Once I join, how soon can I begin accessing my benefits?
You will have "immediate" access to most benefits as soon as you join. These include live webinars, expert Q&A greenhouse chats, recorded (watch-on-demand) webinars, the current issue of Orchids magazine along with access to the digital magazine archive, and special annual magazine supplements, discounts, and $700+ in vouchers from top orchid vendors (when you join as a two-year member.)
You will receive a welcome kit shortly after joining that will give you access to additional benefits such as "Your First Orchid" book, email course, member discounts, and more.
Where can I see the full list of benefits?
Click the "See details and compare plans..." link in the purple area above for a side-by-side comparison between Gold and silver membership.
You can also click the "Benefit Details" tab in these Frequently Asked Questions for a full list of benefits and their details.
What are the details of the membership benefits listed above?
Orchids Magazine (and digital archive dating back to the 1930’s)
Orchids magazine is our award-winning orchid publication that's been in print since 1932. Annual print members receive the printed magazine each month, and ALL members have access to the digital archive where issues can be viewed online instantly.
The value of the digital archive is hard to overestimate. There were only a handful of complete sets of the printed archive in existence when we sacrificed multiple sets to digitize the issues for our members and future generations. A single back issue of the magazine today costs $9.99 plus shipping and the overwhelming majority of issues are out of print. You're getting access to over 90 years of issues of this cherished magazine.
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Annual Magazine Supplement
The special annual supplemental issue of ORCHIDS magazine covers a different topic each year. Back issues of the supplement when available cost $25 to $40 (but you receive the annual supplement with your membership - they are usually published between September and November each year.)
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OrchidPro
Search and browse over 100,000 photos of award-winning orchids, exclusive data, in-depth genealogy (family trees, progeny, species makeup, parents), charts, and more. New data and photos are added continuously, and we're constantly working on new features and integrating third-party data to make OrchidPro the best orchid resource available anywhere. There are no costs to members for ongoing updates and the application can be accessed online from any device with an Internet connection (OrchidPro adjusts to any screen size from desktops down to smartphones.) Plus, you can download data and photos and use all kinds of powerful features from viewing award-winning orchids side-by-side to your saving searches for future use and much more.
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Exclusive Savings on Publications, Plants, Supplies, and More
AOS members receive exclusive discounts from popular orchid vendors (over 50) on plants, supplies and more. Members also receive up to 50% off AOS publications including back issues of Orchids magazine and AOS published books purchased through our website or by phone.
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Over $700 in vouchers from 24 of the top orchid vendors
Two-year AOS members receive vouchers for $30 off purchases of $100 or more from 24 of the top orchid vendors (see orchidmarketplace.com for the list of participating ELITE vendors.)
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Monthly Live Webinars
We provide a new webinar every month on a range of popular orchid topics. You can attend live or watch the recording anytime afterward. No special software is required, just your web browser and you can watch on any platform even your smartphone with Internet access.
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Monthly Live Q&A Chats
Get your toughest orchid questions answered by one of our experts. There is a live Q&A greenhouse chat every month, where orchid experts take your questions on any orchid topic. If you can't attend live, you can email your questions to greenhousechat@aos.org, we'll answer your question live and you can watch the recording later at your convenience.
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Recorded (Watch on Demand) Webinars
Over 100 pre-recorded webinars and greenhouse chats are already waiting for you as soon as you become a member. From highly-popular general topics like dealing with orchid pests and diseases, to orchid basics, to coverage of specific species/hybrids, you'll find a lot of interesting topics to watch anytime.
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NEW - Email Orchid Course for Beginners
Members receive a lesson from this fantastic email course each month for up to 18 months (while their membership remains current.)
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Orchid Award Discounts
Members save $20 on processing fees for each on AOS-judged orchid award they receive.
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“Your First Orchid” Book
A 64-page book for new members. From cover to cover, beginners will learn everything they need to know to grow their first orchid successfully. Written in easy to understand language, this beginner’s guide can’t be beat! The book is free (a $7.95 value), you just cover shipping and handling if you would like the book. Get it while supplies last, it will not be reprinted.
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Free and Discounted Admission to Nearly 300 Botanical Gardens
With the Reciprocal Garden Admission program, members enjoy free or reduced admission to and discounts at hundreds of gardens, conservatories, and arboreta nationwide. This is a $30+ value after just two uses. See below for important information on this benefit (*)
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Article and Photo Searching
You can search thousands of articles and photos from Orchids magazine, then view the selected article online!
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Orchids Magazine Issue Downloads (Offline Viewing)
Annual members can download the most recent 18 months of issue (including the current issue) to view offline
in PDF format.
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(*) Reciprocal Garden Admissions Program Details
A current membership card from the American Orchid Society or a participating RAP garden entitles the visitor to special admissions privileges and/or discounts at many different types of gardens. The following guidelines are provided to members for enjoying their RAP benefits:
Call the garden you would like to visit ahead of time.
Some gardens have exclusions for special events, for visitors who live within 90 miles of the garden, etc. Each garden has its own unique admissions policy, RAP benefits, and hours of operations. Calling ahead ensures that you get the most up to date information.
Present your current membership card
to receive the RAP benefit(s) for that garden. Each card will only admit the individual(s) whose name is listed on the card. Some gardens may require a photo ID.
The 90-mile Exclusion policy
allows a garden to exclude members of gardens within 90 miles of it from receiving the RAP benefit(s). For AOS members, the exclusion is based on main headquarters address: 10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables FL 33156. Please contact the garden you plan to visit to inquire about their enforcement of this policy.
Remember that the gardens you visit rely on admission and donations
to maintain their collections and gardens for all to enjoy. Please support them by visiting their gift shops or making a contribution.
With almost 300 participating gardens, it’s easy to find a garden near you!
What is an Affiliated Society?
An affiliated society is an orchid society associated with the AOS. Each affiliated society and their main contact must maintain AOS membership. There are several valuable benefits for affiliated societies ranging from organizational and orchid presentation aids, AOS judge guest speakers, affiliation with local orchid judging centers, marketing assistance, and more.
If you are joining as a new affiliated society, please complete this application form.
If you are renewing your existing Affiliated Society Membership, you can do so via the online renewal form. Remember to sign in with your affiliated society email address if you haven't already when renewing.
Can I pay by check or other payment method?
Yes, you can pay for memberships with a check (but paying online allows you to join faster and access your benefits right away)
Contact our staff for assistance with alternate payment methods at (305) 740-2010.
Do you still offer joint membership discounts?
Yes! If you and another household member want a combined membership that gives you both online access and membership benefits, with just a single magazine delivered to your address, you can sign up for a joint membership here.
How can I order a gift membership?
Membership in the AOS is a great gift for orchid lovers of all ages. You can order a gift membership here.
How do I cancel my membership?
- Sign into the AOS website
- Click the user menu in the upper-right of the site and choose "My Account"
- Click "Edit Profile, then choose the 'Billing' tab"
- Click "Disable" next to the recurring membership transaction you want to cancel
If you need assistance, please contact our helpful staff at (305) 740-2010.
Is membership refundable?
Membership orders are not refundable or transferable.
Are there additional ways I can offer financial support to the AOS?
Membership fees do not cover AOS expenses, so we rely on support from donors to fulfill our mission toward orchid education, conservation, and research. We greatly appreciate donations of any amount, which you can make using our secure online donation form
or by calling (305) 740-2010.
