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Thursdays, January 28, February 25, March 25, April 29 & May 27, 2027

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Non-Member: $200

Member: $160

Join us at McKee Botanical Garden for the 2027 Season Orchid Seminar: Demystifying the Art of Orchid Growing, an immersive five-part masterclass led by Luis M. Ortiz Jordan. Designed for orchid enthusiasts, growers, and botanical students, this series combines scientific knowledge with practical instruction and hands-on demonstrations to help you understand and successfully grow orchids.

Across five classes and more than 10 hours of instruction, participants will explore orchid biology, environmental requirements, potting techniques, genus-specific care, and pest and disease management. Whether you are refining your growing techniques or expanding your collection, this series will provide the knowledge and skills to cultivate orchids with confidence.

Course Schedule

Class 1: Orchid Biology, Anatomy, and Growth Habits
January 28, 2027

Discover the fascinating world of the Orchidaceae family, including orchid diversity, natural habitats, and the differences between epiphytic and terrestrial orchids. Explore orchid anatomy, specialized floral structures, and growth patterns, and learn how these characteristics influence proper care and cultivation.

Class 2: Environmental Parameters and Culture Fundamentals
February 25, 2027

Learn how light, temperature, humidity, water quality, and air circulation affect orchid health. Explore fertilization strategies, nutrient requirements, and techniques for identifying and correcting environmental stress.

Class 3: Potting, Media, and Mounting Workshop
March 25, 2027

Explore different potting media, containers, and mounting methods for orchids. Participants will observe a step-by-step repotting demonstration covering root care, sanitation, and plant preparation, followed by hands-on repotting practice.

Please note: This workshop will be divided into two groups, with half of the participants attending March 25 and the other half attending March 26.

Class 4: Survey of Popular Genera and Specific Care
April 29, 2027

Explore the unique growing requirements of popular orchid groups, including Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium, and Bulbophyllum. Learn how to adapt care practices to different genera and discover the characteristics of specialty and miniature orchids.

Class 5: Pest Management, Diseases, and Advanced Topics
May 27, 2027

Learn to identify and manage common orchid pests and diseases using prevention, sanitation, and integrated pest management strategies. The class will also introduce advanced topics such as encouraging blooms, hybridization, seed culture, and orchid showing and judging.

The series concludes with a comprehensive question-and-answer session and additional resources to support your continued orchid-growing journey.