Orchid show set to bloom in Durban North

A THOUSAND visitors are expected at the fifth annual Orchid Show, which will dazzle plant lovers, on 20 July from 9am to 4pm at the Fairway Guest House.

Melanie van Greunen, organiser and founder of the show and president of Natal Orchid Society (NOS) said last year’s show attracted almost 900 orchid enthusiasts.

This year the show will include an exhibition with about 40 members of NOS showcasing their orchids, potting demonstrations at 11am and 1pm, a tea garden serving light lunches, and plenty of rare plants and orchids including carnivorous plants, indigenous plants, heliconias plants, tillandsias (air plants), staghorn ferns and various species and hybrids of orchids.

While the show attracts orchid experts, a wealth of knowledge awaits beginners who want to learn more about growing the delicate blooms.

With over 400 orchids thriving at Fairway Guesthouse, Van Greunen is a self-confessed connoisseur of the plant.

“People tend to go for the hybrid blooms which are often, more showy, but as you get into it, you start to fall in love with specific orchid species. Your perspective shifts and you start to appreciate the natural species as God created it,” she said.

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She explained that most orchids sold in supermarkets are actually man-made hybrids while 33000 orchid species occurs in nature all over the world.

“The orchid is the second largest plant family in the world, second only to grass,” she said.

Orchids that grow in the ground are known as terrestrial orchids and these are typically found in colder climates such as Europe and Scotland while the majority of the orchids growing in the balmy humidity of the equator are epiphytes, which grow off of trees.

“We have very good weather for those orchids that come from the Equator. South American and Asian orchids grow exceptionally well in Durban,” she said.

Growing terrestrial orchids requires a delicate balance.

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“They like water, but the roots must not become soggy or water logged. Placing tree bark or stones in the pot will help to drain the water away quickly. One can mount an epiphyte onto a tree and it will do well, but it won’t flower if it is in deep shade. Direct sunlight is also not idea, dappled shade is great. Epiphytes need more water. Orchids do well outside as they enjoy wind movement,” she said.

There will be plenty of parking at the Orchid show and wheelchair access.

Payment by card will be available.

For more information, call Melanie Van Greuner on 083 456 0178.

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