Discover the beautiful world of orchids and join a vibrant community of orchid growers.

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Photo courtesy of Joan Goodman: Masdevallia floribunda

Discover the beautiful world of orchids and join a vibrant community of orchid growers.

Photo courtesy of Joan Goodman: Masdevallia floribunda

Society memberships expire at the end of December. Renew today to stay connected for 2025.

The Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show & Sale

March 8 - 9
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022

Upcoming Events

Featured
Orchid Quest Presented by the Orchid Growers Guild of Madison
Feb 1
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Orchid Quest Presented by the Orchid Growers Guild of Madison
Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center

Orchid Quest 2025 will be hosted by the Orchid Growers Guild in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
AOS Chicago Judging Center Meeting
Feb 8
Chicago Botanic Garden, Learning Center
AOS Chicago Judging Center Meeting
Chicago Botanic Garden, Learning Center

A judging session of the American Orchid Society will take place on Saturday, February 8th at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Learning Center
2025 IOS Dinner and Auction
Feb 8
Chicago Botanic Garden, Regenstein Center, Burnstein Hall
2025 IOS Dinner and Auction
Chicago Botanic Garden, Regenstein Center, Burnstein Hall

Our annual Illinois Orchid Society dinner and auction will take place on Saturday evening, February 8th. Members will enjoy a preview of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s orchid show, a potluck dinner, and silent and live auctions benefitting orchid conservation.

Chicago Botanic Garden, Regenstein Center, Burnstein Hall

The Illinois Orchid Society is a group of orchid enthusiasts that meet once a month to show off our orchids in bloom and learn from expert speakers and each other.

We also make donations to orchid conservation and research. 

Our society is 100% supported by the hard work of volunteers.

News

Featured
World Orchid Conference Highlights
World Orchid Conference Highlights

Illinois Orchid Society member Kay Perry was selected as a judge for the 23rd World Orchid Conference held earlier this year in Taiwan. In her article, World Orchid Conference 2024, Kay shares highlights and amazing photos for us to see what it was like to be there.

Interviews with Growers
Interviews with Growers

A new series of articles has been created to share more information about some of the plants of the month selected by the IOS judges at our member meetings. The articles have a Q&A format, in which IOS member John Hockberger conducts an interview with the grower of an orchid that has received special recognition. You can find these articles on the Specialized Topics page, under Resources.

New IOS Website
New IOS Website

For the last few months, the website committee has worked to deliver a new website for the Society and prospective members alike. Our new website was created to reflect the vibrancy of the Society, make it easy to plan for upcoming meetings, provide orchid growing guidance from IOS experts, and share photos of orchids in bloom from our monthly meetings and orchid shows.

Orchid Resources

  • orchid basics - Restrepia brachypus

    Orchid Basics

    With over 25,000 species and countless hybrids, orchids come in an astonishing array of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a favorite among all gardeners.

    Learn More
  • common orchid types

    Common Orchid Types

    There are several common orchid types that are popular among enthusiasts, widely loved for their beauty and often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

    Learn More
  • Catesetum Melana Davison

    Culture Sheets

    Comprehensive guides providing specific care instructions for different orchid species, including details on temperature, light, watering, and fertilization requirements.

    Learn More
  • Renanthera Hsinying Cheetah

    Specialized Topics

    Learn from the experts with these articles that focus on specialized topics for the orchid enthusiast looking to expand their expertise beyond the basics.

    Learn More