Gawler Districts Orchid Club Inc.

REVIEW
April 2023
Post Print Approved 100002180

Orchid of the night: Ctt. Valentine Day

Grown by Steve Howard
 Gawler Districts Orchid Club Executive Positions
Patron Dr. Bruce Eastick
President Gloria Chester (8280 7940)
Secretary Robert Albrecht (0419 847 724)
Treasurer Robert Hall (0403 646 871)
Past President Trevor Lehmann (0418 231 794)
Show Marshall Peter Aigner-Muehler (0422 483 567)
Life Members: 1991 John & Lyn Howard
Denotes Deceased Member 1994 John & Liz Pohl
1994 Roger & Pauline Rankin
1997 Stan Isaacson
1998 Gordon  & Margaret Hewitt
2003 Ross & Freda Woolford
2005 Allan & Doreen Garner
2005 David & Pat Harmer
2016 Dennis Greenwood
2017 Brian & Mary Heddle
2017 Murray & Margaret Page
2017 Steve Howard
2018 Jim & Evelyn Cuming
2018 Graham & Sue Zerbe
2022 Robert Pfitzner
2023 Peter Aigner-Muehler
2023 Graeme Hazledine

Club Correspondence to:

PO Box 32 GAWLER, S.A. 5118
Email: gawlerorchids@gmail.com
Phone enquiries to
President Ph. 8280 7940
Secretary Ph. 0419 847 724
Editor Ph. 8254 4253
CONTENTS
Committee and member news……………………………...……..03-06
Decade of change & Oncidium article…………………....………07-01
March Monthly meeting results ……..……………….…………..11-13
Culture notes, ads, programme & other clubs…………………....14-19

GDOC 2 April 2023

 UNDER INSURANCE GUIDELINES ALL MEMBERS, VISITORS
AND COMMITTEE ATTENDING ANY FUNCTION OR
MEETING HELD BY THE CLUB MUST NOW PROVIDE THEIR
NAME AND SIGNATURE IN THE CLUB’S ATTENDANCE
REGISTER.

Copyright: All contributions to this review, which have acknowledged authors,

including photos, are covered by copyright. Consent for use of this material elsewhere
must be obtained from the Secretary. The Club accepts no responsibility for transactions
between advertisers and readers for the material content of advertisements and the views
expressed by authors. Kyle Howard – Editor. Flower of the month – digital images by
Alan Jabs

President’s Report: The meeting was attended by 35 people, and we

welcomed 5 potential new members. Adrian and Dulcie have recently
been hospitalised and we wish them a speedy recovery. We wish Peter
Aigner Mueller all the best for his hip replacement operation and
commiserate with Marilyn in trying to keep him out of action for the
recommended time! The number of plants benched for showing was the
lowest I have known with 8 in Second Division, 8 in Open Division and
none in First Division. However, the interesting variety of species
included ones I had never seen and not a cymbidium in sight! Our guest
speaker John Harris, a renowned Judge, gave us an interesting and
informative over-view of how Orchid growing has changed over the last
two decades and many of us gained a few good tips on how to catch the
judge’s eye in the future. Thanks to Debbie Turk for volunteering to take
over the monthly newsletter distribution, Mae Weibel volunteering to be
Librarian, John Cox and Marilyn Aigner Mueller joining the committee
and Marilyn taking the position of Meeting Host, all vacant positions are
now filled but should any members wish to volunteer their services I am
sure we could accommodate them! With the hot weather hopefully over, I
look forward to seeing many more orchids being shown and I encourage

GDOC 3 April 2023

new and beginning growers to bring your plants in as it has been proved
many times over that we are not all good judges of our plants.
Happy Orchid Growing!
- Gloria Chester.

Birthday Draw: No winning member was present at the meeting.

Lucky Name Badge: Di Stock

New Members: Please make welcome two new members who have
recently joined our club. Joan Peterkin and Debbie Turk. We welcome
Joan and Debbie and hope to see them benching plants in the near future.

Autumn Show and related Rumours: Rumours have been circulating to

the effect that the Gawler Districts Orchid Club Autumn Show has been
cancelled! The members of our committee wish to assure all members
that the show is still on and scheduled to be held in Nuriootpa between
May 3rd and 6th. Although our club is not associated with SAROC we
have advertised their SA Orchid Fair as a gesture of good will.

Subscriptions 2023: At the recent committee meeting the fees for

2023 were set as follows:
Single membership $30 if “Review” posted, $20 if emailed.
Couple membership $35 if “Review” posted, $25 if emailed.

Payment can be made to the Treasurer at monthly meetings, posted

to P.O box 32 Gawler 5118 or paid directly into the Club’s bank
account: BankSA Gawler BSB 105-009. Account Number 065 534
140. If depositing via bank, please add your full name with ‘Sub’ at
the end.

GDOC 4 April 2023

Seeking Plant: Peter Aigner-Muehler is seeking a piece or a plant
of Schomburgkia. If you have one to spare, to contact Peter.

Plant displays at meetings: Club members are encouraged to bring

plants that have an interesting or impressive display to share with club
members (even though it might not be judged for points). Judges may
still choose to give a commentary regarding plants as displayed on this
table. Members are reminded of the 6-month ownership rule for display
of plants for judging. Please respect this arrangement. Members have
requested that plants remain on display for 15/20 minutes after close of
the meeting to allow viewing. Your assistance in this regard would be
appreciated. These plants are for VIEWING ONLY, PLEASE DO NOT
TOUCH

Review via E-Mail: If you wish to have a copy emailed to you, even
though you have elected to have a printed copy posted, then please send a
request to the Editor, Kyle Howard. If you wish to cancel the hard copy,
please notify Rob Hall at robhall123@aussiebroadband.com.au. Kyle can
be contacted at GawlerDistrictsOrchidClub@hotmail.com. N.B. an
emailed copy will show images in colour!

Facebook Page:
Page: www.facebook.com/GawlerOrchids
Group: www.facebook.com/groups/GawlerOrchidClub
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Gawler_orchid_club

In reading, we learn all the answers; in growing, we discover

all the questions – Roger Rankin Orchid Wise

GDOC 5 April 2023

 Member News
Best wishes to the following club members who will celebrate birthdays.
Trusting that you are all have wonderful celebrations on your special day.

April
Peter Aigner-Muehler Lyn Albrecht Judith Berno Luan Thi Dong
Terry Honor Trevor Hutchinson John Moon Trevor Stutley

To any member who has been unwell recently, we hope that you can join
us at our next meeting. We look forward to having you back with us.
Special Birthday (0 & 5 last numeral) & Get Well wishes can only be
acknowledged if we have the information – please pass on information to
the President, Gloria Chester on 8280 7940

Gawler Garden Club: Recently, the Gawler Garden Club has

disbanded. They very generously donated their surplus assets to our club.
The assets included the following: Microphone, Microphone Stand, Amplifier,
Bank Cheque, Xmas Tree & Decorations, UHF Wireless System, and a Tea &
Coffee Box.

Although we have some of these items already, we have very gratefully

accepted this very kind gesture on their behalf. As a reciprocal move, we
have offered any of their previous members free membership for 12
months at Gawler Districts Orchid Club.

The Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis will live together but one will grow old
quickly – Roger Rankin Orchid Wise.

GDOC 6 April 2023

TWO DECADES OF CHANGE – MY LOST ORCHID
GENERATION
John Harris, FAOC, was our guest speaker at the March meeting. After a
brief biography, John gave a short explanation of how orchids are named
and how the names are internationally recognised. The naming is
controlled by The Royal Horticultural Society in England. Any changes
in names of orchids generally centre around DNA or botanical evidence.
John cited Laelinae and Oncidinae and more recently Dendrochilum as
having been juggled to Coelogyne! [Changes of names is often a
frustration for orchid growers who have had a plant for quite a while]
John reminded us of the large orchid displays in the past in places like
John Martins [Was once a large department store on Rundle Mall] with
mostly Cymbidiums on display. In recent times we seem to have fewer
plants, but a greater variety of genera which now includes: Australian
native Dendrobiums, more species and fewer hybrids, fewer
paphiopedilums and large standard cattleyas. Times have changed!
John then reflected on the fact that there used to be over 15 active
specialist orchid nurseries in South Australia – these have now been
replaced with retail outlets such as Bunnings and supermarkets as well as
options for online sales through websites, eBay and/or gumtree.
He suggested that over the 20 or so years there has been little change in
the judging process. He then briefly discussed the preparation and staking
of plants for display. John explained the awards that can be granted
through AOC judging for quality and culture. Amongst the awards are
HCC, AM, FCC – maybe we need to review those details in the future!
Finally, John shared images of orchids – getting members to consider
whether there been any significant changes over the years. See examples
below. Each pair of images indicates the orchid family, plant name, year
judged, award received and size of the flower. Here are some photos to
provide material for discussion amongst orchid lovers.

GDOC 7 April 2023

GDOC 8 April 2023
Members greatly appreciated John’s presentation. The comparisons
Images have been used with John’s permission. On behalf of the club,
thanks to John for a very informative and engaging talk.
- Rob Albrecht

GDOC 9 April 2023

GENUS ONCIDIUM: Part 1
As many orchid growers would know, the orchid family is the
largest of all flowering plants. It has been estimated that there
are some 30 to 35 thousand species of orchids, and still
counting! The two main areas of the world where orchids grow
in nature are Central and South America and South East Asia.
One of the most fascinating features of the orchid family is the
diversity of genera and the forms of flowers.
This article deals with the genus Oncidium which is one of my
favourites.
The genus Oncidium consists of orchids with many different and
brightly coloured flowers which in general are highly adaptable
to culture in a range of varied conditions. They are very popular
with many orchid growers as they will flower on quite small
plants. There is quite a range in size of the plants, and while
the colour of the flowers used to be predominantly yellow and
brown, other colours are now quite common, including white
and red. Oncidiums are predominantly epiphytic plants but can
be found growing as lithophytes in some areas. The genus is Oncidium Gold Dust ‘Bernadette’
quite extensive with over 400 species with others saying that it AOC Award #5012 / AM
could contain up to 750 species. However large the number may
be, it is by far one of the largest genera of orchids.
Oncidium species mainly come from Central America to northern South America with a very wide
range of natural habitats. They belong to the Vandaceae sub family.
The flowers of Oncidium mostly appear to be pollinated by
bees. Some of the Oncidiums mimic the flowers of vines
and other plants to attract the pollinators, and thus transfer
the pollen from one plant to another. When the flowers of
some Oncidiums blow in the wind they look like insects in
flight and this also attracts pollinators. This movement in
the wind is the reason they are sometimes called Dancing
Ladies. The colours of Oncidium flowers also attract the
bees as they are colours that insects can see.
I have spent quite some time looking for information on the
different types of Oncidiums, but haven’t been able to find
OncidiumTwinkle'Fragrant Fantasy'
much.
AOC Award #5077 / ACE
Since Oncidium species grow in a large range of diverse
habitats and climatic conditions we need to find out what
species is in the background of each Oncidium hybrid to
decide what conditions to grow it in.
Cultural requirements
I can only give a broad requirement of growing conditions
from my own experience of the various species. These
notes are only general in nature and a little research is
needed to get the best results.

Onc. Solar Landing 'Marsden'

AOC Award #4226 / ACM

GDOC 10 April 2023

1. Air Movement
Air movement is the most important factor for good culture of Oncidiums. A constant and gentle
breeze should be maintained at all times. In my experience air movement helps facilitate
maximum growth and eliminates many bacterial and fungal growths caused by stagnant air. My
small fans run 24/7.

Mt Gambier
member,
Glen Jarrett, was
delighted with his
first ever orchid
flower: –
Oncidium Honey
Bee

Onc. Tigersette 'Wylde Court'

AOC Award #4779 / HCC

Australian Orchid Council awards are courtesy of the AOC Program Library
ARTICLE TO BE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH
This article has been supplied by Jim Shaughnessy and is used with his permission. Next month he will continue
expanding on the cultural requirements of oncidium orchids.

March Results List

Orchid of the Night
Ctt. Valentine Day Steve Howard
Orchid of Open Division
Ctt. Valentine Day Steve Howard
Orchid of Second Division
Gom. (flexuosa x longicornu) Trevor Lehmann
Popular Vote of the Night
Gom. (flexuosa x longicornu) Trevor Lehmann
Popular Vote Open Division
Ctt. Valentine Day Steve Howard
Popular Vote Second Division

GDOC 11 April 2023

Gom. (flexuosa x longicornu) Trevor Lehmann
Seedling of the Night
V. Moonlight Firefly Steve Howard
Open Division
Laeliinae - Standards Hybrid Cluster
Ctt. Valentine Day Steve Howard
Oncidiinae - Hybrid Under 60mm
Ons. Catantante Peter & Marilyn Aigner-Muehler
Psh. cochleata Peter & Marilyn Aigner-Muehler
Other Genera - Hybrid not listed elsewhere
V. Moonlight Firefly Steve Howard
Aerth. Hsinying Ramosa Steve Howard
Other Genera - Species not listed elsewhere
V. falcata Steve Howard
Paphiopedilum - Non Standard
Paph. Hung Sheng Hasegawa Steve Howard
Second Division
Australian Native Epiphyte - Species
Sarc. ceciliae Trevor Lehmann
Laeliinae - Non Standard Hybrid
Ctt. (Deception Spots x Netrasiri Waxy) Ken & Rhonda Stock
Oncidiinae - Hybrid Over 60mm
Mtdm. Goodale Moir (Golden Wonder) Mike Gray & XuanVu
Oncidiinae - Hybrid Under 60mm
Gom. (flexuosa x longicornu) Trevor Lehmann

Other Genera - Hybrid not listed elsewhere

GDOC 12 April 2023

Den. Australian Purple Pepper Trevor Lehmann
Zygopetalinae - Hybrid
Z. unknown Mike Gray & Xuan Vu

Orchid of 2nd Division

Gom. (flexuosa x longicornu)
Owner: Trevor Lehmann

Seedling of the Night →

V. Moonlight Firefly
Owner: Steve Howard

GDOC 13 April 2023

Happiness is not what you experience when an orchid wins a
prize, but when you remember – Roger Rankin Orchid Wise

Culture Notes: April

Natives
Watering: Mounts daily. Pots weekly. Small pots twice weekly
depending on weather.
Feeding: Slow release or bloom booster types. Feed weekly as many in
new growth now. Top up old pots with some dolomite lime to reduce
acidity.
Pest/Disease: Keep water out of new growths. Caterpillars attack new
growths as well. Brown fungal spots common on recent growth.
Preventative spraying with fungicides can help.
General: Many natives initiate spikes this time of year. Speciosum start
later this month.

Cymbidiums
Watering: 2 times per week depending on conditions. Cooling weather
reduces evaporation rates. Opening rains are due.
Feeding: Higher potash. Winter flowering varieties in spike now. Good
time to add Epsom salts and Seasol.
Pest/Disease: 2 spotted mites prevalent. Water under leaves to reduce
them or use miticides. Sprinkle slug pellets to avoid damage to new
spikes.
General: Place stakes in pots as spikes become evident as a reminder of
spiking plants. Spray for pests whilst spikes small to avoid damage. Good
month to divide off plants missed earlier. Restrict to non-flowering plants
though.

GDOC 14 April 2023

Zygopetalums
Watering: 2-4 times per week.
Feeding: Weekly, high potassium as new leads fill out.
Pest/Disease: Caterpillars relish soft new growth. Inspect frequently.
Hand removal sufficient.
General: Keep water out of new growth. Early spikes start from now.
Increase light levels and air movement. Spray with fungicides as
preventative for spotting on leaves.

Cattleyas
Watering: 2 times per week and easing off towards the end of the
month.
Feeding: High potash for bifoliate clusters as they develop for autumn
flowering.
Pests/Disease: Ants can be an issue eating sheaths and buds as food
becomes scarce. Use dusts or ant rid. Inspect new roots for pest activity.
Cockroaches relish green tips.
General: Stake show plants now for best presentation. After flowering
some plants will rest.

Oncidiums
Watering: 2 times per week. Up to twice daily or more for mounts.
Mist roots not plant.
Feeding: Usually high potash as many will be showing spikes. Feed
weakly as oncids are not gross feeders.
Pests/Diseases: Usually free this time of year although caterpillars will
take out a spike before it even gets out of sheath.
General: Hang for maximum light. Oncids with smaller new growths
can still be divided this month. Keep cool afterwards though.

GDOC 15 April 2023

Paphiopedilums:
General: Water 2-4 times a week, rainwater preferred.

When it comes to buying an orchid, we usually overpay the

owner, but we think it is worth every cent – Roger Rankin
Orchid Wise

Barrita Orchids
World leading Cymbidium & Sarcochilus breeders.
www.barritaorchids.com scott@barritaorchids.com.au

Nicky Zurcher: See Nicky’s slippers; Exciting new Paphs and Phrags
www.nickysslippers.com.au Mob. 0405 088 479

Sims Orchid Sims Orchid: Hybridisers and suppliers, cymbidium orchids

from flask to flowering size, mericlones, seedlings, show bench & pot
plant. Contact: Moss & Rosemary Bray 123 Barcelona Rd Noarlunga
Downs SA 5168 Ph. (08) 8382 8822

FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS
Saturday April 22nd 10AM to 4PM
Sunday April 23rd 10AM to 2PM
Angle Park Greyhound Park, 55 Cardigan St, Angle Park
$5.00 Entry Fee

GDOC 16 April 2023

 S.A. Orchid Fair – 10 – 11 June 2023
At the Campbelltown Function Centre, Montacute Road,
Rostrevor

Dates for your Diary

Autumn Show @ Nuriootpa, May 3rd to 6th
Wednesday May 3rd: Setup from 4:30PM, put in 5:30-6PM. Judging from
6PM. Takeout Saturday May 6th 5PM

Winter Show @ Golden Grove Village Shopping Centre, July 26th to

29th
Wednesday July 26th; Setup from 4:15PM, put in 5:30-6PM, Judging
from 6:00PM. Take out Saturday July 29th 5PM

Spring Show @ Hollywood Plaza, Sept 20th to 23rd (Pending

confirmation)
Wednesday Sept 20th; Setup from 4:15PM, put in 5:30-6PM, Judging
from 6PM, Take out Saturday 23rd 5PM

GDOC 17 April 2023

Club Programme for 2023
May Neutrog – Organic Orchid
Fertilizers
June Craig Miles: TBA
July Auction
August Phil Smoult: Smoult Horticultural
Supplies
September Hands on Night: Steve Howard;
Dendrobium Speciosum
October Kyle Howard: Victorian Terrestrial
Orchids
November Jim Shaughnessy: Growing
Dendrochilum & Coelogyne
Orchids
December Christmas Dinner & Presentation
Night

GDOC 18 April 2023

Other Orchid Clubs –Where & when they meet:

South Coast Orchid Club: Colonel Lights Garden; St George RSL, 4

Prince George Pde, Colonel Light Gardens from 8:00PM on the 2nd
Monday of each month. Learners class from 7:20PM
Daytime Chapter: - Meets in Lou Kesting Hall, Dover Square, off
Broadway, South Brighton at 2:00PM on the 2nd Thursday of the month
Southern Region Group: - Meets Carrakalinga House 17- 19 Torrens
St. Victor Harbor on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 2.pm. Learners class
at 1:15PM.
The South Australian Orchidaceous Society: - Meets at Plympton
Community Centre at 34 Long St, Plympton on the 3rd Wednesday of the
month from 7:30PM. Parking at side & rear of hall.
Murray Bridge & Districts Orchid Club: - Meets at Seventh Day
Adventist Hall, Corner Myall Ave & Standen St, Murray Bridge on the
4th Sunday of the month at 1:45pm.
The Native Orchid Society of South Australia: - Meets at the St.
Matthew’s Hall Bridge St. Kensington on 4th Tuesday of Month at
7:30pm.
Cymbidium Orchid Club of Sth. Aust: - Meets at Burnside Community
Centre, 401 Greenhill Rd Tusmore on the 4th Wednesday of the Month at
7:30pm
Orchid Club of South Australia: - Evening Group: Meets at the
Enfield Community Centre 540 Regency Rd., on the 1st Thursday of the
Month at 8:00pm.
Daytime Group: - meets at Enfield Community Centre 540 Regency Rd
Enfield on the 2nd Friday of the Month. 2.00pm – 4.00pm

GDOC 19 April 2023

Gawler Districts Orchid Club Inc.
Elderly Centre
37 Fourteenth Street, Gawler

Next Monthly Meeting

Thursday April 13th
8-00PM

Topic:
Graham Hein
Growing Laelia’s My Way

Regular Features:
- Beginners Group 7:30PM
- Plant Benching & Judging
- Lucky Name Badge (Must be wearing)
- Birthday Draw: April
- Raffle
- Supper

GDOC 20 April 2023