also called rein orchids or bog orchids and will share his tips for growing them.
A business student at Mira Costa College, Lopez has been growing orchids for over 15 years. There are about 880 species of this orchid and they are native to every continent, except Antarctica, and grow in both tropical and subtropical zones.
These orchids are typically deciduous and go through a growth phase and a dormancy phase. In the fall the plants die back.
Carlos became interested in orchids when he was 13 and followed his father to work at Sunset Valley Orchids (SVO). Before he knew it, he was volunteering at the nursery and helped by doing small tasks. He eventually began to become more involved in the nursery’s operations and maintenance and started to take part in attending orchid shows and selling orchids at the SVO booths.
He has now been promoted as Manager of Sunset Valley Orchids Greenhouse and has years of experience with Cattleya, Catasetum, Australian Dendrobiums and Sarcochilus.
Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend. For more information about the Malibu Orchid Society click here.
Learn how to grow these orchids at the Malibu Orchid Society meeting on Tuesday.