OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2009 Australian 582 en Ath cssenars Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne ie 12 OCT 200g | | [ 078050 LIBRARY 1 7700:> Ap proval No. PP255003/00950 South Australian Native Orchids CD 2009 (cuition 3) This CD of South Australia’s native terrestrial orchids has been compiled by Bob Bates. This 760 page document has information and photographs covering 362 orchids. It is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format and has been fully indexed on both botanic and common names making it very easy to navigate. Each orchid is presented on a page with a photograph of the flower and information on identification, distribution and flowering times etc. $1 5 : 00 Plus postage Also available - South-Western Australian Native Orchids CD 2009 (Edition 1) $1 5 . 00 Plus postage $2.50 postage and packing for one or both CDs within Australia. Visa/Mastercard accepted Australian Orchid Foundation P.O. Box 322, Essendon North, Vic. 3041 Phone/Fax (03) 5627 6303 www. australianorchidfoundation.org.au AOR 021 Western Orchids /Lahoratories TISSUE CULTURE MEDIA — for orchids and other unusual genera — when ordering please advise the orchid genus and whether it is needed for sowing, replating or cloning [liquid or solid]. HORMONE KEIKI PASTE — 4ml tubes for the stem propagation of Phalaenopsis and related genera. LABORATORY SERVICE — sowing of green pods, dry seed, replating, cloning and colchicine treatment. TISSUE CULTURE PRIMER —a 20 page article which covers all aspects of laboratory work and medium preparation. DVD —covers medium preparation and the sowing of a green pod. FLASKS — Disa, cymbidiums [showbench, potplant, cascading intermediates] Australian Native cymbidiums [species and hybrids], coolgrowing dendrobium seedlings, sarcochilus, Australian terrestrials and some exotics. PLANTS — Disa, dendrobium kingianum and speciosum and Australian native cymbidium hybrids. Reconditioned autoclaves and laminar flow cabinets. Props: Kevin and Helen Western P.O. Box 276 Blackwood SA 5051 +61 8 8270 4599 westernorchids@bigpond.com www.westernorchids.com [for catalogues and medium information] ph/tx: email: web: 2D + = c ie} < From the Editor’s Desk ‘« mi . Is, KF” most Australian orchid growers and general gardeners, spring 2009 has been one of the best in recent times. We have witnessed exceptional flowerings of not only our orchids — especially cymbidiums and dendrobiums, but also across the board with bulbs, perennials and spring flowering trees and shrubs. This has also been mirrored in the wild, and I have been fortunate to have embarked on a number of bushwalks in the Hawkesbury River area to see and photograph the wildflowers and orchids in full bloom. The boronias and eriostemons (I know they aren't orchids!) have been outstanding, with the displays of the rock orchid Dendrobium uaa in the bush the best since 2001. j q Gary Backhouse continues his international botanical travelogue with his instalment on a range of rarely seen South African summer-flowering orchid species. South Africa has ] such an interesting and diverse flora that share many similarities with our own plants and ecosystems in Australia. As always, Gary’s photography is y 4 simply superb! Miltonias are an easily grown genus a from Brazil (being distinct from the related Miltoniopsis — known as “Pansy Orchids”). In this issue, Brian Milligan gives us an introduction to these colourful plants that can be grown in a wide range of climates. Clive Halls of Mt Beenak Orchids (www.mtbeenakorchids.com.au) concludes his series on Masdevallia breeding with the “plain coloured” hybrids discussed in this issue. Clive was one of the main speakers at the recent Australian Orchid Conference held in Victoria. This series of articles has been a comprehensive overview of Masdevallia breeding and has been very well received by readers. This will prove to be a major reference for Masdevallia enthusiasts for years to come. To round out this series, Clive has submitted an extensive article on Masdevallia culture that will appear here soon, including step by step guides to their successful culture with special emphasis on Australian conditions. The show season is almost over now, and there have been some wonderful displays of orchids presented to the public over the past couple of months. A report on the successful St. Ives Orchid Fair (now in its 10‘ year) is here with text by John McAuley and photographs by Bill Dobson. In the next issue we will at least have pictorial reports on the Tinonee Orchids Show, the National Cymbidium Show and the huge Orchid Extravaganza hosted by the Cymbidium Club of Australia (NSW). I am sad to report the passing of Melita Gulbis, one of the founders of the pioneering cymbidium nursery — Cecil Park Orchids (with her late husband John). Apart from having a huge cut-flower export business, John and Melita actively supported a number of their local orchid societies with plants for members, display plants for shows and famously hosted some of the largest Christmas Parties the Australian orchid world has seen. They were two of the nicest and most generous orchid people that I had the pleasure of knowing. a David Banks Australian Orchid Review david@hillsdistrictorchids.com The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 ls Cymbidium Lucky Gloria ‘Fukunokami’ was Champion Intermediate and Reserve Champion of the Cymbidium Orchid Club of Western Australia Inc. 2009 Winter Show, for John & Deirdre Oliver. Photo: Carl Slusarczyk. AOR 000 HILLS DISTRICT ORCHIDS 7AN\ Summer Open Day Sunday 6 December 2009 @183 Windsor Road Northmead 2152 NSW gam til 4pm (please park in Mary Street or Windermere Avenue) HDO Open Days are held 4 times a year: Autumn: Second Last Sunday in February for 2010 only (21 February 2010) Winter: Last Sunday in July [with Easy Orchids] (25 July 2010) Spring: Last Sunday in September (26 September 2010) Summer: First Sunday in December [with Dark Star Orchids] (5 December 2010) ‘| Heaps of flowering orchids, rare species and unusual plants for Po sale (including Nepenthes pitcher y plants and choice “aj Haworthia species), as , well asa full range of , orchid related supplies « and new and exclusive Clivia miniata seedlings in a full range of colours. also attending: Tinonee Orchid Nursery, Macquarie Native Orchids and Dark Star Orchids www.hillsdistrictorchids.com Phone: David Banks on (02) 9674 4720 or 0412 123 036 E-mail: david@hillsdistrictorchids.com Volume 74 — No.5 CONTENTS Features: Some summer-flowering orchids of South Africa — Part 2......... Gary Backhouse 4 HT he.BrazilianiMitonidSaeeremmeeatem eterna kremeree eerie Brian Milligan 20 Masdevallias: The “Plain” Colours ........ssccssssssssssssssssssssesssesessesseeeecee Clive Halls 22 St. Ives Orchid Fair and SHOW 2009.......cccscsssccssssssessssssreessssssseeees John McAuley 34 ES ee ee Featuring Cymbidiums: “Cymbidiums Australia” compiled by the Australian Cymbidium Society Editor's: Report steccsretesciatties cir sasstieas rooeestoes ti egctiteienrieteiiseceetatsta estate 43 FOWOHOITaGVIMOICIUC IAG |UD meienteresteetstrremetie ertetien eenearrirrr merietnreetttrn Ty 43 Cymbidiums through the Looking Glass — COCWA 2009 Winter SHOW. secssssssssssssessessssssssssssessesssssene Carl Slusarczyk 44 Cymbidium Orchid Club of South Australia Inc (COCSA) Winter Show — July 2009.........sssssessssssssssssessssessseennee Peter Hall 50 Cymbidium Serhan’s Passion ‘Marion’ FOC/AQC ......sssssssssssesssnseeeees Rob Smith 56 Cymbidium Orchids for Beginners — IMSIX CASY [ESSONS = PArt:D ....ssssesesssvsescssvssscsensesscssnsessesese Graham Morris 58 Alternative Fertilisers for CYMDIGIUMS .....sssscssssssssssscsesosssssesseccssessees Peter Hall 61 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 October/November 2009 Royal Botanic Gardens | Regular Feat reSelbourne AUNTS TEMG vrconrenusi mn remrtcnernenitgueaeamteerreicrereneetteo \ eareyen 2 Cultural Notes Ted) Gs 005 sereerer | eect 39 Showdates ss sPeeA. aoee aethare tte atttticsssenincei terse fet acteel coerce 4 ASSIA concn fed A Bal Rega Re LY Breas es 63 Buyers CUidenae tS nunc ce nee kd Aiea: 0) rR cl ve 63 Editorial copy: Articles for publication and consideration should be sent to: AOR Editor, David P. Banks, 39 Carole Street, Seven Hills, NSW 2147 Email: david@hillsdistrictorchids.com All other correspondence to: AOR Publisher, Dalton House Pty Ltd, PO Box 5481 Sydney, NSW 2001 Phone: 0433 422 792 Fax: (02) 9221 4242 Advertisers: Deadline for advertising copy for the December 2009/January 2010 issue is Wednesday, 4 November, 2009 All advertising bookings and enquiries should be directed to: Caitlin Hoolahan @® 0433 422 792 fax: (02) 9221 4242 or Email: aor@daltonhouse.com.au or David Banks @ (02) 9674 4720 Email: david@hillsdistrictorchids.com Subscriptions: See insert for Subscription information The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 his is the second article on some of the summer-flowering orchids I saw on a short trip to South Africa in January 2008, on my way to the World Orchid Conference. In this article I present some of the other terrestrial orchids plus several epiphytes seen in flower. Summer is the rainy season for much of South Africa, and a time when many terrestrial orchids are in flower. South Africa is especially rich in terrestrial orchids, and has about 400 species, complemented by about 45 epiphytic and lithophytic orchids. Protea species and rocky habitat Sabie, home to several epiphytes and lithophytes One habitat rich in summer-flowering orchids is the high altitude grasslands of the Steenkampsberg Plateau near Dullstroom and Lydenberg, in Mpumalanga State in the north-east, where I spent several days searching for orchids. The largest genus of terrestrial orchids in South Africa is Disa, with about 100 species, and I managed to see five in flower. Although none were as spectacular as the famed Disa uniflora, there are nonetheless many attractive species in the genus. Disa brevicornis used to be in the genus Monadenia, and it looks like a larger version of Disa (formerly Monadenia) bracteata, the South African species now established as a weed right across southern Australia. Disa cooperi is a robust species with a long, semi-erect pink spur and a green labellum. Disa versicolor is a stout, 6 AOR 001 Above and right: Bulbophyllum sandersonii Sabie m fin = TGiniG GROWERS STRIViy, IG "0 6 sue ELUSIVE Goa ( Fon s “S) * Granp CHANEY om, i SQUARE VANDA POTS 165mm x 165mm x 80mm 100mm x 100mm x 60mm ORCHID POTS 200mmx1l00mm 120mmx120mm 80mmx 65mm BASKET POTS 300mm x 120mm_)=—s-1175mmx 120mm =100mmx 120mm 70mmx50mm 200mm x 130mm 250mmx 150mm = 150mmxl00mm = 100mmx 75mm 60mm x 70mm 140mm x 100mm 200mm x 200mm) =125mmx75mm 80mmx 100mm 50mm x 65mm 80mm x 75mm 21 Jambali Road, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 Australia Phone: (02) 6581 1735 Fax: (02) 6581 1736 Website: www.orchidpotco.com Email: orchidpotco@tsn.cc The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 colourful orchid that varies from pale pink through to bright red, often with heavy spotting. It is the unopened buds that give this orchid its bright colours, as the flowers fade to yellowish once opened. Disa patula has cream to pale pink flowers and grows on the highest peaks of the plateau, while Disa stachyoides has attractive bright pink flowers, and is a common orchid of swampy grassland. Left and below: Disa brevicornis Dullstroom Orchid | Species Specialising in species orchids, flasks and selected hybrids Mail Order specialists Open by appointment only Props: Bill and Jan Miles 405 Main Street Kingston, Victoria 3364 03 5345 6387 orchidspeciesplus@bigpond.com www. orchidspeciesplus.com.au AOR 041 ai ——__ > = Far left and inset: Disa cooperi Dullstroom Left: Disa versicolor Dullstroom Below: Disa stachyoides Graskop The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 There were three species of Disperis in flower in the grasslands. These orchids have the petals and dorsal sepal combined into a hood or galea. Disperis wealei has white flowers and grows in thick sedges alongside streams and marshes. Two species that look quite similar are D. cardiophora and D. renibracteata, with their distinctive sheathing floral bracts and attractive pinkish toned flowers. Buried in the thick swards of summer grasses were the green spidery Habenaria dredgeana and Habenaria lithophila. Perhaps the strangest orchid of all was Holothrix scopularia, which has tubular flowers ending in long fine points. The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 E Habenaria dredgeana stro ‘ te ; Habenaria lithophila Sabie The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Ba Liparis bowkeri Sa 4 oy Mystacidium flanaganii Sabie Above: Satyrium cristatum Sabie Huge areas of former grassland habitats in the region have been converted to pine and eucalypt plantations. However, strips of remnant native vegetation still occur along roadsides in the area, and these often had orchids growing in them, including Satyrium cristatum which has most attractive red-striped white flowers. Satyrium longicauda was also common along some roadsides. This species has crystalline white flowers, and some forms have a lovely pink tinge. Satyrium trinerve is an attractive species that is common in wet grasslands, and has distinctive white floral bracts that look like a long labellum. One orchid that really caught my eye 16 was the pretty little Schizochilus cecilii subspecies culveri, with its tufted habit and arching racemes of tiny yellow flowers. Near Graskop, S. cecilii subspecies transvaalensis was growing, being distinguished by its longer racemes of slightly larger white flowers. A second Schizochilus species I saw is the rare S. crenulatus, which has fewer but larger tubular white flowers with reddish stripes. This is a semi-aquatic species that grows in very wet sites along creeks and in soaks and seepage areas. In a forested valley at lower altitude near Sabie, several epiphytic and lithophytic orchids were growing. Here, the delightful little Mystacidium flannaganii was common in wet, shaded forest gullies. The tiny plants often have only | or 2 leaves, and seem overwhelmed by the long arching sprays of flowers. There were some very large clumps of Bulbophyllum sandersonii growing on rocks, but, in keeping with many of the African Bulbophyllum species, the flowers are tiny, verging on insignificant. Liparis Below: Satyrium longicauda Sabie The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 bowkeri was growing in thick moss beds on rock outcrops. Interestingly, the flowers smell about as bad as the Australian Liparis species! One surprise for me was seeing how Stenoglottis fimbriatus grows in the wild, mostly on moss-covered rocks and lower trees trunks. In several locations it was very common on rocks, but not one plant was seen growing in the soil. I thought this rather surprising given how Right: Satyrium trinerve Graskop well the species grows in cultivation in pots in Australia, where cultivated plants are much bigger than anything I saw in the wild in South Africa. Although it was a short trip and I managed to get soaked in the torrential summer rains, it was a rewarding trip to see some of the South African orchids growing in the wild. My thanks to Duncan and Annette McFarlane for hosting my stay in South Africa, and to members of the Witwatersrand Orchid Society for their hospitality on field trips. Gary Backhouse Greensborough, Victoria Email: outbackorchids@hotmail.com Above and right: Schizochilus cecilli subsp. culveri Dullstroom ORCHIDACEOUS BOOKS Suppliers of Fine Orchid Literature New Titles ‘Brighten up your life with Orchids’ ‘The New Encyclopedia of Orchids’ This year we are at shows in: Sydney 14-16 August, 2009 Melbourne 21-23 August and 8-13 September, 2009 Catalogue available on request or visit our Web Site: www.orchidaceousbooks.com.au Grahame & Margaret Muller P.O. Box 4192, Tinana, Qld. 4650 Ph: 07 4122 1251 Fax: 07 4122 4539 Email: books @ orchidaceousbooks.com.au AOR 111 AOR 028 See a Cattleyas Online Quality exhibition cattleyas are our specialty. For a catalogue please phone, fax, or e-mail us as below. You can also visit us on the Internet at www.cattleyasonline.com.au Phone/Fax: 07 3388 0866 Mail: PO Box 4612 Loganholme 4129 E-mail: info@cattleyasonline.com.au Dark Star Orchids Flasks of Phrag. caudatum ‘Dark Star’ FCC/AOC x self and Phrag. caudatum ‘Dark Star’ FCC/AOC x ‘Northmead’ Please ring us or check our newly updated website for our latest releases HANS SCHAIBLE PO Box 114 Bowraville NSW 2449 Tel/Fax (02) 6564 4088 darkstarorchids@bordernet.com.au www.darkstarorchids.com.au The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 | \ } | The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 | | Miltonia moreliana KF” many years the genus Miltonia consisted of two different groups of plants. Those species found in Colombia carried pansy-like flowers, while the flowers of those found in Brazil were less well filled-in. About twenty years ago it was eventually accepted that the genus should be split into two, although the idea was first suggested in 1889! Thus the Colombian miltonias were moved into the genus Miltoniopsis, while those miltonias from Brazil were retained in the genus Miltonia. There are about ten miltonia species, several of which will happily grow and flower in a ‘cosy’ shade-house in Melbourne. By my definition a ‘cosy’ shade-house is one fitted with a fibreglass roof, so that the plants can be kept dry during cold winter weather. They should be watered only on sunny mornings, so that their foliage becomes dry before nightfall. The most well known species is Miltonia spectabilis, a native of the Organ Mountains (and other areas) in eastern Brazil. In common with most other Miltonia species, its pseudo-bulbs carry two narrow, yellow-green leaves, together with a number of basal sheaths. The inflorescences emerge from between these sheaths and bear one or two flowers with cream petals and sepals and a pink lip. My plants usually flower in January and February. Those plants grown in pots seem to flower more reliably than the one I mounted on tree fern, probably because I am unable to keep the latter sufficiently moist during the heat of summer. Most orchid books feature Miltonia spectabilis var. moreliana, which has purplish flowers with a plum-coloured lip, rather than the type species. However, this variety has recently been shown to differ sufficiently from the type to be given its own specific name, Miltonia moreliana. Aside from its distinctive colour, its flowers are also larger and it is undoubtedly the most desirable of 20 The Brazilian liltonias by Brian Milligan Miltonia spectabilis var. alba the Miltonia species from the horticultural viewpoint. It flowers several months later than M. spectabilis. Miltonia regnelli has flowers that are similar in colour to those of M. spectabilis, although they are a little smaller. It grows in eastern Brazil at moderate altitudes, and therefore it may also grow without heat in Melbourne (I have no experience in growing this species). Miltonia flavescens, a species that bears up to ten yellow flowers per inflorescence, comes from hot lowlands in Brazil. Although I have found that it grows satisfactorily in a Melbourne shade-house, it refuses to flower under these conditions. Miltonia clowesii has long-lasting flowers with orange petals and sepals that are marked with brownish bars and blotches. It will grow and flower without heat but does better if provided with warmth in winter. M. candida, which has chestnut-brown and yellow petals and sepals and a pink and white lip, also prefers winter warmth. Miltonia hybrids are probably seen more often on our show benches than the species from which they were bred, probably because most exhibit hybrid vigour and can be grown without heat. Miltonia X bluntii is often exhibited as a species but in The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Miltonia clowesii reality it is a natural hybrid between M. spectabilis and M. clowesii, and should perhaps be labelled M. Bluntii. Two other common hybrids are M. Anne Warne (Bluntii x spectabilis) and M. Guanabara (Anne Warne x regnellii). These miltonia hybrids seem to do best if pot-grown, using a potting mix of medium-sized pine-bark. I prefer to add a little chopped Sphagnum moss to the bark, so that the mix retains more moisture. Miltonias also seem to grow well in chopped coconut husk rather than bark. The plants should be watered and fertilised regularly between spring and autumn but given a drier rest after flowering. They enjoy good light and make good companion plants for cymbidiums. (Plants and photos by David Banks, Hills District Orchids.) | Brian Milligan North Balwyn, Victoria Miltonia candida WELCOMES EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Please ensure that all slides, photographs and electronic files are clearly marked with the author's name and address Address editorial to: David P. Banks (Editor) Australian Orchid Review 39 Carole Street, Seven Hills NSW 2147 AUSTRALIA Email: david@hillsdistrictorchids.com AOR 065 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Above: Masdevallia Kimbals’s Sun Text and photos by Clive Halls s there such a thing as a plain colour? The word plain immediately makes it sound boring. Perhaps single colour is more appropriate to describe these varieties with no spots, stripes or flares. With green and blue out of the equation we are left with, orange, yellow, pink, red, mauve and white that we can look at. The whites we have pretty much covered in the first article in this series. So as orange is the most typical Masdevallia colour we will start there. Below: Masdevallia Falcata ‘Glory’ The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Our magnificent matriarch Masdevallia veitchiana is sometimes plain orange but more often suffused with purple hairs as in the clone “King Crimson’. When used in hybridising it does produce a_ large proportion of orange, so much so that we were all saying ‘not more orange’! There were 33 Masdevallia hybrids registered in the late 19th century and 19 of them had M. veitchiana as one parent, this just shows how dominant this species was and is in Masdevallia breeding. 23 NATIVE ORCHIDS. Latest Release Seedlings Flowering Size Plants Hot/Cold and Cold Growers We only stock quality plants from Australia’s best hybridists Native species including Dendrobium, Cymbidium and Sarcochilus LARGE SPECIMENS AVAILABLE We also stock treefern, slabs, stakes, pots, sphagnum and bush moss, orchid bark B&T Ferns & Orchids 30 Wiseman Road Silvan, Victoria 3795 Fax/Phone: (03) 9737 9694 Melway Ref. 123 Open 7 days a week Left: Masdevallia (welischii x Copperwing) Right: Masdevallia (Sundancer x Kara’s Delight) Below: Masdevallia Kimball’s Sun ‘Pure Gold’ The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Still around today and still winning shows are M. Heathii (ignea x veitchiana) 1889, M. Parlatoreana 1856 (barleana x veitchiana) with the clone ‘Jul’ HCC, still a very good thing. Said to be a natural hybrid but we are probably seeing man- made cultivars now. How can you go past M. Falcata (coccinea x veitchiana) 1899, not always plain orange of course but many are. Newer varieties of rich oranges include M. Cuzco Gold (veitchiana x instar), M. Copper Angel (veitchiana x triangularis), M. Inca Prince (veitchiana x Angel Frost), M. Peach Fuzz (veitchiana x constricta) all well known and proven. When looking at oranges you can’t neglect the large hybrids produced from M. macrura. One of the first I came across was M. Monarch (macrura x veitchiana), large and deep orange. J & L Orchids in the USA made M. Copper Queen (Copper Angel x macrura) and these have been used by the Jackson’s in Tasmania to make the much vaunted M. Midas Touch (Copper Queen x Falcata) which are stunning large oranges, many of which are awarded with Above: Masdevallia Top Vintage ‘Autumn Glow’ Right: Masdevallia Falcata ‘Gold Digger Below: Masdevallia Midas Touch ‘Beenak’ The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Mt Beenak Orchids No. 1 for Masdevallias Check out our latest and last Cymbidium seedlings on our website: www.mtbeenakorchids.com.au Cool growing orchids and Mail Order our speciality 27 Hacketts Creek Rd, Three Bridges, Vic. 3797 Ph/Fax (03) 5966 7253 Email: clivehalls@bigpond.com Seedlings and flowering size plants Assorted species, paphs, aussie natives, cymbidiums Mail Order service available Nursery open by appointment Stephen Stebbing 32 Newbold Avenue, Craigieburn VIC 3064 Mob: 0412 352 604 Ph: 03 9308 2025 Fax: 03 9308 2029 email: stephenstebbing@aapt.net.au ON a) mall 10 ait) aE rr | Ma Or 4 25 at least one receiving the coveted FCC/ AOC. M. King of Kings from the same stable are perhaps even bolder, but are visibly strongly related; M. macrura showing its potential very clearly. We have to leave orange but obviously the surface has been barely scratched. Yellow. The yellows and oranges are quite entangled, the yellows often coming from crosses mostly producing oranges as in M. Golden Monarch (Golden Angel x Monarch), Monarch lets the yellow genes through probably via the Kimballiana influence in its background. In fact M. Kimballiana has produced some of the best yellows ever which is strange as its parents are M. caudata, a pink, and M. veitchiana, an orange. But not only yellow but albanistic yellows as well. Our cross of Kimballiana x Sun Dancer = Kimball’s Sun made a substantial quantity of pure albanistic yellows as well. The great advantage of the pure colour yellows is the long lasting qualities that are evident in these flowers that lack red pigment. We have used Sun Dancer ‘Yellow Doll’ HCC/ OSCOV as a main parent for a good number of years simply because it’s nearly perfect; the foliage, the flower production, the size of the blooms, the shape, the colour, all spot on. As an added bonus it sets seed pods readily. Phyl Nicholas of Hobart, Tasmania made this cross and we often wonder where we would be without it, thanks Phyl! We already have a seedling Above: Masdevallia Rein Gold ‘Beenak’ Right: Masdevallia veitchiana (King Crimson’ x ‘Sol’) Left: Masdevallia Bob Hoffman ‘Bob Up’ The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Masdevallia (Bella Donna x decumana Left: Masdevallia Hurdy Gurdy ‘Show Off’ of the M. Kimball’s Sun grex that is better THE PERFEC ORCHID HOUSE in every way than M. Sun Dancer ‘Yellow = om meiner AP TS eT] ; Doll’ it is called ‘Daffodil’. Will it be a . Y a The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 CYMBIDIUMS AUSTRALIA Cym. Owzat Since I include a picture you should be able to decide for yourself! Unfortunately it is difficult to accurately reproduce the colour of these very dark red flowers especially when indoors using flash lighting. So maybe it isn’t as easy as you might think. I sometimes pity the video referee. The colour shown here is fairly close which I think arises from a degree of photographic under-exposure created by accident due to the pale, background. If your camera will allow it you can experiment with different exposures and Cym. (Valley Winter x Tracey Reddaway) World Wide SPECIES ORCHIDS Mail Order Flasks, Seedlings, Flowering size. Burleigh Park Orchid Nursery 54 Hammond Way, Thuringowa, 4815. Ph/Fax 0747 740 008 Lists by mail or email: ian@speciesorchids.com www .speciesorchids.com Propagators of the Rare, Beautiful and Unusual Orchid Species of the World. Accredited CITES & Phyto Export AOR 013 48 This intermediate seedling was bred by Valley Orchids and exhibited by Phil Taylor. Its colour was very unusual. Just as Julia’s Rose created interest amongst rose fanciers the prospect of new colour shades is enticing to us as well. When line breeding for colour however one variable at least is fixed and so the chance of a successful outcome is increased. see what gives the best results. Cym. Owzat was originally made by Deane Mills but this plant is from a remake, which is the sincerest form of flattery! YMBIDIUMS AUSTRALIA Cym. Khan Wall ‘Brown Tart’ Ezi-Gro Orchids entered this seedling from Cym. (Khan Flame x Cinnamon Wall). Once again an unusually coloured flower, this time with a prominent labellum necessary to add impact in its colour range. | | Cym. Fairy Floss ‘Pink Show’ Another Ezi-Gro Orchids entry, which would have provided nostalgic pleasure to long time exhibitors as the single spike of perfectly placed well conformed pastel pink standard sized flowers was exactly the type to win shows and awards when we were young. Depending on how old you are it would either have been an HCC, AM or FCC. Right now however it only got second in its class, so we have come a long way. Carl Slusarczyk Mt. Lawley, Western Australia The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 49 ry the Winter Show at Munno Para i Shopping Centre (held 11-18 July 2009) is the show that I enjoy the most even though it is a little early to have a lot of plants in flower. The shopping complex Owners are extremely generous to COCSA; they give us a sizable donation plus supply large posters and advertise in the print media which is very expensive. They also supply gourmet sandwiches and cake to feed all of us during our set up. The managementand staff bend over backwards to help us make the show a success for everybody. We had ten good sized displays and Ray Brady, as usual, had two displays with a theme. They looked great! Murray Weston won Grand Champion of the show with 50 by Peter Hall Cym. Artistic Impression ‘Snow Drop’, a miniature white/cream, grown in an 8” pot with pine bark chips. I didn’t hear any complaints about the choice of this plant as Grand Champion, a well deserved win. The plant was grown and shown by Murray Weston and when I congratulated him on his win he said that it was his first Grand Champion. The plant won champion of Open Division and Grand Champion — Winter Show 2009. Murray was very pleased because during the extremely hot weather earlier in the year, most of his plants got well and truly cooked. Wayne Baylis, Ray O’ Donoghue and I were better off during the hot weather because two summers ago we installed foggers in our shade houses. The foggers are placed at 800mm intervals and I used mine on a timer that was set to run for 3 minutes every hour and I did not get any burn. Jeanne and I were lucky as we won Champion of First Division. It is our first year in First Division. We are having our best flowering season since we started growing orchids just five years ago. Champion of First Division was Cymbidium Coraki Gold ‘Kimberley’, a large standard yellow grown by Peter and Jeanne Hall. Champion Second Division was Cymbidium Tea Tree ‘Boundless’ an “other colour” intermediate, grown by John Moon. 4 Peter Hall, Glenelg, South Australia The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Above: Cym. [(Valley Royale x Cloris Jean) x President Gorbachev], Ben Knobben Left: Cym. Blazing Fury ‘Deep Throat’, Moss & Rosemary Bray The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 51 52 Below: Cym. Khan Flame ‘Lucifer’, Cummings Orchids The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Right: Cym. Marilyn Levy ‘Katie’, Elmore & Pam Leske Left: Cym. (Sarah Jean x Owzat), Malcolm & Gay Hall The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 53 CYMBIDIU LIA Cym. Tea Tree ‘Boundless’, John Moon Cym. (Winter Wonder x White Valley), Moss & Rosemary Bray 54 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 CYMBIDIUMS AUSTRALIA 1265 Western Port Hwy. Langwarrin. Vic. 3910 Introducing... Cym. Memoria Merv Dunn ‘Golden’ Many years ago our breeding program created 4 numerous crosses between albinos and standard | colours to create a large pool of potential parents that would produce improved albino clones. | We are now flowering the first of those crosses, 4 some of which produced albinos. For those who are seeking productive, compact growing albino stocks we will continue to breed many more in all colours for all flowering seasons. Numerous seedpods are setting at this time. Another characteristic that we introduced into our Cymbidium breeding program years ago was to create parents of all colours that would produce 2 spikes per bulb on their first flowering and we now have them in increasing numbers. Our standard colour breeding program will continue as usual and 2009 has provided us with some superb new stud plants — again some with 2 spikes per bulb. Because of our nursery expansion program, and damage to our stock during summer, we need to retain more of our current flask material than usual hence some items will be in short supply. : We are changing ISP’s as of 1S November. Our new Web Site will include downloadable, printable catalogues in PDF format, and, we will be adding new photos as they become available. We may be “off the air” for a few hours on 1St Nov. Our new Email address will be available from our new Web site. Visit our Web Site: www.glenorchids.com.au which is in the process of being updated and expanded. Email us at: See new web site for new email address For directions to our Nursery see: Melway’s Map: 136 G-3 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Cym. Without Peer ‘Soft Touch’, Graham & Maureen Hazeldine s Miriam Ann Orchids Alan & Miriam Merriman 89 Levy Street, Glenbrook NSW 2773 Sydney’s only one stop Orchid Shop We carry a full range of pest and disease control chemicals suitable for use on orchids. The home of Merri Fert and Merri Cote. We also carry a full range of Port Pots, Debco Bark, Potting Media and all you require for your orchids. WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF Alan’s Fertiliser Handbook 2nd edition now available $22 + p&p Alan’s Pest & Disease Handbook still available for $16.50 +p&p. @ Plants, seedlings of most genera in stock. © Nursery open most weekends or by appointment. © Closed last weekend of the month. Please ring before coming Ph: 02 4739 5141 Fax: 02 4749 8090 Mobile: 0439 514141 Email: mirannorchids @pnc.com.au MASTERCARD AND VISA WELCOME Cymbidium Serhan’s Passion ‘Marion’ FCC/AOC noted in the last issue of the AOR George Serhan’s comments and questions regarding the judging of his Cymbidium Serhan’s Passion and _ the judging process in the ACS SAGE Cymbidium Seedling of the Year Competition. So I’m responding to George’s obvious concerns on behalf of the Australian Cymbidium Society (ACS) and the delegates/judges who decided on that year’s winner. George asked the question, is the SAGE competition a photographic competition with the prize going to the best photograph, not the best plant? The answer is not that simple so I have provided the following explanation. Because the competition is open to all cymbidium seedlings shown around Australia by members of ACS affiliated cymbidium clubs during the year, the only way for all plants to be compared against each other is for photographs of the plants and flowers to be viewed, accompanied by verbal descriptions of the plant from state delegates. In the case of the plant in question - the problem wasn’t one of poor quality photographs being submitted, but was the fact that a number of flower faults and some flower damage were evident on the flowers chosen to be photographed and submitted _ for consideration. The dilemma facing the judges viewing the submitted slides on the day was that their decision could only be based on those slides and those slides would be the ones published in the AOR to represent the plant. Unfortunately this is one of the shortcomings of a competition such as the SAGE, but given the difficulties of finding a judging system for a competition covering plants from as far afield as Perth to Sydney, the system developed based on photographs and descriptions, is probably the best that could be devised. George also referred to the fact that his plant was awarded a First Class Certificate from the Australian Orchid Council (and the OSNSW judging panel) and the plant 56 by Rob Smith that won was not awarded, perhaps thinking that an awarded plant should naturally beat a not awarded one.(?) Perhaps the owner of the winning plant had not wanted to have their plant judged for an award, or had not been approached by judges when it was shown, or any number of other possible scenarios? The fact that a plant does not have an award does not necessarily make it an inferior to a plant which has one. If awards were to be the criteria for judging the Sage, then we need not bother with the whole process, we could just ask for a list of awards for the year and give the prize to the highest award, plant unseen. Different judging panels in different places and from different organisations may judge a plant differently too. (Note Gordon Giles’ observations on judging, also published in the last issue of the AOR.) George’s plant received an FCC from the OSNSW-AOC judges who saw it on the day, another panel may not have given it the same award, but who’s to know? So it can’t simply be a situation where the highest awarded plant automatically wins. The judging process for the Sage was developed and agreed upon by the first ACS delegates and their member state clubs, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Since 1995 every state had accepted the format as adopted, though that does not mean that everyone always agreed with the decisions made. When does that ever happen at a show or award judging? But by and large the format has worked well. Itis no easy job for the delegates charged with judging the competition either, they know the difficulties they are working under, they have the unenviable job of judging plants based on photographs when other people have seen the plant in real life and in cases such as this one where an FCC awarded plant is involved they would be aware that expectations will be high. The judges do not know the owners or hybridisers name when considering the entries and judge the plants shown on what is before them, disregarding awards or reputations etcetera. When the photographs of George’s plant were shown there was considerable discussion by all delegates judging the SAGE prior to their voting on that class, largely due to the fact that there was much to like about the plant and flowers, despite the problems seen in the pictures. All accounts I have heard indicate that all subsequent flowerings of the plant have been clean, which is good news as it is a very attractive — quality Cymbidium which George is obviously proud to own and rightly so. George suggested that South Australia and Victoria didn’t vote for his plant, which I’m guessing must be based on an assumption made by someone else and told to him, as all votes are secret and counted without identities being known. All anyone present knows is the scores, not who voted for which plant or what points they gave it. The voting system is that judges record a first, second and third vote allocated to the four plants in a particular category, 3 points go to a first position, two points for second and one point for third. The only information the persons tallying the votes see is pieces of paper with points for each plant on them, nothing to identify the voter. All 4 plants will have a total number of points tallied and the highest points score wins. Therefore it is not possible to say that a particular judge or judges determined an outcome. For The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 example a plant which got a lot of second places may end up with the highest total over a plant which got a couple of firsts and then only thirds and fourths. Also there is another state involved, Western Australia is an ACS member and votes in the competition. If the implication is that South Australia and Victoria conspired to ensure that George’s plant did not win, the voting system makes that all but impossible. Over the eleven years that the CCA (NSW) was involved in the SAGE competition, a NSW entry won on three occasions, which is a fair return with four states involved and would indicate that plants are judged on their merits and as fairly as possible. While whatever prestige and the prize money associated with the Sage encourages member clubs and growers to be involved, Willunga Royal ‘Orange Delight’ 2009 COLOUR CATALOGUE SPRINGFIELD ORCHIDS 32 Lyndhurst Road Kalamunda WA 6076 Ph: (08) 9293 3196 Email: nado@iinet.net.au Please email or write for your copy Prop. Nado Lenkic ORCHID SPECIAL A&B FERTILISERS Food for all Orchid Species Crystalline — fully water soluble — especially manufactured for better orchids. Rich in 8 essential mineral trace elements. ORCHID SPECIAL A (Yellow Compound) 11.13.16 Applied at initiation of flower spikes and continued through to the end of flowering. The high phosphorus and potassium and the low nitrogen content stimulates flowering and ensures a better bloom. ORCHID SPECIAL B (Blue Compound) 30.4.8 For established plants, applied at completion of flowering through to initiation of flower spikes. Young and developing orchids should be fed regularly the whole year. The high nitrogen stimulates plant growth and plant vigour. Packed in 500g and 3kg_ units. Periodic feeding 15g in 5 litres of water. Regular feeding 2g in 5 litres of water. Campbell Orchid Special A&B Fertilisers “just for good orchids” For the name of your local supplier contact: NSW: Products of Excellence (02) 9417 0277, Beresford Park Nursery Supplies (02) 4966 5477, Frank Slattery Orchids (02) 9150 7985. ACT: C.1.C. Supplies Pe IN COMMUNITY POTS the purpose of the SAGE competition was and is to promote and raise awareness of the cymbidium hybridising being done, particularly in Australia. Hybridising and the growing and flowering of seedlings are the life blood and the future of our hobby and industry. With around 300 new seedlings being showcased over the past 13 years and over 90% of them being from Australian breeding lines I believe the SAGE competition has done its job well and I applaud the original delegates Bo came up with the concept back in 1995. Rob smith ACS Secretary Email: rob_smith @internode.on.net ndulous/ dim $3.30 per plant Gym. Touchstone ‘Janis’ 4N Fei geO (02) 6241 7477. VIC: Fertool Distributors (03) 9796 4433. QLD: Burnell Agencies (07) 3394 2211, J.C. & AT. Orders of $120 Small orders add Searle (07) 5497 2022. WA: Nurserymens Supplies or more sent $10 for freight (08) 9353 2536. SA: Munns Lawn Co. P/L (08) 8277 8000. i 4 NT: Tropigro (08) 8984 3200. Freight Free. Ore wDasS and packaging. A product of COLIN CAMPBELL (CHEMICALS) PTY. LTD. 3 5 Blacktriar Place, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164 8 a Telephone (02) 9725 2544 — Fax: (02) 9604 7768 S Q PO. Box 6789, Wetherill Park, NSW 2164. lie The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Proprietor: Kevin Butler 76 EVANDALE ROAD, DARCH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6065 Tel: (08) 9343 2761 or 1800 999 707 Fax: (08) 9309 3182 E-mail: ezi-gro@iinet.com.au Home page: www.ezi-gro.com.au 57 CYMBIDIUMS AUSTRALIA Cymbidium Orchids for Beginners — in Six easy lessons — part 5 Text and pictures by Graham Morris 12. Growing for Success What is success when it comes to growing a cymbidium? For an inexperienced grower, it could be just getting plants to flower. A more experienced grower might consider success, to be getting better results than previously. An orchid club member might wish to win prizes at shows and meetings. Whatever your expectations, success will probably be in getting your plants to perform at their best, and produce lots of high quality flowers. Lots of flowers, is success. Plants which do not flower are disappointing. Different plants perform differently. Some grow and flower easily, others are more difficult. One needs to get to know what their plants are capable of producing, to be able to judge their performance. It takes time to get the experience, to be able to evaluate them. Be patient, but observant and ask other, more experienced lots of questions. Generally, a grower must provide good growing conditions to succeed. Neglected or abused plants flower poorly, or not at all. It is really simple to succeed Grow plants which are of a quality to meet your expectations. Continually cull and upgrade if you wish to improve. In the 3 months or so after flowering, ensure all plants are in good condition (repot if necessary), water regularly, and fertilise with a balanced fertiliser regularly. Liquid fertiliser is good, as is organic fertiliser such as Seamungus. Slow release fertilisers such as Osmacote or similar work well, if one does not have the time to spend to apply fertiliser often. Try to provide a temperature drop overnight. This assists the initiation of flower spikes. Flower spikes are likely to appear, early in the New Year. From that time fertilise with blossom booster type fertiliser (higher potassium). Water very regularly and try to cool plants in times of extreme heat. Identify the plants which have flower spikes, and initiate a pest and disease prevention program to ensure the new flower spikes are not damaged. Start training the flower spikes, so they look good when in full flower. Simple, isn’t it, but it takes time and planning to ensure your cymbidium is happy, and wants to flower. The more you 58 understand the needs of your plant, and provide the conditions needed, the more likely you are to have a good flowering the following year. The harder you work at looking after your plants, the luckier you will be. 13. Where plants come from A new plant can be sourced in the following ways * A piece of a species orchid. A pure species orchid is found growing wild, in a jungle or similar (refer section 3, part 2). A seedling, is grown from a seed, produced by hybridising two different plants/flowers. A seedling shares some of the characteristics of both of its parents. Each seedling is different to all of its siblings, similar to human brothers and sisters, from one set of parents (refer section 3, part 2). When a seedling finishes its first flowering season, it graduates to being a cultivar (or variety). It might be given a registered name (refer section 4, part 2), or it night just be known by its parents names, for example, Cym. (Valley Winter x President Gorbachev). ¢ A division, is a plant produced from breaking a larger plant into 2 or more pieces (refer section 10, part 4). A back bulb propagation. This is a leafless bulb, removed from a large plant (with all roots cut off), when dividing it. A backbulb when removed and potted on may produce side growths, which grow into green bulbs, and may flower in 2 years from removal from the mother plant. * Americlone is a tissue-cultured replica of a particular plant. Mericlones of this plant should all be identical (refer section 3, part 2). Most plants in modern collections consist mainly of mericlones and seedlings. 14. Sourcing new plants Plants which are better than plants currently being grown are continually being developed and released. If one wishes to grow the best available, constant culling of lesser performers and procurement of new varieties is necessary. Where to purchase the new varieties, can bea problem for all. The following sources are common: ¢ Inheriting or being given plants from a relative or friend. Purchasing a plant from a_ general nursery, or garden centre. ¢ From an Orchid Club/Society trading table. ¢ From a member of an Orchid Club/ Society. ¢ Mail order (including eBay). From a specialty Orchid Nursery. Your own breeding program I will comment on the merits or otherwise of plants from the above sources. Good and bad plants are available from everywhere, so be wary. Additionally, there are good and bad people at every level. Try to assess the knowledge and honesty of the person supplying the plant. a. From a relative or friend. If this person is knowledgeable about orchids, it can be a good source. However, many plants are very old and tired. They may have been neglected at some time and most importantly, may have been grown under poor hygiene conditions. Plants with virus are abundant in old collections, or collections grown by people without the knowledge of virus prevention. There can some good plants in these collections, but be wary. b. General Nursery or Supermarket. Plants from this source can vary in quality greatly. It depends very much on where the nursery purchases their plants, how fresh they are, and the knowledge of the nursery attendant. Knowing what a healthy plant looks like and the knowledge of plant names is a huge advantage. I have seen nurseries, where all the cymbidiums look terrible, even when newly delivered. They obviously come from a poor grower and are not worth buying. If they have been in the nursery for too long, they can deteriorate, and take a long time to recover. Plants from other nurseries, supplied by a specialist grower, can be a good investment. If you are a showbench grower, select your varieties carefully. Some good pot plant varieties, while easy to grow and flower, will have difficulty impressing judges at a show. Some good showbench varieties make their way to general nurseries and should be considered. Some nursery assistants have absolutely no knowledge of cymbidium growing. If they are honest, fine, but be careful of the used The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Above: Cymbidium Valley Olympic. Cymbidiums such as this can result from long term hybridising programs. Cc. d. car, salesman type. In summary, many general nursery cymbidiums are great, but be careful. Orchid Club sales. Most plants from this area are good. Most clubs will remove inferior plants from their sales tables. Quality can still be variable, and the very best new varieties, rarely make it to a trading table. Some clubs sell recently divided plants, often bare rooted. They are often relatively cheap, but should only be purchased if one has the knowledge to pot the plant, and nurture it to flowering size. Many plants like this, sold to newcomers, sadly perish. From an Orchid Club member. This is a good way to get good, relatively new, well tested varieties. If you see something which you like at a show, or meeting, ask the owner if they have a piece to spare, or where they purchased it. If unavailable, suggest that when it is divided, you would like to acquire a piece. Get them to put a label in the plants pot, with your contact details. Sometimes, the club newsletter will have a wanted and for sale section. Use it to get new varieties. started. Training courses are available, and most orchid growers can often access a computer, owned by a relative or friend (often a child), who is usually only too happy to assist in getting computer trained. My 83 year old mother in law, only recently started using a computer, and the internet, and it has changed her life. If she can do it, so can you. Be careful in dealing with mail order nurseries. Again, there are good ones, bad ones and very bad ones. Check them out before sending money to them, or giving credit card details. A couple of other things to watch for. 1. Check the size plants are supplied. Many plants supplied, are much smaller than what they advertise. eBay is good in that the buyer can report bad transactions, and sellers always want good feedback. A potential buyer can easily view the feedback. CYMBIDIUMS AUSTRALIA 2. Check where the nursery sourced the material to propagate the plants they are selling. A common practice is to sell plants derived from clones, not from the original mother plant (refer section 3, part 2, mericlones and pirating). Plants grown from pirated tissue in the flask are much more likely to be poor quality (different, as they may have mutated), than those originating from the genuine mother plant (often called primary mericlones). Ask the seller if he used an original piece of the mother plant to produce his mericlones. Also ask other experienced growers, who has dealt with this seller, whether they practice pirating tissue practices. Consider not buying plants derived from pirating or from known “plant pirates’’. It hurts the whole industry and restricts the availability of new and superior varieties. f. Specialty Orchid Nursery. Most nurseries which have operated foralongtime,are very knowledgeable, and good to deal with. The fact that they are still operating, means that they must be doing things well. Knowledge and honesty is extremely important. Also important is the quality of the plant material in the nursery, often collected over a very long period. Many of these nurseries have a good and comprehensive _ hybridising program, which is worth tapping into. Visit these nurseries regularly, and check the stock on hand. Many first flowering seedlings are made available, and are eagerly sought by knowledgeable hobbyists. It is common for a nursery to flower hundreds of a particular seedling, and keep only ahandful of the best varieties. e. Mail Order. It can be difficult for the nursery Theres parce many, small (often operator, to choose the best varieties to backyarders) nurseries, —_ offering retain. Many seedlings released, might cymbidiums for sale. There are also large, full time nurseries which have been established for a long time. Many have an internet web site, where they can make photos and information about their plants available. eBay is now:a huge source of cymbidiums of all sizes. Access to a computer and the Internet opens up a huge market. Unfortunately, if one is not computer and internet competent, you will miss lots of opportunities to get access to plants, only offered through this medium. If you cannot operate a Above: Cymbidium Valley Zenith ‘Green Orb’. just flower better on subsequent flowerings, perhaps even better than those retained at the nursery. Regular visits to these nurseries can be rewarded with access to special offers and the release of new _ varieties. Many nurseries support Orchid Clubs and are regularly scrutinised by their members. Ask members of these clubs. They will tell you whether a nursery is worth visiting and purchasing plants from. They might also tell you which nurseries to avoid! . Your own breeding program. The Valley Zenith cross was made by Valley Orchids and various cultivars from the cross have proven successful parents in many newer hybrids. computer, or are unsure of the internet, consider learning about it. It is not really hard. The hardest part is getting It amazes me regularly, when relative newcomers to orchid growing, embark The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 59 CYMBIDIUMS AUSTRALIA on their own hybridising program. The chances of being more successful than the long term professionals in this field, is low. Many newcomers select second rate parent plants, and search for plants to mate them with, from other club members. They seem to ignore the likelihood, that the population of plants, they create, will be inferior to those they could have obtained from established breeders, when they flower, four or more years after doing the hybridising. Be very wary of relying on your own hybridising program to improve your collection. You will probably need to grow, at least 50 of each mating, to just have a laboratory sow the seed pod for you. Small numbers of plants produced by a laboratory are relatively expensive. You might just be able to purchase better bred seedlings, in flask, from a professional nursery, cheaper than the small production run costs, you incur with your own breeding. If you must, grow some plants from your own hybridising program, but be very selective and only use the very best parent plants available. Consider not Above: A well-planned and well-grown cymbidium collection can provide a grower with the quality putting all your eggs in the same basket, pian necessapyiortal) impressive display, like this one exhibited at a Cymbidium Orchid Club of and grow even more plants from a successful, professional, _ breeding program. || Graham Morris Valley Orchids, South Australia. www.valleyorchids.com.au Email: graham@valleyorchids.com.au OrchidMate Australia’s Premium Quality Orchid Potting Medium Now available from llector’s mer sy 810 Springvale Road, Keysborough, VIC 3173 3 Sussex Street, Woodburn, NSW. 2472 Phone: 02 6682 2635 Fax: 02 6682 2605 Email: sales@easyorchids,com www.easyorchids.com Above: Cymbidium (Valley Oracle x Valley Zenith) Combining the proven Valley Zenith with another of our quality large greens produced this attractive large flower type. 60 The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Alternative Fertilisers for Cymbidiums W: don’t grow our plants in optimal conditions because like most growers we have too many plants that are somewhat crowded. There is a 180cm tall metal fence on two sides and a garage on another and we do not get a lot of winter sun because of the garage, trees and shrubs. I am quite pleased with the flowering and I will attempt to describe how I grow them. I grow my plants in 6”, 7” and 8“ pots with 60% coco husk chips (medium grade), 35% pine bark chips (medium to small) and 5% perlite. I also add OF10 Ferbon Bio Humate (deactivated carbon — inoculated with beneficial microbes at a rate of no more than 5% of the total mix and canunda shell. I use the following organic based fertilisers and soil conditioners. Ferbon Bio Humate OF 10 ¢ Activated carton — inoculated with beneficial microbes Contains high concentrations of humic and fulvic acids in slow release forms Helps restore balance to plant growing medium with high buffering capacity to pH, sodium and excessive minerals Provides extra sites for stabilizing nutrients and moisture, with reduced leaching of nutrients Valuable food source for organisms Long lasting 2 4% years to fully degrade Low in salinity and chlorides unlike synthetic fertilisers. Shuttle Seven Acomplete coverage in chelated form of 7 major and 7 micro elements Sequesters, chelates and delivers more nutrients than previously possible Shuttle chelation — nano technology, smallest particle size High concentration of 14 elements, along with fulvic acid Supplies background nutrition to eliminate antagonism of elements which may be in excess micro e Including: iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, cobalt, silicon, nitrogen, potassium, silica, magnesium, calcium, sulphur and carbon. Calcium Shuttle ¢ Considered ‘Trucker of all Minerals’ — adequate calcium helps to increase the uptake of all minerals Calcium — main constituent of cell walls and membranes by Peter Hall Essential for all division and elongation; therefore it is required throughout every step of plant growth Calcium has a huge impact on quality of and longevity of flowers and disease resistance Calcium plays a huge role in building “brix’ (sugar) levels Calcium shuttle contains a full suite of background nutrients along with extra calcium. Triple Ten NPK 10 10 10 ¢ Triple Ten contains: Hot — Mix NPK, Triacontanal, Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, Kelp, Fish, Vermicast liquid, Amino Acids Provides healthy, vigorous growth and early maturity. Improves root structure and better colour Increased longevity and better flower count Supplies broad-spectrum nutrition and balanced growth, supplies tremendous energy boost to plants. Humic Acid Forms organo-clay complexes Assists buffering in alkaline conditions Valuable food source — micro organisms Reduces volatility of ammonia gas ~ 60% (urea) Chelates trace leaching loss. Fulvic Acid ¢ Improves root/shoot development ¢ Helps resist pest attack ¢ Metal chelation and physiology ¢ Improves protein metabolism, enzyme elements reducing nutritional buffering ¢ Detoxifies and scavenges heavy metals ¢ Increased growth. OF29 Silico-Sulfonate ¢ Liquid potassium silicate Cell strengthener, colour enhancer Aids the chloroplasts in photosynthesis Improves plant growth Enhances reproduction by improving pollination and increasing pollen fertility Produces an amour-like resilient layer in the outer cell walls resulting in reduced lodging, less fungal colonization Reduces transpiration during heat stress Aids resistance to frost damage. Myco-Tea - Beneficial Micro Organisms ¢ Ideal for potting mediums Task-force of soil, potting medium friendly fungi with supporting battalions of beneficial bacteria Fungal domination achieved with ease Phosphate solubilisation — contains phosphate release to ‘unlock’ phosphate reserves Nitrogen fixers — free atmospheric N Cellulose digestion Bio-balancing-competitive organisms help to balance ratio of desirable versus undesirable organisms in the system e Includes: Trichoderma __ lignorum, Chaetomium globusium, Verticillium lecanii, Paecelomyces lilacinus, Penecillium chrysogenum, Azotoliactor chroococcum, Bacillus _ polymyxa, Saccharmyces cerivisiae. I also use most of the Neutrog products not just those specifically for Cymbidium orchids. | Peter Hall Glenelg, South Australia activity, membrane permeability and pH ig —YMBIDIUM ro DAVID KEANELLY ORCHIDS ORCHIDS Quality Cymbidium Mericlones for the showbench or enthusiast Telephone or Write for Catalogue Mail Order Specialists Australia-wide 22 Emmett Street Golden Square Victoria 3555 Phone (03) 5442 4806 Mobile 0411 352 036 Email dkorchids@aanet.com.au The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 61 f 2 , & q q y Cymbidium Red Pepper ‘Janice’ Grower: Rob Wells 4 Photo: David Banks The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Australian Orchid Review Editor: David P. Banks Email: david@hillsdistrictorchids.com Address editorial to: The Editor, Australian Orchid Review, 39 Carole Street, Seven Hills, NSW 2147 Australia B® (02) 9674 4720 Email: david@hillsdistrictorchids.com The Australian Orchid Review is the official publication of the Australian Cymbidium Society. To join an orchid society contact these secretaries New South Wales Veronica Clowes P.O, Box 5396, Chullora NSW 2190 Phone: (02) 9649 2719 Email: secretaryosnsw@yahoo.com.au Queensland Maree Illingworth P.O. Box 126BC, Brown Plains 4118 Phone: (07) 3800 3213 Email: r.millingworth@ug.net.au Victoria Diane Sharam 1 Tynan Street, West Preston, 3072 Phone: (03) 9478 9764 Glenda Warren 15 Manton Street, Heidelberg 3084 Phone: (03) 9459 4308 Email: glentrev@alphalink.com.au South Australia Coralie Hills G.P.O. Box 730, Adelaide 5001 Phone: (08) 8721 3213 Don Higgs P.O. Box 134, Myponga SA 5202 Phone: (08) 8558 6247 Email: jhiggs@internode.on.net Western Australia R. McGrath P.O. Box 58, Como 6152 Phone: (08) 9367 9306 Tasmania Jan Dicker G.P.O. Box 467, Hobart 7001 Phone: (03) 6247 9636 Email: jtdicker@bignond.com Northern Territory Tammie Coyne P.O. 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P.O. Box 2092, Nerang MDC, Qld 4211. The Australian Orchid Review, October/November 2009 Thelymitra ixioides Dencrobian (Avril’s 's Gold x speciosum) ‘Sandy’ AM/AOC-NSW 2009 was Grand Champion at the 2009 St. Ives Orchid Fair. This hybrid was made by David Butler of Green Vista Orchids, with this plant thought to be the first of the cross to flower. Plant grown and exhibited by Henk van den ee Photo: Bill Dobson.