Pink orchids, floral design, elegance.

Our Passion for Slipper Orchids

Monster Island Orchids were founded by Frank and Maria Cervera, driven by a shared passion for Phragmipedium and Paphiopedilum orchids, especially slipper orchid varieties. Our collection features plants from renowned nurseries like Ray Rands, Bloomfield Orchids, and Carolina Orchids, alongside rare finds from private collections dating back to the 1980s—many passed down to us by owners who could no longer care for them. These cherished treasures, carefully preserved over the years, continue to thrive and inspire us as we share their beauty with the world.

Our Journey and Expertise

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From Hobby to Business

What started as a hobby of setting pods and trading flasks soon evolved into the creation of Monster Island Orchids. This passion led us to focus primarily on slipper orchids, while also offering mixed species divisions from time to time.

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Expertise and Quality Collection

With over 35 years of experience in growing and breeding slipper orchids, we have secured some of the finest plants from around the world. Our collection continues to grow through selective trading and travel, ensuring we feature the best clones of many species.

Frank Cervera

Frank Cervera, a biologist with over 25 years of experience, has dedicated his career to studying the ecology, biology, and taxonomy of the Phragmipedium genus in its natural habitats. His fascination with orchids began in the 1980s, when a professor introduced him to the captivating world of Phrag. Longifolium. That spark led Frank to embark on a lifelong journey to uncover the secrets of slipper orchids.

Frank’s quest for knowledge took him to the jungles of Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Over the years, he gathered invaluable insights into the taxonomy, ecology, and culture of slipper orchids. This journey brought him unique access to essential source material and connected him with leading figures in the slipper orchid community.

Frank’s fieldwork has afforded him the rare privilege of observing slipper orchids in their natural habitats and researching them firsthand. His experiences in some of the most famous (and infamous) orchid nurseries globally have deepened his understanding of the genera Phragmipedium and Paphiopedilum. Through this extensive exploration, Frank has built a collection that is both rare and scientifically informed.

Today, Frank lives in New York with his family and orchids, continuing his work in financial services while maintaining a thriving nursery. His extensive travels and research have shaped our orchid collection into a trusted source for high-quality slipper orchids.

Frank Cervera, an accomplished author and lecturer on the genus Phragmipedium, offers insightful and highly regarded lectures on a variety of orchid-related topics. Each presentation provides deep dives into the fascinating world of slipper orchids, blending ecology, taxonomy, and cultivation techniques. Below are some of the key lectures available:

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

What Can Mother Nature Teach Us? In this engaging lecture, Frank explores the natural habitats of Phragmipedium orchids and connects the ecology of different species to practical cultivation techniques. It's a favorite among orchid enthusiasts for its in-depth insights and practical takeaways.

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

What Can Mother Nature Teach Us? In this engaging lecture, Frank explores the natural habitats of Phragmipedium orchids and connects the ecology of different species to practical cultivation techniques. It's a favorite among orchid enthusiasts for its in-depth insights and practical takeaways.

Phragmipedium Schlimii: A New Look at an Old Species

This lecture delves into the complexities of Phragmipedium Schlimii, examining the recent taxonomic efforts to divide it into multiple species and natural hybrids. Frank uses population dynamics to offer clarity on species concepts and recent literature, giving a fresh perspective on this classic orchid species.

The Phragmipedium Caudatum Group

What Did You Say Was the Name of That Plant Again? Frank clears up the long-standing confusion surrounding the five species in the Phragmipedium Caudatum group. This talk provides a deep exploration into species names, clearing up discrepancies and offering clarity to the scientific, horticultural, and judging communities.

The Phragmipedium of Brazil

In this fascinating lecture, Frank takes attendees on a journey through Brazil to explore the three Brazilian Phragmipedium species. He discusses their unique taxonomy, cultural requirements, and the common misconceptions surrounding their relationship with Andean species.

Frank Cervera has had the privilege of sharing his knowledge of Phragmipedium orchids at prominent conferences, societies, and symposiums worldwide, including:

  • 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 – Washington, D.C.

  • 2023: Kona Orchid Society – Kona, HI

  • 2023: Hilo Orchid Society – Hilo, HI

  • 2023: Slipper Orchid Symposium – Pretoria, South Africa

  • 2023: British Paphiopedilum Society – United Kingdom (Repeated mention)

  • 2024: Deep Cut Orchid Society – NJ, USA

  • 2024: New Jersey Orchid Society – NJ, USA

  • 2024: South East Pennsylvania Orchid Society – PA, USA

  • 2024: 23rd World Orchid Conference – Taiwan

  • 2024: Bucks County Orchid Society – PA, USA

  • 2024: Ramapo Orchid Society – NY, USA

  • 2024: British Paphiopedilum Society – United Kingdom (Repeated mention)

  • 2024: San Francisco Orchid Society – CA, USA

  • 2024: Sacramento Orchid Society – CA, USA

  • 2025: World Slipper Conference – Hilo, HI

  • 2025: Andean Scientific Orchid Conference – Gualaceo, Ecuador (Invited)

  • 2026: World Orchid Conference – Dresden, Germany (Invited)

Frank's expertise has been featured in several prestigious orchid publications, including:

  • The Orchid Digest

  • Caesiana

  • Die Orchidee

  • Orchids (American Orchid Society)

  • Proceedings of the 22nd World Orchid Conference, Guayaquil, Ecuador

  • Proceedings of the WOC Taiwan

Beautiful pink orchids in bloom.

Maria Cervera

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Financial Expert and Orchid Enthusiast

Maria Cervera, a C.P.A. specializing in auditing, manages financial operations and client service for Monster Island Orchids. A native Spanish speaker from Ecuador, she ensures smooth business operations.

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Orchid Exploration & Photography

Since receiving her first orchid in 2014, Maria has accompanied Frank on orchid expeditions. She manages data, prepares reports, and captures crucial photographs for species identification and taxonomy. Maria also oversees travel logistics for their explorations.

Get Expert Assistance

Ready to take your orchid collection to the next level? Reach out to us for expert advice on slipper orchid care, breeding, and more. Let’s grow something beautiful together!

Striped Paphiopedilum orchids in bloom.

Our Orchids

Paphiopedilum orchid, speckled yellow-red.

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Yellow and red phalaenopsis orchids in bloom.

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Orchid flowers in various colors.

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