The variety, Cattleya orchid, was the main colorful and hardy orchid that is preferred for minimal care and success. Jewel orchids are grown for their foliage. Moth orchids are an easy to grow variety. Rule of thumb: tough, hard leaves resist drought better. They should be watered three times a week, allowing the residuals to drain out the bottom each time. Softened, treated water will kill them. Cold water will make the flowers drop off. Fertilized with 20-20-20 fertilizer once a week, the orchids should thrive successfully. Scale is their main problem, which can be treated with the bug killer, Imadoprid, which is sold at Wal-Mart. Schmidt has visited Colombia, South America, and reports that 4,000 species of orchids thrive there, in the local dirt.
He encouraged the garden club to give them a try and this expert confessed that trial and error taught him all he has learned to be a successful orchid grower. Schmidt, a Beevillian who has served as a past president of the Corpus Christi Orchid Society, referred to them as plants hardy enough to grow at the Arctic Circle. He recommended growing them in a greenhouse in our area. If well water is used to care for them, check for salt, as orchids will not tolerate salinity. There are 30,000 species of orchids, the largest plant species in the world.
In other business, on Feb. 25, an Arbor Day tree will be planted at the First United Methodist Church for Gwen DeWitt’s deceased father, Gene Shinn, who was known throughout our area for his plant knowledge and support for gardening. Lottie Stepp, a deceased club member, will also be honored with a concrete bench with her name and a floral planting.
The club zone meeting at the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens is planned for March 9-10. March 26 marks a special pilgrimage day for members to take a road trip. The Botanical Gardens in Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Art Museum with lunch in their tea room are scheduled. The garden club’s botanical sale will be April 24, with the details to be noted later.
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