July 2025 - Carol Klonowski on "Latest Phalaenopsis Breeding Trends from Taiwan"

Carol Klonowski

We are delighted to welcome back Carol Klonowski, who will speak on the “Latest Phalaenopsis Breeding Trends from Taiwan.”  Taiwan is synonymous with Phalaenopsis hybridization and culture and is the largest producer of export pot plants in the world. Their history of breeding both Standard and Novelty types of Phalaenopsis takes us on a journey from the early days of the Taiwan orchid industry through some of today’s latest colors, patterns, and plant types.  This talk will expand your understanding of this wonderful genus and hopefully convince you to add ‘just a few more’ plants to your phalaenopsis collection.

Carol is a shared speaker with the SDCOS and will speak to them on July 1 on “Summer Blooming Phalaenopsis,” which focuses on the Polychilos Section (fragrant Phals from Borneo and Malaysia) for those of you who would like to attend her talk in Balboa Park or via Zoom (contact Alex for link). 

Carol has been growing orchids since the 1980's when a friend in Berkeley, California gave her a cattleya and it bloomed out with three big, dark lavender flowers and an intoxicating fragrance. She built an entire greenhouse in her backyard to accommodate the precious plant, which only led her to buy more orchids. Then another friend gave her a gift membership to the Orchid Society of California, and it's been a serious hobby and passion ever since. She can recall going to monthly meetings where orchid legends such as the late Frank Fordyce would be available to answer the many questions an eager hobbyist could ask.

Carol is currently the President of the Orchid Society of California and a fully Accredited Judge with the American Orchid Society, California Sierra Nevada Judging Center.  She is starting her tenure as a Trustee for the American Orchid Society and writes for Orchids Magazine.

This month’s opportunity table will consist of plants from Ontario Orchids in Vista, CA.