Orange County Cactus & Succulent Society

Orange County Cactus and Succulent Society

When?
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Peter Walkowiak, presenting: How to grow succulents; Tips from a grower.

Presentation:

I have been growing plants my whole life, interest in plants goes back to when I was 5-6 years old. The purpose of this talk is to educate people on all aspects of growing succulent plants. I have a very large and diverse collection of succulent plants and many of you have seen some of them in shows. I grow hard and big. I also have a wholesale nursery.

Topics will include all stages and materials that goes into growing succulent plants successfully. During this talk, questions will be encouraged, I will have gift plants for great questions. This will be a learning, information talk. Topics to be covered:

* Soil – Fast draining, easy to wet soil. Materials to use and  to stay away from.

* Water – PH, acidity vs alkalinity. Fertilizer. When to water.

* Exposure – sun vs shade, air movement.

* Growing techniques – pruning, size of pots, saucers.

I will be binging display plants to help demonstrate the points in my talk and for your enjoyment. There are many things that we do, myths that are detrimental to plant growth and vigor, and these will be discussed.

Orange County Cactus and Succulent Society

When?
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Peter Breslin, presenting: Rare and Protected Cacti and Succulents of Arizona

Presentation:

Arizona is not only the heart of the Sonoran Desert region, but also contains 54 level IV ecoregions, most of which are home to rare, endemic, and difficult to find cacti and succulents. The extraordinary geographical and climate variety in Arizona has led to repeated “microadaptation” of many unique species. For example, it’s possible within only about 70 miles of road from Navajo Bridge to Fredonia, AZ, to encounter four distinct Pediocactus, three of which are rare and federally protected. Breslin will present a tour of Arizona, providing a look at more than 50 taxa, with a focus on the rare and endangered species. Of course, Arizona is home to the giant saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) and organ pipe (Stenocereus thurberi), but in this talk, Breslin highlights the tiny, well-hidden, unusual cacti found in the state, such as Pediocactus peeblesianus subsp. fickeiseniorum, Cochemiea viridiflora and Pelecyphora (Escobaria) robbinsorum. The presentation features habitat profiles and cultivation tips for each species. Many of the rarest and most endangered cacti in Arizona are also quite challenging to grow from seed to flower, even in proximity to their natural range.

Biography:

Peter Breslin has been a fanatical lover of cacti and succulent since age 12, growing up in temperate Pennsylvania. For example, he saved $300 from his paper route money and spent every penny of it on a greenhouse for growing cacti. Breslin was one of the authors of the Field Guide to the Cacti and Succulents of Arizona, published by the Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society, now in its fourth printing. He received a Ph.D. at Arizona State University in 2020, with dissertation research studying the biogeography and evolution of the Cactaceae, with a focus on the genera Mammillaria, Coryphantha/Escobaria/Pelecyphora, and Cochemiea. He was recently hired as the inaugural Raymond M. Turner Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Desert Lab on Tumamoc Hill at the University of Arizona, working on saguaro population dynamics and the effects of rapid environmental change on the current and future distribution of saguaros. He is also the managing editor of publications produced by the Cactus and Succulent Society of America.

Top left: Pediocactus paradinei with long, thin spines, on the way to Jacob Lake, AZ

Top right: Cochemiea viridiflora flowering near Top of the World, AZ

Bottom left: Pediocactus bradyi in fruit, Marble Canyon, AZ

Bottom right: Echinomastus (Sclerocactus) aff. acunensis flowering near Florence, AZ

When?
Wednesday, August 27th, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Eli Cohen, presenting: California’s Native Succulents

Presentation:

Hello OCCSS! My name is Eli Cohen, I’m a student at PCC studying ecology, and a lifelong devotee of desert biology. In the past year and a half, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of accompanying friends and colleagues as they study the botany of the American Southwest. These trips have shown me some of California’s most incredible flora and fauna, in places sometimes remote, sometimes surprisingly local. In following the paths we travelled and learning about the many plants seen, California’s history unfolded on a geologic time scale, while also highlighting the need to conserve the precious wildlife endemic to our shared home. I aim to share the wonderful plants, sights, and phenomena from these journeys to kindle and deepen the love of California’s nature in everyone.

When?
Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Gunner Eisel, presenting: John R. Rodman Arboretum at Pitzer College: A jewel of C&S Landscaping

Presentation:

The Arboretum was the brainchild of Pitzer College Environmental Studies professor John Rodman who served as its director from 1988 to 2001. Joe Clements followed him as director from 2001 to 2015 when he retired. The 30+ acre arboretum is composed of 15 distinct garden areas. Several disciplines make use of the arboretum, including art, anthropology and environmental studies. This topic is particularly interesting for a number of reasons. It’s is a relatively new landscape installation with most plants easily obtainable in the trade. They are suitable to our area and easy to propagate. You may be inspired by the landscaping and find some of the ideas useful in our own landscaping projects.

Biography:

Gunnar Eisel’s interest in cacti and succulents can be traced back to his childhood infatuation with photographing night-blooming cereus flowers and a few unfortunate encounters with opuntia glochids. His interest in cacti became intensified through many annual trips to the Anza-Borrego desert.

Born and raised near Heidelberg, Germany, Eisel has taught music at CSULA, CSUF, Whittier College Fullerton College and Citrus College. He recently retired as a full-time music theory and history of music professor at Citrus College in Glendora, CA where his students were occasionally subjected to his rantings regarding cacti and succulents.

An avid C&S collector, he served as Executive Director of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA) for 15 years and as President of the San Gabriel Valley Cactus and Succulent Society for 10 years. He is currently the Inter-city Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale Chair.

When?
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Russel Ray, presenting: Nature’s Geometry: Succulents

Presentation:

Russel uses the Fibonacci sequence of numbers to look at the shape of plants, the number of plant ribs, the number of spines in areoles, golden angles, phyllotaxis (the divergence angle), golden triangles, Fibonacci triangles, golden squares, golden rectangles, circles, fractals, and, most fascinating to him, golden spirals. He brings a selection of live succulents showing nature’s geometry and will have copies for sale of his book, “Nature’s Geometry: Succulents,” a soft-cover book with over 600 pictures in 174 pages, discounted to $25 at the meeting.

Biography:

Russel is from Kingsville, Texas, where he was born and then raised mostly by his paternal grandmother. He has lived in the San Diego area since April 1993. He has been self-employed his entire life, mostly as a “serial entrepreneur” specializing in getting companies through startup and growth phases. He has owned businesses in grocery export, antique restoration, roofing, landscaping, international & wireless telecommunications, heating & cooling, computer sales, writing & editing, typing & desktop publishing, construction, real estate agent, real estate investing & renovating, project management, business consultant, home inspector, photographer, and author.

When?
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Dylan Hannon, presenting: Tylecodon

Presentation: Tylecodons are succulent plants restricted to southwestern Africa, in mild winter rainfall districts. The 50 or so species exhibit a remarkable range of stem, leaf and flower characteristics. Dylan’s talk on this genus will feature a wide range of rare to more common species. The discussion will cover taxonomy, collecting, propagation and cultivation, and conservation of these plants.

Biography: Dylan was raised in Southern California, where he developed an early interest in a wide range of plant groups. Both his mother and grandmother helped nurture an avid appreciation of plants. He has worked for over 25 years in the botanical garden field, starting as a research assistant to Dr. Thomas B. Croat at Missouri Botanical Garden, working on the taxonomy of Araceae (aroids). He spent nine years as Plant Propagator at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in Claremont, CA, and has been Curator of Conservatory Collections at The Huntington Botanical Gardens since 2003. In between these posts Dylan worked in the wholesale cactus industry and for consulting firms as a field botanist in the San Diego area. His main interest is the propagation and distribution of cultivated plants, particularly material of known wild origin. These themes run through Dylan’s writing, lectures and plant collecting. He is blessed to have his supportive wife Antoinette by his side.

When?
Wednesday, February 26th, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Kelly Griffin, presenting: “Australia 2024: A Journey into the Outback / Cape York”

Kelly’s journey into the world of succulents began at a young age and has blossomed into a
lifetime passion. As a hybridizer and propagator, he has dedicated his life to exploring and
cultivating these fascinating plants. His global adventures have taken him to over 20 countries, with a particular focus on Madagascar and South Africa, where he has traveled five times each, Australia two times and an impressive 25 trips to Mexico.

Professionally, Kelly served as the Curator of Succulent Plants at Rancho Soledad Nursery for 11 years before taking on the role of Succulent Plant Development Manager at Altman’s Plants, where he has worked for the past 13 years. His expertise is highly regarded in the succulent community, especially for the hybrids he has created, surpassing 100 unique varieties now available in the trade. Among his notable creations are various Aloe hybrids and well-known Agave hybrids such as Blue Glow, Snow Glow, Cubic, Black and Blue, Lions Mane, Dragon Toes, Spawn, and Crème Brûlée.

Keen on sharing knowledge and supporting the community, Kelly has been an integral member of the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society (SDCSS) since 1992. His leadership roles include serving on the board of directors for many years, with four years as SDCSS President and two years as Vice-President. In recognition of his contributions, he was honored to be named a Fellow of the San Diego Society. Currently, Kelly serves as a director on the board of the National Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA), where he is also active on the conservation committee. He is the local convention chair involved in organizing the upcoming CSSA convention in San Diego, scheduled for April 23rd to 27th, 2025. This is an event~ in your backyard~ not to miss!

In his most recent endeavor, Kelly has co-authored a comprehensive book titled “Dudleyas” alongside Jeremy Spath and Jeff Moore. This beautifully illustrated volume spans 300 pages and features over a thousand photos, making it an invaluable resource about the Dudleya genus. After decades in the making, the book is finally available for purchase directly from Kelly; interested buyers can reach out via email @ kjgriffin2005@yahoo.com or on Instagram at kjgriffin9977. Both hardcover and softcover versions are available, and he is excited to sign copies for you at the upcoming meeting.
While the softcover edition is accessible on Amazon, Kelly asks readers to purchase directly, as this greatly supports his efforts. For those looking to deepen their knowledge of succulents and engage with an experienced hybridizer, mark February 26th on your calendar!

When?
Wednesday, January 15th, 2025
Social time starts at 7:00 pm
Meeting starts at 7:30pm

Location: Anaheim United Methodist Church
1000 State College Blvd
Anaheim, CA

Visitors welcome!

Join us as we welcome Bob Webb, presenting: “Astroloba and Haworthia”

Bob Webb has been growing succulent plants and cacti for nearly 40 years and has been the owner of Arid Lands Greenhouses in Tucson, Arizona, since 2006. For last 20 years, he and his wife Toni have travelled extensively in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula looking for succulent plants. Webb is the former chairman of the International Sansevieria Society and the current editor of its journal Sansevieria. He has described and named 15 species or subspecies of plants, including 2 Agave species from Baja California, Mexico, and 13 Sansevieria species, subspecies, or varieties from East Africa, South Africa, India, and Somalia.