49
C A P E F E A R Orchid Society
Learning is the key to growing orchids. Survival rates of
the delicate flowers are much higher with some knowledge
of the optimal growing conditions, as Ann Gallman of the
Cape Fear Orchid Society (CFOS) found out.
Several years ago a work colleague gave her an orchid,
but the plant died after Gallman moved to North Carolina.
In her quest to find out what went wrong, she joined the
CFOS, which now has around 60 members.
She soon learned there are more than 30,000 species of
orchid and each has its own preferred culture.
“You need to know where an orchid came from in order
to know the right conditions for optimal growth,” she says.
Her orchid’s cause of death was most likely the calcium in
the water in the Cape Fear region.
Gallman learned quickly and her collection rapidly grew.
She doesn’t have a greenhouse so when she had more than
100 plants in her house, including several growing in the
bathtub, her husband put his foot down. She had to find
new homes for many plants because well-cared-for orchids
don’t die easily — orchids can live successfully for 100 years.
Gallman says there are many myths surrounding orchids,
such as the need to water them with slowly melting ice
cubes. Instead, they prefer to stand out in the rain. Club
members discuss common misconceptions, share knowledge,
and discuss plants during their monthly meetings.
Success is generally measured by the ability of the orchids
to rebloom.
“Once one reblooms, you want to buy another one!”
Gallman says.
She is also quick to point out that potted orchids will out-last
a dozen cut roses by about three months.
Naturally, members of the rose society would challenge
that claim by countering with the fact that some roses, like
the Thousand-year variety, live outside for several hundred
years. Camellias can also live for a couple hundred years.
While there might be some friendly “my flower is better
than yours” rivalry between the clubs, they all share the joy
of a well-tended bloom. They are dedicated to enjoying their
beauty, and to sharing knowledge through their clubs.
They encourage everyone to take time out from busy
schedules, to stop and smell the roses — or camellias, or
orchids — or to appreciate an artful arrangement.
Top left: Red spider orchids. Above: Pink moth orchids inside
a greenhouse. Left: Mattiola orchids growing in the wild.
Sista Hats
Rusted Rose Vintage
5629 Oleander Drive
910-352-1258 • wilmawilm@msn.com
NEW Shipment Kentucky Derby Hats
Church Hats • Hats For All Occasions • Much More!
To receive a free bumper sticker or sponsorship information:
The Dove 89.7 FM
PO Box 957 • Wilmington, N.C. 28402
Tel: 910-763-2452 Fax: 910-763-6578
www.life905.com • life@life905.com
www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM