Six classes with dates and location to be determined each year.
THE DR. RICHARD PIPPEN ORCHID CULTURE CLASS SERIES
“ORCHID UNIVERSITY 101”
The Naples Orchid Society has proudly presented orchid culture classes for members and prospective new members for many years. It is a series of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on learning – all about orchids. The class series is named in honor of our President Emeritus, Dr. Richard Pippin, a Western Michigan distinguished botany professor, friend, mentor, and all-around orchid enthusiast. He started the culture class series and wrote the initial editions of the primary class text.
For 2026, there will be six class sessions: March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 11 and April 18.
The Fundamentals of Growing Orchids program will be presented in the Clubhouse at Forest Glen Country Club, 3855 Forest Glen Boulevard, Naples. The classes will start promptly at 9:30 and end around 12:30, leaving the rest of your Saturday free to go orchid shopping.
2026 Tuition:
NOS Members: $129
Non-NOS Members: S159
Tuition includes a Naples Orchid Society culture handbook, a copy of Martin Motes book, South Florida Orchid Growing, and four blooming-size orchid plants.
Note: Class topics will include:
- How can you tell if a flower is an orchid?
- What do all those confusing names mean?
- Who names orchids? Why is orchid hybrid parentage important?
- Where do orchids grow?
- Which orchids grow well in southwest Florida? Are there any native orchids here?
- How did orchids evolve?
- How are orchids propagated? Orchid divisions, pollination, seed capsules, laboratory flasking, clones, classic hybrids, intergeneric hybrids
- The role of fungi in orchid culture
- Orchid pests and diseases, detection and treatment options
- Potting, mounting, and orchid landscaping
- Water quality, watering schedules, light levels, air movement, cold weather protection, humidity, minimum and maximum air temperatures
- Fertilizers, potting media, pot and mount materials, tips and tricks on what works and what to avoid
- When do orchids bloom? Can orchids be forced to bloom?
Questions may be directed to Terre Moore at 925-330-6300