What Is the Victoria Orchid Society?

The Victoria Orchid Society is a non-profit group of orchid enthusiasts based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, established in 1971. It is open to growers at every level — from beginners to expert hobbyists — and its stated purpose is sharing the joy of orchids and spreading knowledge about their cultivation and conservation.

Who it's for

The Society describes its membership as ranging "from the beginner grower to the expert hobbyist," so prior experience is not a barrier to joining. If you grow orchids on a windowsill, in a greenhouse, or are simply curious about them, the Society positions itself as a place to display blooming plants and exchange information.

What the Society does

According to its own description, the Society:

• Meets 10 months per year to display members' blooming plants
• Shares information through informal discussion
• Hosts featured talks with experts from all over the world

The mission statement goes further, stating that the Society works to co-operate with other orchid organizations and to support the collection of information, research, and diffusion of knowledge on all aspects of orchidology. It also aims to promote interest in orchid cultivation in order to improve the preservation of orchids and their habitats.

Membership and payment

The site offers a "Become a Member" option and states that membership payments are now accepted with Square, with a link to submit payment through Square's checkout. The published material does not list a membership fee amount, meeting location, or meeting schedule beyond the 10-months-per-year figure, so those details would need to be confirmed directly with the Society.

The 2026 Annual Show

The Society's site highlights that the 2026 Annual Show is "just around the corner" and directs visitors to a "2026 Show and Vendors" page for the show schedule, vendor pre-orders, plant classification lists, and plant registration forms.

Vendors listed for the 2026 show include:

The site notes that each vendor follows a different ordering process, so pre-order details should be checked per vendor on the show page.

Quick summary

• What: Non-profit orchid society
• Where: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
• Founded: 1971
• Who: Beginners through expert hobbyists
• Meetings: 10 months per year, with discussions and guest expert talks
• Focus: Sharing orchid-growing knowledge and supporting orchid conservation
• Notable event: 2026 Annual Show with multiple vendors and pre-order deadlines

For current meeting times, fees, and show dates, check the Society's website directly, since those specifics are not fully stated in the published material.