AOS - Orchids A to Z Section?

[epiphyte78]

Recently noticed that the AOS website has an Orchids A to Z section that is members only. Is the information contained in that section alone worth signing up for?

How does the information in that section compare to the Internet Orchid Encyclopedia in terms of breadth and depth? How many species are listed? Is specific elevation and distribution information provided for each species? Is specific temperature range information provided for each species or all they all lumped together using the broad C/I/W system?

Thanks for any information that might help me make an informed decision regarding whether I should sign up to have access to that section.

[Jkelee]

I LOVE Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia, that's my Fav, helps us all out with sooooo much I'm sure! And with our $

[Becca]

I really love Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia as well. I use it all the time, however I did just discover the AOS Orchids A to Z and I am a member. This is what I like about it. They give you some of the same info as IOSPE but give a little more detail, such as lighiting requirements in footcandles, temperature detail, details for watering requirements and humidity, fertilizer requirements and potting recommendations. For instance, I was looking for potting info on Aeranthes and the AOS recommends "An open mix to allow good drainage; treefern, bark or osmunda preferred." This is helpful info, but I need more detail then just bark....small bark, medium bark? But when it comes down to it, I get the best info from other members growing the same 'chids as I. And while we may have different growing conditions I can figure out what will work with my growing conditions based on what is working for others! The other great thing about joining the AOS is they have a killer member only monthly magazine and of course your membership money goes towards education, research and conservation. Oh...and I forgot to mention that the AOS Orchids A to Z isn't species specific like ISOPE.

Hope this helps!

[epiphyte78]

Originally Posted by Becca

.. Oh...and I forgot to mention that the AOS Orchids A to Z isn't species specific like ISOPE.

So the Orchids A to Z section just offers information for the genus?

Thanks for sharing all that information!

[lambelkip]

Orchids A to Z is genus only, except it has info on the different sections of dendrobium. if you have questions about a particular species, you can call them or e-mail them. the monthly magazine costs $45 a year to publish, so that's where most of your membership money will go. the other $15 goes to things like education, research and conservation.

[Becca]

Did I mention that the magazine is sooo worth it?!!! And there is also a members only forum as well!

[Joanie]

I do not think you have to be a member of AOS to participate in their forum.

[lambelkip]

Joan, you're right, you don't have to be an AOS member to participate in the forums, you just have to register on the site. the main benefit to members (and expense for the organization) is Orchids magazine. as i mentioned already, they'll be happy to answer questions from members over the phone or e-mail, and will often put more detailed answers in the form of articles in the magazine. when they get a bunch of related questions, they'll devote a whole issue to the subject.

[Myrle Diefendorf]

Does anyone have a photo or information about BLC Cornerstone 4th of July?

[cbuchman]

For our non-US people, AOS now pub;ished their magazines in digital format. It is retrievable from the website.