April 3 Meeting
Dr. Kristen Uthus to Speak on Dendrobium moniliforme
At our next Houston Orchid Society meeting on Thursday, April 3, Dr. Kristen Uthus will speak on the topic “Dendrobium moniliforme: Underappreciated and Misunderstood.” Dendrobium moniliforme is one of the most popular orchid species in Japan. It is beloved for its beautiful variegation and fragrant flowers. Here in the U.S., however, it is underappreciated, and its culture is full of misinformation. Kristen will clarify how to grow the species (as well as its relatives). She will also discuss some differences between judging in the U.S. and in Japan, and in addition to speaking, Kristen will be bringing plants from her business, New World Orchids, to sell at the meeting!
Dr. Kristen Uthus studied both plant and animal ecology and evolution at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Ohio State University (OSU). She then taught biology and ecology at several colleges including VCU, OSU, University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University. The daughter of a plant fanatic, Kristen has been growing orchids for more than 30 years, and in 2014 she fulfilled her dream of making orchids a full-time commitment by purchasing New World Orchids.
Although she enjoys growing many varieties of orchids and other plants, miniatures remain her passion—the weirder the better. New World Orchids specializes in Japanese species including Neofinetia falcata, Dendrobium moniliforme, and Sederia japonica, but her miniature selection includes many other small species including Dendrobiums, Bulbophyllums, and Cattleyas. Although never entirely up to date, you can check out New World Orchids’ offerings at newworldorchids.com.
Kristen lives in Manchester, Michigan, about an hour west of Detroit. She is supported in her orchid pursuits by her husband, Dr. Kevin Wehrly, and her two sons, Henry and Gus.