Don Kuchel is passionate about watching his blooms prosper and he says it is a popular hobby.
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“There’s something like 80 to 90 orchid clubs in Australia,” the Dunbogan resident said.
Mr Kutchel said there are many clubs in the area of the Mid North Coast as the subtropical conditions are ideal for growing the flower.
“The pleasure of seeing them flower for that year is really something,” he said.
One of Don’s orchid won first prize in its category (Phalaenopsis group) at The Camden Haven Orchid Society Spring Show which was on in September, 2017.
Don said there are about 40 different types of orchids.
“There are all kinds of orchids which different people grow,” he said.
Don enjoys growing orchids from the Phalaenopsis group because he said the flower is out in bloom for a long time.
“The scope of the flower or the way the flower grows around the spike tends to be aesthetically pleasing,” he said.
Depending on the type of orchid, Don said they can be difficult to grow.
“Some of them do need special conditions,” he said.
In the Summer months Don tends to water his orchids every two to three days but in the Winter they only need to be watered every three weeks.
“They last longer in Winter as they can survive off nutrients from their leaves and spike,” he said.
Don said people tend to over-water orchids.
“They tend to think orchids need to be watered everyday but you can kill them with kindness,” he said.
The group meets at the Laurieton RSL every third Tuesday of the month. Everyone is welcome to join.
For more information or to join the Camden Haven Orchid Society please email jrhmmatthews@bigpond.com