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"W.J.O.S.
NEWS"
December 2018
Wanneroo/Joondalup Orchid Society (Inc)
Website: http://members.iinet.net.au/~emntee/
President
- Tony; Phone; 9342 3799 EMAIL
Secretary - Lynne; Phone; 9448 5840 EMAIL
Treasurer - Charly;
Phone; 9206 4589 EMAIL
Registrar - Chris; Phone; 9246 3189 EMAIL
Editor - Tony; Phone; 9342 3799 EMAIL
P.O. Box 236, Kingsway,
WA 6065.
Please
Note!!
Change
of meeting venue & start time
Next Meeting
Will
be held, Thursday December 20th 7.30pm,
at the St.
Lukes School at Woodvale. This is
on the corner of Whitfords Ave and Duffy Terrace, Woodvale.
See
map here
Visitors and New Members
always welcome
Topic of the evening
Xmas Meeting
Membership
Fees- Couple/family $40. Single $27. (Includes Badge)
Renewal - Couple/family $25. Single $20. Junior $7
**********************************************
Results of the WJOS Meeting November
2018
George Webber Memorial
Trophy
Brassia
Rex 'Sakata' Mike & Jill
Open
Popular Vote Open -
Dendrobium polyanthum - Bruce
Novice Popular Vote;
Brassidium Yellow
Star 'Golden Gambol', Lynne
Floral
Art - Gill M
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Wanneroo/Joondalup Orchid Society
Calendar for 2018
- 2019
Please note that the time for set-up of
displays between 8 & 9 am on the Thursday morning of the display.
Plants can still be brought in after that time if it is more convenient.
February 3rd. Xmas in February @ Bruce & Kaye's, 12 Majestic
Drv, Dianella, 4pm
February 23 - 24, Garden Clubs & Soc Fair, South Perth.
April 12 - 13, North Beach Display
May 11th- 12th 2019 - Ocean Keys Display
July 6th - 7th, 2019 (Winter) Northern Orchid & Garden Fair,
John Septimus Roe School, Mirrabooka
August 3rd - 4th 2019, Inter Society Orchid Display & Workshop,
Albany
September 14th- 15th 2019 Spring Orchid Fair
October 5th & 6th (Spring) Northern Orchid & Garden Fair,
John Septimus Roe School, Mirrabooka
*********************************************
Floral Arrangement
For December - A Xmas Gift
For January - New Years Celebration
For February - My Funny Valentine
********************************************
CLUB
NEWS
Pots - If you require
orchid pots from the society, please ring John on 0418 854 732
and he will bring them to the next meeting
*******************************
Xmas Hampers...There will
be a separate raffle for a large number of Xmas Hampers at the
December meeting. This raffle will be a free one to members with
each membership receiving one free ticket.
This is always good festive season fun and a great way to enjoy
our Xmas meeting.
There will be the usual plant raffle for which there will be the
normal charge.
*******************************
Meeting Start time
Please take note!!
The meetings of the Wanneroo/Joondalup Orchid Society now take
place at St Luke's School at Woodvale, Whitfords Ave and Duffy
Terrace, with the entrance to the parking area being on Duffy
Tce
Also.... The meeting will start at 7.30
Please make sure that your orchids
arrive by 7.15 so that they can be entered, placed on the trestles
so the meeting can start without all the talking at the back of
the hall and the judges can get on with their work.
Please be considerate of others.
******************************
And so……..
Another orchid year comes to a close, where we and our orchids
have managed to survive yet another trip around the Sun.
Xmas is coming and the geese are running for cover. (Not to
mention turkeys, porkers, the odd chook) Yes, situation normal!!
So let us try to not overdo things this festive season with excessive
imbibing or just plain pigging out, as we should all be planning
to have ourselves good and healthy (along with our long suffering
orchids,) to be bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready for the
wonderful world of orchid challenges that we are bound to face
in 2019.
Yes!!! The Wanneroo/Joondalup Orchid Society is in need of your
living, breathing presence in the new year as we have had too
many orchid friends depart this orchid world in recent years.
So do take care of yourself and your orchids during the crazy
season and try to remain in the land of the living so that we
can all return to orchid normalcy in the New Year.
Do have the happiest
of Xmas's and the best of the best New Year for 2019.
Your Committee wish
you all the very best for Xmas and the New Year
******************************
Results of the
November meeting 2018
No list this month
but here are some of the orchids at the November meeting;-
Cym Black Stump
Potinara Haw Yuan Gold
Phaius Lady Ramona Harris
Paph Gold Dollar
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As Clifton will be
standing down from the WJOS Committee at our next meeting, there
is a vacancy for any member(s) who would be interested in learning
about your society and how it is run. Your society depends on
your active participation into the future to maintain the vibrancy,
and vitality in coming years.
We are all getting older and will not be around forever, so please
have a thought about becoming a part of the drive that has kept
our club going since it's inception in 1975. Talk to any Committee
member to become a part of the history as we proceed to the future
********************************
Fertiliser - By Trevor
Burnett
The great bulk of plants are composed of carbon, hydrogen and
oxygen. The carbon is derived from the air in the form of carbon
dioxide.
The hydrogen contained in organic material of the plant is derived
from the water taken up by the roots, while oxygen is obtained
from both water and the atmospheric sources, including carbon
dioxide and oxygen.
Plants cannot live and grow on water and air alone. They need
a variety of inorganic minerals and other constituents that are
supplied to the plant from the soil and other media.
The roles of these nutrients are summarised below:
Major Elements (Macronutrients)
Nitrogen (N) is a major component of proteins, hormones, chlorophyll,
vitamins and enzymes essential for plant life. Nitrogen metabolism
is a major factor in stem and leaf growth (vegetative growth).
Too much can delay flowering and fruiting, while deficiencies
can reduce yields, cause yellowing of the leaves and stunt growth.
Phosphorus (P) is necessary for seed germination, photosynthesis,
protein formation and almost all aspects of growth and metabolism
in plants. It is essential for flower formation. Low pH (<4)
results in phosphate being chemically locked up in organic soils.
Deficiency symptoms are purple stems and leaves; maturity and
growth are retarded. Yields of flowers are poor. Premature drop
of flowers may often occur. Phosphorus must be applied close to
the plant's roots for the plant to be able utilise it. Large applications
of phosphorus without adequate levels of zinc can lead to a zinc
deficiency.
Potassium (K) is necessary for formation of sugars, starches,
carbohydrates, protein synthesis and cell division in roots and
other parts of the plant. It helps to adjust water balance, improves
stem rigidity.
Sulfur (S) is a structural component of amino acids, proteins,
vitamins and enzymes and is essential to produce chlorophyll.
Deficiencies show as light green leaves. Sulfur is readily lost
by leaching from soils and should be applied with a nutrient formula.
Some water supplies may contain sulfur.
Magnesium (Mg) is a critical structural component of the chlorophyll
molecule and is necessary for functioning of plant enzymes to
produce carbohydrates, sugars and fats. Deficient plants appear
chlorotic, show yellowing between veins of older leaves; leaves
may droop. Magnesium is leached by watering and must be supplied
when feeding. It can be applied as a foliar spray to correct deficiencies.
Calcium (Ca) activates enzymes, is a structural component of cell
walls, influences water movement in cells and is necessary for
cell growth and division. Some plants must have calcium to take
up nitrogen and other minerals. Calcium is easily leached. Calcium,
once deposited in plant tissue, is immobile (non-translocatable)
so there must be a constant supply for growth. Deficiency causes
stunting of new growth in stems, flowers and roots. Symptoms range
from distorted new growth to black spots on leaves.
Micronutrients
Iron (Fe) is necessary for many enzyme functions and as a catalyst
for the synthesis of chlorophyll. It is essential for the young
growing parts of plants. Deficiencies are pale leaf color of young
leaves followed by yellowing of leaves and large veins. Iron is
lost by leaching and is held in the lower portions of the soil
structure. Under conditions of high pH (alkaline) iron is rendered
unavailable to plants. When soils are alkaline, iron may be abundant
but unavailable.
Applications of acid nutrient formula containing iron chelates,
held in soluble form should correct the problem.
Manganese (Mn) is involved in enzyme activity for photosynthesis,
respiration, and nitrogen metabolism. Deficiency in young leaves
may show a network of green veins on a light green background
similar to an iron deficiency. In the advanced stages the light
green parts become white, and leaves are shed. Brownish, black,
or grayish spots may appear next to the veins. In neutral or alkaline
soils plants often show deficiency symptoms. In highly acid soils,
manganese may be available to the extent that it results in toxicity.
Boron (B) is necessary for cell wall formation, membrane integrity,
and calcium uptake and may aid in the translocation of sugars.
Boron affects at least 16 functions in plants. These functions
include flowering, pollen germination, cell division, water relationships
and the movement of hormones. Boron must be available throughout
the life of the plant. It is not translocated and is easily leached
from soils.
Deficiencies kill terminal buds leaving a rosette effect on the
plant. Leaves are thick, curled and brittle.
Zinc (Zn) is a component of enzymes
or a functional cofactor of a large number of enzymes including
auxins (plant growth hormones). It is essential to carbohydrate
metabolism; protein synthesis and internodal elongation (stem
growth). Deficient plants have mottled leaves with irregular chlorotic
areas. Zinc deficiency leads to iron deficiency causing similar
symptoms. Deficiency occurs on eroded soils and is least available
at a pH range of 5.5 - 7.0. Lowering the pH can render zinc more
available to the point of toxicity.
Copper (Cu) is concentrated in roots of plants and plays a part
in nitrogen metabolism. It is a component of several enzymes and
may be part of the enzyme systems that use carbohydrates and proteins.
Deficiencies cause die back of the shoot tips, and terminal leaves
develop brown spots. Copper is bound tightly in organic matter
and may be deficient in highly organic soils. It is not readily
lost from soil but may often be unavailable. Too much copper can
cause toxicity.
Molybdenum (Mo) is a structural component of the enzyme that reduces
nitrates to ammonia. Without it, the synthesis of proteins is
blocked and plant growth ceases. Root nodule (nitrogen fixing)
bacteria also require it. Seeds may not form completely, and nitrogen
deficiency may occur if plants are lacking molybdenum. Deficiency
signs are pale green leaves with rolled or cupped margins.
Chlorine (Cl) is involved in osmosis (movement of water or solutes
in cells), the ionic balance necessary for plants to take up mineral
elements and in photosynthesis. Deficiency symptoms include wilting,
stubby roots, chlorosis (yellowing) and bronzing. Chloride, the
ionic form of chlorine used by plants, is usually found in soluble
forms and is lost by leaching. Some plants may show signs of toxicity
if levels are too high.
Nickel (Ni) has just recently won the status as an essential trace
element for plants according to the Agricultural Research Service
Plant, Soil and
Nutrition Laboratory in Ithaca, NY. It is required for the enzyme
urease to break down urea to liberate the nitrogen into a usable
form for plants. Nickel is required for iron absorption. Seeds
need nickel in order to germinate. Plants grown without additional
nickel will gradually reach a deficient level at about the time
they mature and begin reproductive growth. If nickel is
deficient plants may fail to produce viable seeds.
Sodium (Na) is involved in osmotic (water movement) and ionic
balance in plants. Cobalt (Co) is required for nitrogen fixation
in legumes and in root nodules of non- legumes. The demand for
cobalt is much higher for nitrogen fixation than for ammonium
nutrition. Deficient levels could result in nitrogen deficiency
symptoms. Silicon (Si) is found as a component of cell walls.
Plants with adequate supplies of soluble silicon produce stronger,
tougher cell walls making them a mechanical barrier to piercing
and sucking insects. This significantly enhances plant heat and
drought tolerance. Foliar sprays of silicon have also shown benefits
reducing populations of aphids on field crops.
Tests have also found that silicon can be deposited by the plants
at the site of infection by fungus to combat the penetration of
the cell walls by the attacking fungus. Improved leaf erectness,
stem strength and prevention or depression of iron and manganese
toxicity has all been noted as effects from silicon. Silicon has
not been determined essential for all plants, but may be beneficial
for many.
How are these elements supplied to the orchids?
In fertile natural conditions these are supplied from the soil
but in the case of potting media these may be added by the use
of fertilizer and this can be divided into two broad groups.
Organic Fertilisers
They are animal or vegetable origin and generally contain a small
percentage of the elements needed. They are slow acting and can
vary greatly in their nutrient content.
Organic fertilisers are made from things which were once living,
so their nutrient analysis can be quite variable. The great benefit
of liquid organic fertilisers is as well as adding nutrients they
add beneficial bacteria and fungi as well as some organic matter
that helps improve your soil or potting mix.
Inorganic Fertilisers
Inorganic fertilisers are sometimes called synthetic or chemical
fertilisers and they worry many gardeners. They're just concentrated
forms of naturally occurring minerals. The great advantage of
inorganicfertilisers is that you can deliver precise concentrations
of nutrients to the plant.
Usually they're supplied as fine powders and dissolve readily
in water to give you a liquid fertiliser.
Liquid Fertiliser
Many forms of liquid fertilizer are on the market today which
comes with a variety of NPK ratio for different applications.
In the growing season from June to March Paphiopedilums love a
fertilizer that has a high ratio of Nitrogen Eg N (Nitrogen) 20
P (Phosphorus) 20 K Potassium 20 but in the other months a lower
amount of nitrogen.
At the last meeting we had a lot of different fertilisers on display
and with a great deal of differences in there makeup of NPK and
Colin and Peter discussed some of the differences in these fertilisers.
The fertilisers discussed were:
No Thrills Rock Dust (N. 05, P. 1.0, K. 2.0. Ca. 7.5)
No Thrills Hydrofish (N. 3.1, P. 0.34, K. 0.34, Na. 0.25, Crude
protein 19.6, Oil 5.15
No Thrills Seaweed Tonic (N. 0.2, P. 0.16, K. 2.8, Na. 0.25, Crude
protein 15.3, Fe. 0.21, Organic Matter 9.0)
Growth Technologies Ionic Grow (N. 2.30, K. 2.89, Ca. 0.95)
Garden Party (N. 6.6, P. 0.85, K. 3.6)
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A Note To Novice
Growers
Please don't be afraid to bring along to the meetings, any orchids
that you have in flower. Members will be more than willing to
assist you in understanding how to improve your orchids. That
is what the Society is all about. Our purpose is to help orchid
growers, to help orchid growers
We are not there to ridicule or embarrass our newer members. Quite
the opposite. We want to help you improve your orchids so that
you can become better growers yourselves.
********************************
Our
Sponsors
1/45 Stockdale
Road, O'Connor,WA 6163
info@growthtechnology.com.au
Phone (08) 9331 3091
**********************************************
Ezi-Gro
Orchids
76 Evandale Rd, Darch
Western Australia
6065
Ezi-Gro Orchids
are now CLOSED on Sundays
**********************************************
Boisduval Scale
- possibly the world's worst orchid pest
See all the pictures
HERE
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Reed
Stem Epidendrums
by John P
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A
message from The Water Corporation
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Paphiopedilun Culture
Notes (January/February) by Trevor Burnett
The hot weather will be in full
swing during these months but I still only water 3 times a week.
If the forecast is for very hot weather over 4 days I will increase
watering to every 2nd day but always only in the morning.
Keep your additional shade in place if the plants are showing
signs of yellowing as they are receiving more light than is required.
If plants show any sign of burning add some extra shade for the
next few months.
Any burning will cause a setback at this stage which will definitely
affect our flowering season. If you have a variety of different
size pots, you will need to ensure that the smaller pots do not
dry out completely before watering. A simple solution to prevent
the
problem of some pots drying out more quickly is to double pot
so the pots are all similar size.
By this I mean placing the smaller pots into a larger pot which
is filled with compost which encircles the small pot. This way
all the pots end up drying out at the same rate.
Paphiopedilum growth should be promoted so keep the regular
fertiliser program in place to ensure the growth mature ready
for the flowering season ahead. Let's get back to looking after
our plants following the Christmas break, and resume regular routine
checking of:
good air movement;
if growing in a glasshouse, misting will assist with maintaining
humidity;
weekly fertilising;
not overcrowding our plants;
check for pests and treat if necessary;
keep area clean of dying leaves or material;
increase watering to 3 times a week or more often if plants have
dried out;
check all plants to see if there are any signs of stress;
water in early morning before the sun is too high.
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