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Five Cities Orchid Society

Additional FCOS Information

Everything you need to know about Five Cities Orchid Society

About Five Cities Orchid Society

Five Cities Orchid Society is located on the Central California Coast, mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

We enjoy a temperate Mediterranean climate allowing us to grow many types of orchids outdoors. We serve not only our local orchid community of FCOS members but through our monthly Zoom meetings and monthly newsletter we now reach a global audience.

Our Mission: We help our members grow better orchids through education, community support, and shared expertise.

Vanda Pachong Blue

Vanda Pachong Blue grown by one of our members. Tolerates temperatures in the low 40's in winter and high 90's in summer

Our History & Achievements

33+ Year Legacy
  • Annual OrchidFest: 33+ years of successful orchid shows and sales
  • Community Impact: Educated thousands of orchid enthusiasts
  • Award Winners: Members regularly win at regional and national shows
  • Global Reach: Monthly Zoom meetings attract worldwide audience
Member Achievements
  • Published Authors: Articles in Orchids magazine and Orchid Digest
  • YouTube Educators: Educational videos with thousands of views
  • Expert Speakers: Members present at national conferences
  • Award Judges: AOS-accredited judges in our ranks

Garden Talks Program

FCOS members present educational talks to local garden clubs, plant nurseries and other social organizations throughout the Central California Coast.

Available Presentations:
  • Part 1: Growing Phalaenopsis (moth) orchids and getting them to re-bloom
  • Part 2: Wide range of orchids for outdoor growing in frost-free coastal locations
  • Part 3: Advanced techniques for the Central California Coast

Request a Presentation: Contact us if you'd like someone from FCOS to speak to your group!

Garden Talk

Educational Resources

Research Articles
  • Dry Winter Rest Article - Orchid Digest Vol 83-1, pp 46-52
  • Discussion of orchids requiring winter dormancy periods
  • Essential reading for Dendrobium growers
  • Professional journal-quality research
Video Library
  • 23+ educational YouTube videos by members
  • Monthly greenhouse tour series
  • Species-specific care guides
  • Specialized growing techniques
Monthly Newsletter
  • Growing tips for coastal California
  • Seasonal care calendars
  • Member spotlights and success stories
  • Event announcements and Zoom links
  • Species profiles and cultural notes
Pro Tip

Our newsletter archives contain years of growing wisdom specific to our Mediterranean coastal climate!

Our Unique Growing Climate

Winter Conditions

Low 40°F minimum
Rarely frost
Cool nights ideal

Summer Conditions

Rarely above 90°F
Cool nights 60-68°F
Ocean influence

Outdoor Growing

Many species thrive
Frost-free areas
Natural humidity

Orchids That Thrive Outdoors Here:
  • Cymbidium species & hybrids
  • Cattleya alliance
  • Laelia species
  • Dendrobium (many types)
  • Epidendrum species
  • Vanda alliance
  • Even equatorial species from 3600+ ft elevation
  • Cool-growing Pleurothallids

Community Activities

Regular Activities
  • Monthly Zoom Meetings: 2nd Thursday, 7-9 PM Pacific
  • Zoom Business Meetings: Regular member discussions
  • Field Trips: Visits to nurseries and botanical gardens
  • Garden Center Talks: Public education events
Special Events
  • OrchidFest (Annual): June show and sale
  • Summer BBQ: June social with silent auction
  • Holiday Party: December potluck and auction
  • Online Auctions: Member and vendor donations

Contact & Location Info

Service Area
  • Primary: Central California Coast
  • Cities: Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach, Oceano, Nipomo
  • Region: San Luis Obispo County
  • Global: Worldwide via Zoom meetings
Meeting Venues
  • Monthly Meetings: Zoom online
  • OrchidFest: Nipomo High School
  • Social Events: Toucan Terrace, Pismo Beach
How to Reach Us
  • General Questions: Use our "Contact Us" page
  • Zoom Info: Subscribe to newsletter for automatic links
  • Speaking Requests: Contact us for garden club presentations
  • Volunteer Info: Email us about helping with OrchidFest
Stay Connected

Subscribe to our newsletter for Zoom links, event updates, and growing tips!

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