February 2019 – John Oswalt

John OswaltWe are delighted to welcome John Oswalt, second VP of the SD County Orchid Society, who will speak on ‘Lessons Learned from Growing Cymbidium Orchids’. John’s talk will highlight his experiences in growing and repotting cymbidium orchids and provide useful tips to both new and experienced orchid growers. This is a very timely talk as winter and spring are the main times for cymbidium flowering and the ideal time to divide and repot them is shortly after their blooming period.  This month’s plant table will be provided by Casa de las Orquideas.

John Oswalt began growing orchids over 40 years ago when he was in high school.  After college, he put this hobby on hold due to a demanding career and corporate relocations.  After John retired in 2012, he embraced his hobby again in a big way.  John grew a collection of orchids in Atlantic Beach, Florida and then moved his collection to San Diego in 2016.  John was a member of the Jacksonville Orchid Society and now serves as second Vice President of the San Diego County Orchid Society.  John has two greenhouses that are temperature and humidity-controlled year-round.  He also has a large outdoor shade area.  John has a broad collection of orchids, but particularly enjoys growing Cattleya Alliance and Cymbidium orchids. He has had good success with his plants and has many practical lessons to share. 

This month’s opportunity table will be provided by Casa de las Orquideas.