Highlighting Humor and Learning: Recap From TOC Meeting with Bill Nunez + Upcoming Orchid Happenings
- Tampa Orchid Club
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Tampa Orchid Club kicked off the new year with an engaging, lively January meeting that left members both informed and entertained. Guest speaker Bill Nunez, affectionately known as "The Rhizome Cowboy," brought his unique blend of expertise and humor to the topic of deflasking orchid seedlings. Some highlights of that meeting and useful tips from Bill’s presentation are recapped below. Additionally, mark your calendars, TOC, along with Accent Orchids, is involved with the Carrollwood Village Park Conservancy Plant Sale again. Scroll down for full details.
Bill Nunez’s Entertaining and Educational Presentation
Bill Nunez’s talk focused on the delicate process of deflasking orchid seedlings, a crucial step for anyone growing orchids from flask to pot. Members consistently appreciate his engaging, hands-on approach with orchids, especially in nurturing young plants.
Key Takeaways from Bill’s Talk
Handle seedlings gently: Bill compared seedlings to his friend Susan, who needs special care and attention. This analogy reminded everyone that orchid seedlings require “baby” care, gentle handling, proper humidity, and careful watering.
Timing matters: Removing seedlings from the flask too early or too late can harm their growth. Bill emphasized watching for root development and leaf size as indicators.
Use the right tools: A clean, sharp knife or scissors helps prevent damage and infection when separating seedlings.
Potting mix choice: Bill recommended using a well-draining, airy medium to support root health and prevent rot.
Patience is key: Seedlings grow slowly and need time to establish before they bloom.
Bill’s humor is always much appreciated, making the technical details easier to remember. Everyone left with a potted seedling, a tangible reminder of the care and attention orchids need in their early stages.
January Bloom Table Gallery
We launched our Boom Table Gallery at the end of last year. Members can now look back to browse all of the beautiful blooms members submit at the meeting each month. In addition to the blooms, you will find our Members' and Judges' Choice award winners for each month. We list plants by their name along with their grower's name for reference. These growers worked diligently to care for their plants, and therefore, the blooms deserve to be admired long past their submission day! Enjoy!
Upcoming Event: Carrollwood Village Park Conservancy Plant Sale
The Tampa Orchid Club is excited to partner again with Accent Orchids at the Carrollwood Village Park Conservancy Plant Sale. This event is a great chance to meet fellow orchid enthusiasts, explore a variety of plants, and learn from experts.
Event Details
Location: Carrollwood Village Park Conservancy, 4680 West Village Drive, Tampa, FL 33624
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 9 AM to 3 PM
Admission: Free
Highlights:
- Plant vendors from across Florida
- Master Gardener booth offering gardening advice for Florida’s climate
- Food trucks and ample parking
TOC members will assist with sales and help sign up new members. We're looking for some volunteers for booth duty. Contact Jim Lowe at 813-951-2846 or jlo946@verizon.net. Volunteering is a great way to meet other orchid lovers and learn more about orchids.
February Meeting: Orchid Bingo
Last, but not least, we can't wait to see you at February's meeting to have some fun playing Orchid Bingo! Each member receives five complimentary bingo cards as we play five games during the meeting. Per usual, we will also have our monthly Bloom Table, raffle, silent auction, Darwin’s Orchid Depot, and we’re happy to be back to our regular potluck lunch. We can’t wait to see you there!
