This month’s mini-show focuses on miniature plants rather than a specific genus or family. Eligible plants should generally be naturally small and grown in pots no larger than three inches, though juvenile forms are permitted within reason. Miniatures differ from dwarf or artificially dwarfed plants. Members must be current on dues and confirm eligibility with Phuc before submitting entries.
Tag Archives: 2026
November 2026 Speaker | Paul Sternberg
Paul Sternberg will speak November 13 at 7 p.m. at Redlands Church of the Nazarene about his lifelong passion for succulents and cycads. A geologist and soil scientist, he co-founded Living Cycads Nursery with his wife, Karen, in the 1990s. Their work emphasizes conservation, habitat-inspired cultivation, and water-wise plants suited to Southern California.
November 2026 President’s Message
Gates CSS will meet Friday, November 13, at 6 PM. Members will vote on two Board director positions, with nominations and write-ins accepted; nominees must be present. The meeting will organize the December holiday potluck, including side-dish and dessert sign-ups. It is also the final monthly mini show competition before December’s winner announcements.
October 2026 Mini Show
The content discusses two genera of plants: Ariocarpus and Kalanchoe. Ariocarpus, a popular cactus genus, is easy to cultivate and has cultural significance among Native American tribes. Kalanchoe, known for its hardiness and vibrant blooms, is widely cultivated as a winter houseplant. Both genera offer various species and cultivars for enthusiasts.
September 2026 Mini Show
Eriosyce is a genus of colorful, small cacti native to Chile and surrounding areas, recently reclassified from multiple genera due to extensive research. Aizoaceae, or Mesembs, is a large family of succulent plants primarily from South Africa, praised for their resilience and diversity, but with specific care needs regarding watering.
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.
July 2026 Mini Show
Hybrids arise from crossbreeding different species, while cultivars are distinct varieties propagated for unique traits. Membership dues are required for participation in the July mini-show.
June 2026 Mini Show
Cactus: Echinocactus; Ferocactus
Succulent: Gasteria; Haworthia
This month we are taking on two genera of cacti with names that say “stay away!”, though I suggest just the opposite.
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.
