Monday, May 19th, 2025
OSMT Meeting in person at Cheekwood Botanic Gardens in “Bradford Meeting Room” (In Person at Cheekwood (Bradford Meeting Room) and Online (Zoom))

7PM CST: “Stanhopeas & Allied Genera” – Nina Rach

The May, 2025 Orchid Society of Middle Tennessee meeting on Monday, May 19th at 7PM in Cheekwood’s Bradford Meeting Room; will feature a program about the very interesting orchid genus, Stanhopea, native to the tropical Americas by Nina Rach of Houston, TX.

Stanhopeas are known for their habit of blooming directly downwards, although a few species produce flowers close to the base of the pseudobulbs. Many species are wonderfully fragrant. Some are solidly colored white, yellow, or orange; others are patterned with stipples, spots, bars, even blotches of color. We will look at a variety of different Stanhopea species, discuss a bit of taxonomy, observe a few blooming in the wild, admire some excellent AOS award photography, and discuss cultural best practices. We’ll also look at a few related genera, including Gongora, Coryanthes, and Acineta, and their intergeneric hybrids.

About Our Speaker

Nina Rach (Houston, TX) – Our speaker is an orchid hobbyist and avid birder in Houston, Texas, with a mixed collection of species and hybrids. She has been growing orchids for 50+ years, beginning in the northeastern U.S., and continuing in NC, LA, and TX.  She has served as an AOS Accredited judge for 30+ years, beginning as a student judge in Atlanta and now affiliated with the Houston Judging Center. She is a member and past-president of the Houston Orchid Society, starting the first HOS website more than 25 years ago. She’s particularly interested in the Stanhopinae and Sobralias, and has given many talks on these genera, including presentations at two World Orchid Conferences. She enjoys traveling to see plants at shows and growing in the wild, and especially values meeting so many enthusiastic growers over the years. She has learned so much from everyone and is happy to share what she can. 

CLICK HERE!!! for Zoom Meeting Link -> Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87359058097?pwd=l0D6WhHJPHnJpb0Tnz8LHf0Ca47RYc.1
Meeting ID: 873 5905 8097
Passcode: OSMT2025