Past speakers and meetings
Tomas Bajza: Giant world of miniature orchids & how to grow cool in hot climates

Join us for a special presentation by Tomas Bajza, an orchid lover and expert with an incredible passion for rare, miniature orchids. Originally from the Czech Republic, Tomas’ journey into the world of orchids began at a young age, but it wasn't until he moved to Florida that he was truly bitten by the "orchid bug." Over the years, his obsession has led him to collect hundreds of unique and hard-to-find micro and miniature orchid species, many of which are quite rare.


What started as a hobby has blossomed into a thriving business, as Tomas discovered a growing community of orchid growers eager to get their hands on these unusual and rare species. In his talk, Tomas will share his experiences, challenges, and successes in growing miniature orchids and cold-growing species in a hot environment—proving that no challenge is too big for a true orchid lover! He will also have mini orchids for sale and you can preorder them starting in March.

March 26, 2025 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Dr. William Grant Morton
Botanist and Conservationist
Dr. William Grant Morton is a dedicated botanist and conservationist with a profound passion for nature. He holds a Ph.D. in Botany with a specialization in Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has devoted his career to the study and preservation of rare and endangered orchids. Before joining The Jewish Leadership Academy in Miami, where he now continues his conservation efforts, Dr. Morton made significant contributions to advancing orchid conservation techniques at the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Micropropagation and Conservation Seed Bank Laboratories. He shared insights on these techniques and discussed his current conservation endeavors
February 26, 2025
6:30 PM- 8:00 PM
Dr. Romina Gazis
Distinguished Plant Pathologist
Dr. Romina Gazis is a distinguished plant pathologist specializing in the study of fungal diseases affecting orchids and other plants. With a strong academic background and years of research experience, Dr. Gazis focuses on the molecular interactions between pathogens and host plants, aiming to develop sustainable management strategies for orchid health. Her work has been instrumental in understanding the dynamics of orchid diseases, including the identification and characterization of harmful fungi. Dr. Gazis has published numerous articles in scientific journals and is a sought-after speaker in the field of plant pathology. Her passion for orchid conservation and plant health makes her a valuable voice in advancing both scientific knowledge and practical solutions for orchid growers worldwide.
January 22, 2025
6:30 PM- 8:00 PM
Axel Cahiz
Proprietor of Amazonia Orchids which includes a state-of-the-art lab for seedling and cloning
Orchid Specialist at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Miami Beach Orchid Society is thrilled to welcome Axel Cahiz, Orchid & Horticulture Specialist at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and founder of Amazonia Orchids, on November 20th at our monthly meeting at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Axel oversees Vizcaya’s prestigious collection of over 2,500 orchids, including rare species featured in the David A. Klein Orchidarium, and manages one of the largest collections of Cattleya species in the country. In his presentation, “Mastering Orchid Care and Cultivation,” Axel will share his extensive knowledge of orchid care, including insights from his Homestead nursery, Amazonia Orchids.

November 20, 2024

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Dr. Jason L. Downing
Orchid Biologist specializing in the conservation and propagation of orchids
Fairchild Director of Research and Outreach for the Million Orchid Project
Dr. Downing will share the preservation and propagation techniques used in the Million Orchid Project, the world’s largest orchid conservation outreach program. You will hear about his work with the STEMLab Bus, a state-of-the-art mobile micropropagation lab, and learn about student-driven native orchid seed banking program. He will share tips for growing orchids in Miami that can also contribute to conservation efforts.

October 23, 2024

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Dr. Juraj Kojs
Assistant Professor at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music
Creator of Orchid DNA music, Founder of the Foundation for Emerging Technologies and Arts (FETA)
Join us for an imaginative night where Dr. Juraj Kojs will guide you in the right direction on how to think about collecting orchids. He will discuss the principles of building an
orchid collection, including balancing personal preferences, growing conditions, and care requirements. He will share strategies for plant selection and the suitability of various genera for South Florida's outdoor growing conditions. With over 60 awards from the American Orchid Society and a namesake orchid in his honor, Dr. Kojs’s unique blend of artistic creativity and botanical science will revolutionize the way you perceive and collect orchids.

September 25, 2024

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

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