Javier Perez Sanchez will speak to us about "Preventing Orchid Fungal Disease" in the orchid world.
When spring and summer arrive, warmer temperatures and higher humidity create ideal conditions for fungal diseases in orchids. Spots on leaves, black rot, crown rot and mold can spread quickly if not noticed early. Understanding these seasonal risks helps growers protect their orchids before infections damage roots, leaves and flowers.
This talk will help orchid growers learn to recognize and prevent fungal problems before they become serious, how to respond quickly and effectively when infections appear, and how to choose and use dependable products for treatment and protection It will also describe how to maintain proper growing conditions throughout the year so your orchids can remain healthy.
Javier’s fascination with orchids began more than 50 years ago, when he was given several large Cattleya gaskelliana plants that had fallen from trees during a major storm. As his curiosity grew, so did his collection.
After tropical storms, he and his friends would search the forests for fallen orchids that could be rescued and cultivated, deepening his appreciation for the plants and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Over the years, Javier has grown orchids in settings ranging from open-air gardens and greenhouses to shelves beneath grow lights and sunny windowsills. His passion for plants also shaped his education in botany, tropical forestry, and ecosystem ecology, taking him to many regions of the world to work in environmental science research and tropical ecology.
His studies and field experience have helped him understand how factors such as light, temperature, moisture, and habitat interrelate and shape orchid growth. After moving to the Bay Area 26 years ago, Javier joined several orchid societies to learn how to grow orchids in our new set of climatic conditions. Through meetings, talks, shows, and conversations with fellow members, he discovered how he had to grow orchids suited to the region’s circumstances. Those exchanges became the most important part of his ongoing education. A reminder that growing orchids is as much about sharing knowledge as it is about caring for plants.
Javier continues to experiment with potting methods, growing media, and settings to help each plant thrive. For the last years, he has specialized in warm-growing orchids, along with bromeliads and succulents that flourish outdoors in the Bay Area.
His love of gardening reflects a lasting connection to plants and their diverse ecosystems, as well as a commitment to cultivating beautiful, healthy plants. Javier is currently the Co-President of the Santa Clara Valley Orchid Society. He is an active member of nearly every orchid society in the Bay Area and continues to support orchid interests around the Bay Area groups, and volunteers for a wide range of orchid-related activities.
OPPORTUNITY TABLE: The plant table will be made up of several hybrids created by our dear past member, Andy Cameron. These are newly released seedlings that have been grown to a good manageable size.
