San Francisco Orchid Society
Orchid Society Membership
in the Bay Area
The San Francisco Orchid Society has served Bay Area growers since 1950. Here's what membership means for you.
The Bay Area's Premier Orchid Community
Founded in 1950, the San Francisco Orchid Society is one of the oldest and most active orchid clubs in the western United States. Our members range from first-time Phalaenopsis growers to AOS-accredited judges with decades of experience. What unites us is a shared passion for one of the world's most diverse plant families — and a genuine willingness to share knowledge.
Unlike national organizations, SFOS is rooted in the Bay Area's specific growing conditions. Our advice is calibrated for fog, marine layer, and the peculiarities of growing in a city where temperatures rarely exceed 70°F.
What Membership Includes
Monthly Expert Meetings
10 meetings per year featuring nationally recognized speakers, cultivation talks, and hands-on demos. Held in San Francisco — no long drive required.
Newsletter & Growing Resources
Monthly Orchid Digest newsletter with care tips, show results, and member news. Access to our growing library of Bay Area-specific cultivation guides.
Show Entry & Judging Access
Enter plants in our annual Orchids in the Park show and get feedback from AOS-accredited judges. The fastest way to improve your growing skills.
Member Plant Table
Buy and sell divisions, seedlings, and surplus plants at every meeting. Members consistently find rare species for a fraction of retail prices.
Local Club vs. National Society
The American Orchid Society (AOS) is excellent for publications and judging credentials. But for day-to-day growing advice, local plant swaps, and the camaraderie of meeting fellow enthusiasts in person, a local club is irreplaceable. Many SFOS members belong to both.
- In-person meetings in San Francisco
- Advice specific to Bay Area microclimates
- Direct access to experienced local growers
- Annual show with 30+ specialty vendors
- Affordable annual dues
Ready to Join?
Membership is open to everyone — beginners welcome. Annual dues are among the most affordable of any Bay Area horticultural society.