CVIOS Indoor Orchid Growers and Green House Tours Synopsis.

May 14th - Ken and Sheila opened their homes to show their collection of orchids and growing setups to 8 members eager to see how orchids can be grown indoors and on balconies. Both were a bit disappointed that there were not more visitors but had a good time non-the-less.

Ken displayed his collection in two Ikea glass cases with LED lighting, misters, and fans. As well, he has a table full of orchids under LED lighting and misting system.

Sheila’s display consisted of two baker’s shelves next to a patio door to the balcony - leaving just enough room to access the balcony. She also had orchids set up on a couple of smaller shelves throughout the apartment and a few plants outside on the balcony. Indoor plants had LED lighting and ultrasonic mister to help with humidity.

June 3rd - Donna, Valerie, and Bernie opened their homes and growing setups to 6 to 8 members. Like Ken and Sheila, we were a bit disappointed that more members didn’t show up, but we were grateful for those that did, especially the three new members.

Donna proudly showed off her greenhouse to 8 members of which some commented that hers was the neatest greenhouse they had ever been in. Donna is also in the process of downsizing, so she had a number of plants, pots, root mat and books for sale or for free for the taking. For a small greenhouse, Donna’s is nicely laid out with good circulation and humidification, a good example if you are looking to set one up. Some of the members enjoyed the expansive yard next to the greenhouse as well.

Bernie also hosted 8 members that took in the three areas of the house where he keeps his orchids, some of which are on window sills, some on side tables next to windows, a cluster of Phals on a built-in corner display area as well as the double enclosed climate-controlled bakers’ shelves and one terrarium. Most all plants, except those on the window sill, were under LED lights. A few members also ventured out into Ida’s garden to take in the landscape.

Valerie hosted 6 members all of which were amazed at her unique setup featuring mostly mini orchids in 20 terrariums, 2 aquariums and a wrought iron stand covered in neofinetias all of which are in her living room. Some members also took in the lovely outside patio area surrounded by terrestrial plants and some orchids as well.

June 10th - Laurie and Shirley opened their green houses to 5 members. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, rained all day so I suspect that’s why the turn out was low but kudo’s to them both for showing what they had.

Laurie’s green house was jam packed with plants, both orchids and garden plants, with barely enough room for three or four people - my kind of green house! As mentioned previously, several new members attended and showed great interest.

Shirley’s green house was, like Donna’s, well laid out and equipped with automatic fans, heater, and a Mist King misting system. Lots of room to move around in, meaning, not a lot of plants, maybe thirty or so and room for at least 200 more…(I’m pretty sure Shirley is gasping as she reads this)

All in all, most of us that participated had some plants in bloom, some more than others and those that attended learned something about keeping orchids in the varied environments of both green houses and indoors. We hope to have more members attend next year as it takes time to prepare for visitors.

At this point I would like to thank Sheila, Ken, Donna, Valerie, Bernie, Laurie, and Shirley for opening to the members their homes and green houses to show off their varied collections of orchids.

Bernie

Paramount Greenhouse Visit - June 17th

Thank you to Paramount Orchids in Parksville for opening up to your amazing greenhouses. Thank you to those who organized the visit and to Valerie for your guidance and attention. It was wonderful to see such an array of beautiful plants. Most left with new orchids to enjoy for the summer!

Monthly Checklist for July and August (from AOS)

Cattleya

Cattleyas this month require careful attention to their watering and fertilizing needs owing to characteristically high temperatures. Evaporative cooling is a must in areas of the country where it is effective. Where it is not (the more humid regions), care needs to be paid to proper venting to keep temperatures within reason. Bottom vents in conjunction with top vents provide enough rising airflow to help keep plants cool. Increased air flow lessens humidity and dries plants out more quickly, necessitating more frequent damping down and watering, in areas where high humidity is not a problem. Higher light and heat indicate more fertilizer. The growths your plants are making now are the source of this autumn, winter and spring's blooms, so applying adequate fertilizer this month is the best way to ensure future blooms. Higher temperatures and humidity may also lead to fungal or bacterial rot problems, so it is important to closely observe your plants for any early indication of problems. Pests are also at a high point this month for the same reason.
 

Paphiopedilum

Cooling and air circulation are especially critical in these two months to prevent stress and avoid disease problems. Watering needs to be closely monitored to ensure that plants do not dry out. Warmer-growing hybrids will be at the peak of their blooming, with attention needing to be paid to staking of spikes. Look for water lodging in growths, which can rot emerging spikes and lead to the loss of the entire growth.
 

Phalaenopsis

Most, if not all, potting should be complete by now. This month and next are when these plants achieve their maximum growth. This growth will be that from which they set their spikes for the coming season. The more leaves the plants grow, the better potential for spiking will be realized. Growers in cooler areas such as the Pacific coast have the advantage this month, should they choose, of cooling for early season spikes. Lots of heat and light call for liberal applications of water and fertilizer.