Encinitas, California www.andysorchids.com 888.514.2639 

We have proudly partnered with the world recognized orchid species specialist Andy’s Orchids, who has dedicated their entire business to preserving pure lines of orchid species in cultivation.  Every orchid purchased from them is an actual division, exact copy or self pollinated progeny of the actual species as would be found in nature.  Preserving pure copies of orchid species in the orchid hobby, also called ex-situ conservation (literally translated “off-site conservation”) insures that these species will be preserved for generations to come in the unfortunate circumstance that the last parts of their habitat are destroyed.  

Andy’s Orchids is a family-owned nursery cultivating over 3,000 different species with an inventory of 180,000 plants.  They grow everything from traditional favorites to the rarest exotics.  “Andy” Phillips has been growing orchids since the age of seven.  He opened his nursery in 1990 with the goal of offering exceptionally well grown, established plants and to provide customers with instructions for growing their orchids successfully.     

Santa Barbara, California www.calorchid.com 805.967.1312 

Cal-Orchid is owned and operated by James and Lauris Rose.  In the early 1970’s the Roses began their orchid careers in the commercial realm and eventually purchased their own nursery in 1987.  When you call or visit you will be assisted by James and Lauris, not sales clerks.  That is a combined experience of 60+ years.  The Roses have always been active in the orchid world, traveling for shows, sales, or lecturing.  Where ever possible, they are generous with their time in personally visiting with customers about orchid culture.  Don’t miss their weekend sales events.  A good time is had by all.

The inventory at Cal-Orchid is very diverse and reflects the interests of not only the current marketplace, but many trips to foreign locales.  James has long been known to have a sharp eye for the unusual and these are featured in the website.  However, as with all nurseries, it pays to ask if you are looking for something you don’t find listed.  Plants may be available, but in quantities too small to list.

Cal-Orchid’s “Pacific” line of hybrid reed-stem Epidendrum represents the finest in the world.  These masterfully refined plants, stouter for the type, feature strong upright stems holding massive globes of incredibly bright flowers a veritable kaleidoscope of vibrant color from yellow, reds, oranges, pinks, salmons and delightful “tropical” combinations.  Excellent for a long lasting flower display! Put on your sunglasses before you visit their website…these Cal-Orchid Epidendrum pictures are going to knock your eyes out!

(above) Slc. Sierra Doll copyright 2010. All rights reserved 

Sacramento, California www.goldcountryorchids.com  916.645.8600 

Alan Koch owns and operates Gold Country Orchids where he specializes in miniature and compact Cattleya. Alan started growing orchids in 1969 with 3 Cymbidiums given to him by an aunt. While in college, he became interested in other orchids and discovered many would grow outdoors in Southern California. He has moved five times as his orchid obsession has led to the need for more growing space. With the last move, he purchased 10 acres of land in Lincoln, California for his 300,000 orchids. He is recognized as an expert in the Brazilian Cattleya alliance and a trend setter in miniature Cattleya breeding. Alan has been published in the Orchid Digest, and the American Orchid Society magazines. He has also been published in the proceedings of the World Orchid Conference. He is an internationally known speaker. He is a past member of the AOS Judging Committee, and the Research Committee, as well as an Accredited Judge and is Vice-chair and Training Coordinator for the California Sierra Nevada Judging Center. Alan also served two terms on the Orchid Digest Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and is one of the current directors, as well as a Trustee for the AOS.

Regardless of the type of orchid, Gold Country plants are grown and bred for an easy transition into your home or greenhouse. Generally orchids are easier to grow than people are led to believe. A few basic rules apply to growing orchids in your home. A southern or eastern window is best, however a western window can also work if it is not too hot. Never allow the foliage to be warm to the touch. The light should be bright and indirect for the most part. Direct winter sun or direct morning sun is usually alright. Leaves should be plump and a nice medium green in color. The number one reason why plants don’t flower in the home is not enough light. Don’t set your orchids on top of a television or refrigerator, as this may cook them. Water your orchids well from the top when they are dry, letting the water run thoroughly thru the pot. And don’t let them sit in water. Humidity trays will help, but you can be successful without them. Fertilize them after watering with a general purpose 20-20-20 plant food every other time you water. In general you will be watering about once a week. Most of our plants are bred to flower at least twice a year by following these cultural instructions. Some of Alan’s beautiful orchids are featured on this page.

(above) Oda. Woodstir 'Gina' x Oda. Angel Island 'Pink Profusion' image copyright Eric Hunt 2010. All rights reserved. 

San Francisco, California  www.goldengateorchids.com 415.467.3737 

Tom Perlite of the wholesale nursery Golden Gate Orchids has been an accomplished grower for more than 30 years.  Tom began his career working at the Rod McLellan Co. after receiving a degree in Botany from Cal Berkeley.  In 1981Tom opened Golden Gate Orchids, comprised of greenhouses in San Francisco and Pacifica.  With some of the finest breeding in the genera of Odontoglossum, Masdevallia, Miltonia, and Dendrobium, his demonstrated passion for cool growing species has earned him a world renowned status in the breeding of Dendrobium cuthbersonii, Masdevallia hybrids and Odontocidium intergeneric hybrids.  In addition to being an accredited judge of the American Orchid Society and possibly the world’s last hybridizer of Odontoglossum, Tom is an avid contributor to the orchid community and has received hundreds of flower quality awards.  Tom is particularly noted for his generosity in supporting orchid societies and the orchid growing public.  Annually at the San Francisco Pacific Orchid Exposition Tom creates an elaborate breathtaking orchid display, integrating a wide array of his exceptionally well grown plants with his intimate knowledge of beauty, mastery of aesthetics and the underlying qualities that have made him a champion grower.   Tom received Grand Champion at the Osaka International Orchid Show, the George Moore Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society, the Butterworth Prize and five FCCs from the American Orchid Society.  Moderate climates that typify coastal California are appropriate for the outdoor growing of cooler-growing orchids in the San Francisco Bay Area as long as protection from the extremes (temps below 45 degrees, above 80 degrees) and filtered sun exposure are provided.

The Land of OZ (Orchid Zone Ltd. that is) www.ozgardens.com

415.235.4819 

This is the only orchid sales event where OZ Gardens sells directly to the public!  We are fortunate to have Bruce Rogers a renowned hybridizer and grower of Sobralia orchids offering the worlds finest Sobralia species and hybrids for sale at this event.  Sobralia orchids are perfect for bay area gardens and captivate on lookers with their graceful bamboo-like foliage even int he absence of their breath-taking blossoms.  Do not miss out on this rare opportunity.

Orange, California www.paphanaticsunlimited.com 714.639.1387

Norito Hasagawa, the owner of Paphanatics Unlimited, is a hobbyist, an author and commercial grower, considered to be one of the world’s premier growers and hybridizers of Phaphiopedilium species and Paphiopedilum hybrids.  Norito runs Paphanatics Unlimited located in Orange, California and has held high position in the orchid world during his 30 plus year career of collecting, growing and studying slipper orchids since 1975.  Norito has earned a fine reputation as a Cymbidium Society of America judge and American Orchid Society Judge.  Norito also has an orchid genus (Hasegawara) named after him.  Norito co-authored the book “Novelty Slipper Orchids” with Harold Koopowitz and has served on the Board of Directors of the Orchid Digest Corporation.  

Japan www.seed-engei.com/fukiran/ 

Behold the sacred Samurai Orchid Neofinettia falcata.  These Japanese imports are a delight to grow.  Even when they are not in bloom their striking fans of leaves speak of Japanese tradition and contemporary art.  The flowers are unique, each looking like a small Samurai sword with a delicious vanilla fragrance.  These orchids are propagated traditionally by division.  Durable to heat and frost this species and it's many variants are not to be missed.  Seed Engei also features Sedirea japonica, another fragrant easy growing Japanese orchid.  You'll find these little green wonders are real pets...thankfully their small size makes them space affordable for a grower even with just a small windowsill.  We are delighted to have our friends from Japan joining s once again in a most appropriate setting-historical San Jose Japantown!