Naoki Kawamura, Presentation on Coryanthes

After a friend bought a house and requested a white Phalaenopsis as a housewarming gift, and mentioned  a boutique orchid store in Portland, Oregon. Naoli visited the store and was overwhelmed by the variety of orchids, especially a multi-growth Paphiopedilum micranthum priced at $800. He left that day with only a white Phalaenopsis. A few days later, he returned to the store and purchased a Dendrobium for himself. As he began learning how to care for it, he also joined the Oregon Orchid Society to gain knowledge from other growers.

Although he did not buy the Paphiopedilum micranthum, he acquired his first green Paphiopedilum at a society meeting. With each monthly meeting he attended, more orchids came home from local vendors and speakers. Before long, his dining table had turned into an orchid table. Because of Portland’s cold winters, all of his orchids were grown under lights. They responded well to the environment, and he was able to rebloom them successfully.

Relocating to Florida had been a lifelong dream for him and his Partner, Mike, and it became reality when he accepted a National Sales Support Manager position in April 2017. Why Venice? They had never visited Venice before, but thanks to John Masters—whom they met through FOG—and his friend, a realtor, they managed to purchase their house without ever walking through it. His orchid collection was shipped to a friend in Orlando, who helped the plants acclimate to the Florida sun.

All of his orchids are now grown inside the pool cage, a completely different environment from what he was used to in Portland. He soon learned that even in Florida it can get too cold for Vandas. He embraced the challenge and continues striving to improve his growing skills.

He received his first two AOS awards while still in Portland. As of September 2025, he has earned 89 awards, including five FCCs and two CCEs. He is currently serving as a first-year student judge with the AOS Florida North Central Judging Center.