Welcome to the Central Vancouver Island Orchid Society. We are excited to share our passion for orchids with you.

We are a group of orchid enthusiasts from Nanaimo (British Columbia) and the surrounding area, who gather for monthly Sunday meetings from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Mount Benson Branch:

1630 E Wellington Road, Nanaimo

Benefits of Joining the CVIOS:

  • Community Connection: Engage with fellow enthusiasts.

  • Educational Opportunities: Access workshops and expert advice.

  • Support and Resources: Get help from experienced members.

  • Showcase Your Orchids: Participate in exhibitions and competitions.

  • Networking: Build friendships within the orchid community.

MORE ABOUT THE CVIOS:

About

CVIOS is a non-profit club of orchid enthusiasts who meet once per month to learn and share all we can about orchids.

Members and guests are welcome at our monthly meetings that feature expert international and local speakers, opportunities for members to sell plants to one another, an orchid mix sales table, a raffle of plants, refreshments and a chance to meet fellow orchid growers.

The Society's membership grows a large number of orchid species and hybrids on windowsills, under lights, and in greenhouses.

Visit the events page to see meeting dates and featured speakers

Events

Newsletter

To find out more about what the CVIOS has to offer, and to read about past events, shows, and meeting minutes, please visit our newsletter page.

There, you can find the most recent newsletter as well as archived newsletters from the past 3 years.

Newsletter

September 2026 Display Table

We invite you to visit the photo gallery featuring our members’ latest display table contributions.

The display table features blooming plants that are brought to monthly meetings by member for all to enjoy. Part of every meeting is dedicated to discussing the plant’s culture and describing how the grower has bloomed it successfully in their environment.

Display Table

Upcoming events

Special Plant Auction for CVIOS Members

We would to announce a special online auction featuring four specimen plants generously donated to the club by our late member, Dr. James Striegel.

James was an active and valued member of the CVIOS, and we are grateful for his generosity and for the opportunity to share a selection of his plants with fellow members. This auction is a lovely way to honour James’ memory and continue sharing the joy of growing and appreciating plants within our orchid community.

Plants up for auction include two Cymbidiums, a Zygocactus, and a Ficus.

Auction Details

  • Open to: CVIOS members only

  • Bids must be submitted to: Bernie via email

  • Bidding deadline: October 13 at 4:00 p.m.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe for his generous donation and encourage members to participate in this special auction.