This month join us to hear Nicholas Rust of RustyExotics Orchids share the beauty and culture of jewel orchid species.
When: Sunday, February 15: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave. in Hall F (Enter through door 2 from the rear parking lot)
At our February meeting we welcome back Nicholas Rust, founder and owner of RustyExotics Orchids to talk about Jewel Orchids. Are you a fan of any and everything "jewel orchid?" Do you like them but need a little extra help growing them? Then this is the talk for you! It focuses on the species and how to grow the many different genera that are classified as jewel orchids. Not only is it filled with detailed pictures of these plants' beautiful foliage, but it also places an emphasis on flowers, something that is often overlooked in jewel orchids. This talk is a beginner-friendly talk that covers a lot of culture, so a piece of scratch paper might be recommended to those really wanting to get the most from it.
Nicholas is an up-and-coming hybridizer in the orchid community. He specializes in jewel orchids, Habeneria and other related genera, Australian terrestrial orchids, and Bulbophyllum. Through studying biochemistry and molecular biology during college, Nicholas approaches his orchids with the same scientific perspective he uses while working in a research lab. This led to an interest in the entire growth cycle of orchids and the start of his own hybridization program in 2018 which focuses mostly on terrestrial orchids, especially Habenaria. His aim is to use rarely cultivated species and distinct variations of species to create truly exceptional shapes and colors that will pave new directions for unique hybrids.
The meeting will be a hybrid meeting. Our in-person meeting is in Hall F at Nepean Sportsplex. We will have the usual Show Table, raffle and refreshments with a break to chat with our "Ask Me Anything" experts. This month only, we will not be sharing the Show Table online. Members, please bring your plants to the show table by 1:40 pm to allow time for judging. If you are feeling unwell, please join us via Zoom.
