A flower is in front of a projector screen.

Explore Our Orchid Lectures

Please contact Frank Cervera for availability: [email protected]

  • Phragmipedium Culture; What Can Mother Nature Teach Us?

This talk runs about an hour and 15 minutes and has been very well received by orchid societies, botanical groups, commercial nurseries, and collectors alike. I take a deep dive into the natural habitats of all Phragmipedium species, showing how understanding their ecology can directly improve cultivation techniques and success in growing these remarkable orchids.

  • Phragmipedium schlimii; A New Look at an Old Species.

This talk takes a deep dive into recent efforts to divide Phragmipedium schlimii into eight distinct species and natural hybrids. It is based on Frank Cervera’s research, including his 2021 paper in Orchid Digest, the 2024 article in Orchids (published by the American Orchid Society), and the proceedings of the 23rd World Orchid Conference—all compiled in Phragmipedium schlimii: A New Look at an Old Species, available on this website. The presentation critically evaluates these taxonomic proposals using data from all known natural populations. Through the lens of population dynamics, I guide attendees through the complexities of the species concept and offer a grounded perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding this cherished orchid.

  • The Phragmipedium caudatum Group; What Did You Say Was the Name of That Plant Again?

This talk takes a deep dive into the species and naming complexities within the Phragmipedium caudatum group, aiming to resolve long-standing confusion across the scientific, horticultural, and judging communities regarding the correct names for these spectacular plants. In addition to exploring taxonomy, the presentation also touches on their ecology and cultivation. Drawing from Frank Cervera’s 2022 paper in Orchid Digest and the proceedings of the 23rd World Orchid Conference—both available on this website—The Phragmipedium caudatum Group clarifies which names are taxonomically valid and why, offering a clear understanding of the five recognized species through fieldwork and critical analysis.

  • The Phragmipedium of Brazil; A Journey to a Strange World.

This talk offers an in-depth look at the three Brazilian Phragmipedium species, examining their taxonomy, cultivation, and the notable disconnect between these species and their Andean relatives. It also tackles common misconceptions about the genus as a whole. Based on Frank Cervera’s 2024 article in Orchid Digest and the proceedings of the 23rd World Orchid Conference—both available on this site—The Phragmipedium of Brazil presents fresh, fieldwork-based insights that clarify the distinct identity and care requirements of these often misunderstood orchids.

  • Orchid Hunting in Ecuador: Twenty-Five Years of Adventure and Calamity in Search of Phragmipedium.  

This is a fun, adventure-packed talk! Join Frank and Maria as they take you through the three distinct climatic zones of Ecuador, showcasing the country’s stunning and diverse orchid species, all while sharing their personal 30-year journey in search of Phragmipedium. Along the way, we’ll dive into the local cultures, savor some of Ecuador’s delicious food, and explore bits of the country’s fascinating history—all while navigating the joys and challenges of orchid hunting in the wild. It’s an experience you won’t forget!

Frank has given Phragmipedium lectures at the following societies, conferences, and slipper orchid meetings worldwide:

  • 2014 World Orchid Conference Johannesburg, South Africa
  • 2017 Slipper Orchid Symposium Pretoria, South Africa
  • 2017 22nd World Orchid Conference Guayaquil, Ecuador
  • 2019 Paphiopedilum Guild Santa Barbara CA
  • 2020 Paphiopedilum Guild Los Angeles CA
  • 2020 Orchid Society of Southern California Virtual
  • 2021 Combined Paphiopedilum Guild and Paphiopedilum Forum virtual
  • 2023 Paphiopedilum Forum Washington D.C.
  • 2023 Paphiopedilum Guild Los Angeles, CA
  • 2023 National Capital Orchid Society
  • 2023 Kona Orchid Society, Kona, HI
  • 2023 Hilo Orchid Society, Hilo, HI
  • 2023 Slipper Orchid Symposium Pretoria, South Africa
  • 2023 British Paphiopedilum Society
  • 2023 British Paphiopedilum Society
  • 2024 Deep Cut Orchid Society, NJ
  • 2024 New Jersey Orchid Society, NJ
  • 2024 South East Pennsylvania Orchid Society
  • 2024 23rd World Orchid Conference Taiwan
  • 2024 Bucks County Orchid Society
  • 2024 Ramapo Orchid Society, NY
  • 2024 British Paphiopedilum Society
  • 2024 British Paphiopedilum Society
  • 2024 San Fransisco Orchid Society, CA
  • 2024 Sacramento Orchid Society, CA
  • 2025 World Slipper Conference, Hilo, HI
  • 2025 Mid-Hudson Orchid Society, Newburgh, NY
  • 2025 Lehigh Valley Orchid Society
  • 2025 British Paphiopedilum Society
  • 2025 Central Iowa Orchid Society Speakers Day (invited)
  • 2025 Andean Scientific Orchid Conference, Gualaceo, Ecuador (invited)
  • 2026 24th World Orchid Conference, Dresden, Germany (invited)

Frank has been published in the following orchid journals:

  • The Orchid Digest
  • Orchids: The American Orchid Society
  • Proceedings of the 22nd World Orchid Conference, Guayaquil
  • Proceedings of the 23rd World Orchid Conference, Tainan
  • Die Orchidee
  • Caesiana
  • Slipper Orchids: The Slipper Orchid Alliance Journal