October 2026 Speaker | Elias Aparicio

Elias Aparicio, a Southern California geologist and enthusiastic cactus collector, will present a talk on seed propagation for cacti and succulents on October 9th at Redlands Church of the Nazarene. His program will demonstrate techniques for growing plants from seed, offering hobbyists a cost-effective entry into cultivation and hybridization.

Dylan Zoller | September Speaker

On September 11th at 7pm PST, Dylan Zoller will present “Jewels of the Brazilian Highlands” at Redlands Church of the Nazarene. He will share his extensive travels documenting rare bromeliads and cacti in Brazil’s diverse landscapes, highlighting the country’s unique plant diversity. Zoller is a passionate horticulturist and biologist.

April Speaker | Peter Walkawiak

On April 10th, Peter Walkowiak will discuss growing succulents at Redlands Church of the Nazarene. With over 2,000 plants in his collection, he aims to educate attendees on soil, watering, exposure, and growing techniques through a hands-on demonstration and a Q&A session.

Woody Minnich | March Meeting Speaker

The event on March 13th at Redlands Church of the Nazarene features a speaker with over 55 years of experience in cacti and succulent research, cultivation, and conservation. The presentation, titled “Texas to Tamaulipas,” will explore the rich biodiversity of cacti in the Sierra Madre Oriental and adjacent regions, highlighting rare species and their habitats.

Tim McCoy | February Meeting Speaker

On February 13th at 7pm PST, Tom McCoy will speak at the Redlands Church of the Nazarene about the native aloes of Saudi Arabia. With 35 years of research, he has discovered new species and authored significant publications, including “The Aloes of Arabia.” McCoy is a respected botanist and aviculturist.

Gunnar Eisel | January Meeting Speaker

Join us on January 9th at 7pm PST at Redlands Church of the Nazarene for “The Succulent Underground: The Hidden Intelligence and Function of Roots.” Speaker Gunnar Eisel will explore root physiology, pruning benefits, and how roots sense gravity. Eisel is an experienced succulent collector and industry leader.

Al Klein | November Meeting Speaker

On November 14th at 7pm PST, join Al Klein at the Redlands Church of the Nazarene for a program on growing Euphorbia plants. Learn about their diverse species, care requirements, and unique characteristics. Al brings a wealth of horticultural experience, having dedicated years to the cultivation of exotic plants.

Jan Emming | October Meeting Speaker

Jan Emming, originally from the Netherlands and raised in Colorado, moved to Yucca, Arizona, in 1999 to create a dream garden on a 40-acre desert property. His program, “Building Forever,” discusses the challenges and successes of cultivating a diverse array of succulents and native desert plants in this unique ecosystem.