Gawler Districts Orchid Club Inc.

REVIEW
December 2022
Post Print Approved 100002180

Orchid of the Night:

Phal. Chian Xen Angel
Grown by Rob & Lyn Albrecht
 GAWLER DISTRICTS ORCHID CLUB REVIEW

Patron Dr. Bruce Eastick

President Trevor Lehmann
Secretary Robert Albrecht
Treasurer Robert Hall 0403646871
Past President Robert Pfitzner (0431 606 365)
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

Club Correspondence to:

PO Box 32 GAWLER, S.A. 5118
Email: gawlerorchids@gmail.com
Phone enquiries to
President Ph. 0418 231 794
Secretary Ph. 0419 847 724
Editor Ph. 82544253
CONTENTS
Committee and member news……………………………..……..03-07
November Show results ………………..……………….……….07-09
Culture notes, ads, programme & other clubs…………………....09-15

GDOC 2 December 2022

 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
Rob Albrecht.

Complaints/Suggestions: The club strives to provide the best

experience for members. A suggestion box is provided at club meetings
for members to share their ideas. The committee would like to know what
you want e.g., future topics and guest speakers. This is your club.

President’s Report: Christmas is almost upon us and then Summer,

hopefully with warmer weather and no rain. It's been a particularly wet
Spring which has impacted the quality and quantity of orchids this year.
The benching of plants this meeting were down in numbers, but the
quality was good on certain genera. 16 plants were benched in Second
Division, 9 in First and 8 in Open Division. November was our
Sarcochilus Night and 22 Sarcochilus plants were benched.
Congratulations to all winners in all Divisions (Winners listed further in
this magazine). Member numbers were good again at 25, including
another new member signing up. Please welcome David Pittaway as a
member. Our Guest Speaker, Jim Shaughnessy presented a Powerpoint
presentation on Growing Orchids in a Cool Climate. As usual with Jim, it
was a professional " Video" using a Bluetooth speaker to give "Talking
Pictures". A good question time followed, which continued after the
meeting during supper.

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On the following Sunday at midday, we celebrated our Club’s 40th
Anniversary (late by 2 years courtesy of Covid 19) at Cafe Nova in
Gawler. It was attended by 42 Members & it was especially pleasing to
see Dr Bruce Eastick, our Patron of 42 consecutive years.
The food & fellowship was positive and thanks to Jim Shaughnessy, who
donated an Orchid for a raffle, which netted $94.00 which will go
Charity. To those who became unwell later, due to Covid, we hope you
are all well now and fully recovered. Our next Club Meeting in
December, which is normally our Xmas Dinner, will now be a normal
meeting. So please bring plants along for judging or display or for sale.
As normal in a December meeting, the trophies will be handed to those
deserving growers who achieved points over the last year.
Also, it's a tradition, that at our December Meeting, that those who can,
bring along non-perishable items (tinned food etc) for Charity to go to
those less fortunate than us at Xmas. On behalf of our Club, I would like
to extend to the family of Peter Steyn, who passed away recently, our
deepest sympathy. Peter was a valued member of our Club, serving on
Committee and always was ready to help when called upon.
Look forward to seeing you all again next meeting.
- Trevor Lehmann

Raffle: Rob Hall, Marilyn Aigner-Muehler, Rob Albrecht, Valerie Clee,

Rhonda Stock, Trevor Hutchison, Lindsay Evans, Gloria Chester, Ken
Hinsliff, Jim Shaughnessy
Birthday Draw: John Cox
Lucky Name Badge: Gloria Chester

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.

GDOC 4 December 2022

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.

Monster Christmas Raffle: This will be held at the next club meeting.
With tickets at $1 each. Members are invited to bring along a
WRAPPED ITEM to be included in the raffle – it is suggested to limit
to a maximum of $15 per item.

Nominations for committee 2023: Please consider if you might be able

to support the club by serving on the committee. These nominations need
to be in writing and signed by both the nominator and nominee. They
need to be with the club secretary by the close of our December meeting.
As President Trevor Lehmann has indicated he will step down we need a
nomination for President and at least one additional committee member.
(Forms will be available at the next meeting). Please consider if you
might be able to support the club by serving on the committee of your
orchid club.

Christmas support of Vinnies: It has been a tradition for members to

bring items to be added to a Christmas Hamper at our December meeting.
All items donated are passed on to Vinnies at Gawler for the support of
needy members of the community. These gifts will add to the $94 raised
at the 40th Anniversary Dinner. Thank you for your support.

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

GDOC 5 December 2022

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: Mick Talbot continues to do a great job managing the

Gawler District Orchid Club Facebook pages. We are very appreciative
of the fine work he does keeping the orchid community interested with
images of fine orchids and updates of club meetings and shows.
Thankyou Mick

Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/GawlerOrchids Group:

www.facebook.com/groups/GawlerOrchidClub
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Gawler_orchid_club
Photo Sharing.

You are on the road to success when you realise that failure gives the
plant a better chance to build up for next year – Roger Rankin Orchid
Wise

GDOC 6 December 2022

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

Pat Harmer, Craig Humfrey, Leanne Leo, Wendy Lodge, Garry Smith,
Leanne Smith; Dat Tran, Carol Jabs

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, Trevor Lehmann on 0418 231 794

Too much of a good orchid is wonderful – Roger Rankin Orchid Wise

November Results List

Orchid of the Night
Phal. Chian Xen Angel Rob & Lyn Albrecht
Orchid of Open Division
Phal. Chian Xen Angel Rob & Lyn Albrecht
Orchid of First Division
Onc. Wildcat ‘ Merlot Lips ‘ Graham Hein
Orchid of Second Division
Cym. canaliculatum Xuan Vu & Mike Gray
Seedling Of the Night
Sarco. Kulnura Absolute x Maria Purple Magic G & M. Hazledine
Popular Vote – Open Division Equal Votes
Phal. Chian Xen Angel Rob & Lyn Albrecht
Popular Vote – Open Division
Masd. Machu Pichu Jim Shaughnessy

GDOC 7 December 2022

Popular Vote – First Division
Lc. Harry Anceps Rosemary Phillips
Popular Vote – Second Division
Cym. canaliculatum Xuan Vu & Mike Gray

Open Division
Cymbidium under 60- any other colour
Cym. Mary Green ' Lime Light ' Rob & Lyn Albrecht
Laeliinae - Species
L. anceps Rob & Lyn Albrecht
Orchid Genera not listed elsewhere - Hybrid
Phal. Chian Xen Angel Rob & Lyn Albrecht
Masd. Machu Pichu ' Jay Vee ' Jim Shaughnessy
Phal. Ox. Firebird Rob & Lyn Albrecht
Paphiopedilum - Non Standard
Paph. Summer Jewel G & M Hazledine
Sarcochilus - Predominantly any other colour
Sarco. Gunnadoo Jim Shaughnessy
Sarcochilus - Predominantly red/pink
Sarco. Bonanza x Sweetheart G & M Hazledine
Sarco. Kiama Jim Shaughnessy
Sarcochilus - Predominently white
Sarco. George Colthup x DNO. Nickys Twin Jim Shaughnessy
Seedling
Sarco. Kulnura Absolute x Maria Purple Magic G&M. Hazledine
First Division
Cymbidium under 60- any other colour
Cym. Cricket ' The Don ' Trevor Hutchison
Cym. Chiasana ' Geisha Girl ' Trevor Hutchison
Cym. Mini Sacramento x canaliculatum Trevor Hutchison
Laeliinae - Cluster
Ctt. Lady in Red x C. Psyche Graham Hein
Laeliinae - Non Standard

GDOC 8 December 2022

 Lc. Harry Anceps Rosemary Phillips
Oncidiinae - Hybrid > 60mm
Ons. Wild Cat ' Merlot Lips ' Graham Hein
Sarcochilus - Predominently any other colour
Sarco. Xanthio Rosemary Phillips
Sarco. Xanthio Rosemary Phillips
Sarcochilus - Predominently red/pink
Sarco. Magic Graham Hein
Sarcochilus - Predominently white
Sarco. Melba Double x hartmanii Rosemary Phillips
Zygopetalinae - Hybrid
Z. Mem. Peter Nelson x Adelaide Meadows Graham Hein
Z. unknown Graham Hein
Second Division
Australian Native Epiphyte - Species
Cym. canaliculatum var. Sparksii Xuan Vu & Mike Gray
Cymbidium 60 - 90mm - any other colour
Cym. Neal Tadlock Gloria Chester
Cym. Mem. Mervin Gaye ' Royale ' Gloria Chester
Cymbidium over 90mm - any other colour
Cym. Hazel Faye ' Renee's Wish ' Gloria Chester
Cymbidium under 60- any other colour
Cym. Cricket ' Ginger Cascade ' Gloria Chester
Cym. Mad Magic ' Amber ' May Weibel
Cym. Black Stump Gloria Chester
Laeliinae - Cluster
Ctt. Tropical Trick Valerie Clee
Laeliinae - Non Standard
C. Claesiana ' Alba ' Valerie Clee
Laeliinae - Standard under 100mm
Lc. [( Mini Purple x Bonanza Queen ) x Pot. Topaz Quaint) Valerie Clee
Blc. Hsinying Mini Dancer Gloria Chester

GDOC 9 December 2022

Orchid Genera not listed elsewhere - Species
Bulb. wendandianum Xuan Vu & Mike Gray
Den. nobile Xuan Vu & Mike Gray
Sarcochilus - Predominently white
Sarco. Firebird Kenneth Hinsliff

Culture Notes for December: December! Another year has slipped

us by. Hopefully this was a better year than last, and the coming new
year will be even better. This is the key to successful orchid growing and
there is the requirement to try and go one up on the previous year.
Learning is a never-ending process and success is based on lessons learnt.
Some orchids are not meant to grow here. Summer is well upon us, and
the growth season is away. Obviously feeding and watering are they key
requirements but there are many other factors. Light levels are now at
their peak, humidity levels at the lowest and there is the usual army of
bugs out there feasting on the soft new growths. With rapid growth
evident in many genera, we need to keep them moving but also consider
that they are generally soft at this stage of growth. Caterpillars find a new
growth much more tempting than a matured growth. Heat damage is
more noticeable and much more likely to affect a new growth than an old
growth. Hopefully most of our division etc has been completed by now
but alas with so much to do nowadays, this is not always the case, so we
find more and more growers still dividing this late in the season. If these
plants are well looked after, I can see not too many problems dividing
this late, but I would not expect a premium flowering next year either.
Some of the plants that can be done now are the cattleyas and the
Oncidiums as their new growths have new roots that are not too long,
and these plants can be divided without too much set back or
performance in the flowering stakes. Some of these plants can also be
back cut this time of year. Back cutting involves cutting the rhizome of a
plant that is intent on growing one forward growth each year and

GDOC 10 December 2022

Oncidiums and Cattleyas are classic species that exhibit this behaviour.
The cut is made 3 or 4 growths back from the lead with a sterile knife
dipped in a fungicide. Then place a plant label in the cut to stop the
growth growing back together. The aim is to encourage a dormant eye on
the back half of the division to start growing. The plant can then be
divided next year, and you have 2. Zygopetalums are growing fast, and
most new growths will be showing new roots as well. The key to dividing
a plant at any time is do it in active growth. If you divide a plant that is
resting, you may end up with a dead plant or at least a plant suffering a
major setback. The old, damaged roots won’t absorb water or fertilizer
very well and there are no new ones to take over. Even when it finally
grows new roots, it is that far set back it may be years before it returns to
normal. All divided plants should be kept in a shadier position with high
humidity levels as well as misted regularly for a while until they settle
down and then returned to their rightful place on the bench. Don’t forget
a couple of watering with Seasol to assist the recovery of the orchid and
the new roots. Terrestrials are now in the shed stored in a cool shady
place. Next month will see the annual task of re-potting. There are a
couple of evergreen terrestrials we can grow here and as long as you have
some cover they won’t need too much heat over winter. These are Phaius
tankervilliae (aka the swamp orchid) and Calanthe triplicata (aka The
Christmas orchid). Both are grown under 55% shade at my place and
under cover all year in a deep pot with a rich peaty compost. They both
have soft wide leaves and look good even out of flower. Caterpillars and
scale love them! Both flowers mark badly if they get wet, particularly the
Calanthe that turns black. It would pay to keep the atmosphere and the
plant very dry when flowering. The Phaius is out in November and
funnily enough the Calanthe flowers in December. Keep up the humidity
this time of year as it is when conditions get hot. There are many ways to
increase humidity. In my shade house, I hang old man’s beard
everywhere, baby’s tears grow under the benches and along the paths, I
have some containers of water under the benches and even a few foliage
plants scattered about the place. The floor is bark chip that holds

GDOC 11 December 2022

moisture. All these factors improve the humidity. Provide some extra
shade if you can when temperatures go through the roof and remove it
when conditions cool down. We installed foggers under the covered
section, and these are very effective at bumping up the humidity and
bring the temperatures down on those extreme days. Avoid spraying for
pests when temperatures are high. Learn to read the signs of heat and
light damage. Die back, pitting, sun burn, or scald marks and excessive
yellowing of the leaves are clear signs. I also test a few plants leaves and
feel how hot they are and if they are I’ll try to get the temp down. Inspect
those orchids that do not have pseudobulbs to tide them over the summer.
Paphiopedilums and Sarcochilus come to mind so make sure they are
kept evenly moist. They also will show up heat damage via pitting of the
leaves and once creamed by the heat will die a slow death. Inspect the
roots anytime you feel the plant is struggling. Lifting the plant partly out
the pot and back in won’t harm it but if the roots have no growth tips,
then something is wrong, and action needs to be taken now. Not later.
Paphs are very sensitive to salt, especially some of the species and
regular flushing is essential to remove them. Therefore, a well-drained
mix is a must, not only to get valuable air to the roots but to enable a
regular flushing. If water drains out slowly then it is unlikely your
conditions are very favourable, and problems will soon occur if not
already evident. They also have low fertiliser requirements. Pests are
plenty and the green loopers are rife. A month ago, I couldn’t walk
outside at night under the streetlights because of a moth plague and when
there is moth plague there is looper plague behind it. Fortunately, I was
prepared, and I have a few pots of sacrificial foliage plants under the
benches and sure enough they are covered in loopers that are easily
removed by hand but the orchids apart from my soft leaved
Zygopetalums and Lycastes are untouched. I would keep an eye out for
scale and mites as conditions become drier. December starts the summer
season and there are still plenty that flower this time of year. Many
people won’t grow summer flowering orchids, maybe it’s because there
are no shows or club meetings are recessed until the new year, I don’t

GDOC 12 December 2022

know but I make sure I am not in that minority. Brassia verrucosa and
Brassia brachiata are now out, the spidery flowers making a wonderful
display even if their smell leaves much to be desired, there are always a
few summer flowering mini Cattleyas and Oncidiums adding colour. I
have always loved the Oncidiiane complex. Like the Laeliinae group a
well thought out collection can usually have at least one member from the
group or intergenerics bred from them that flower every month of the
year. I have Encyclias, Native Dendrobiums (yes, even in summer, but
they only last a few days), always Zygoes spot flowering, Sartylis,
Neofinetia , Biffrenaria, Native Cymbidiums ( madidum , canaliculatum
and suave) and their hybrids all providing summer colour. 2022 is about
to bite the dust and 2023 awaits. Most of these notes are for the learners
in the clubs and hope that these and the beginners group meetings have
been useful in helping you understand and improve your culture. For the
rest of the growers, I hope they have been helpful even in a small way.
We are all into this together and we all need to interact, share ideas, and
dare to try something different. All the best for Xmas and may Santa
bring you many seedlings.
- Steve Howard

GDOC 13 December 2022

 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

GDOC 14 December 2022

Other Orchid Clubs –Where & when they meet:

North Eastern District Orchid: - Meets in St Phillips Hall Galway

Avenue, Broadview from 7.30pm on the third Thursday of the month.
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 15 December 2022

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

Next Monthly Meeting

Thursday December 8th
8-00PM

Topic:
Presentation Night

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

GDOC 16 December 2022