Paphiopedilum will be the topic of the next Malibu Orchid society’s meeting.
Orchid lovers, the Malibu Orchid Society meeting scheduled at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, will be highly informative. Carol Klonowski we give an “Overview of Paphiopedilum” and will cover the major sections of the genus and how they differ from one another. The meeting will be held at the Hart Lounge Community United Methodist Church on 801 Via de la Paz.
Carol Klonowski
Klonowski feels that anyone can grow these slipper orchids from Asia and will speak about the conditions that need to be met to grow them. She will also demonstrate the best way to repot them.
Klonowski has been growing orchids since the 1980’s when a friend in Berkeley, California, gave her a cattleya and it bloomed out with three big, dark lavender flowers and an intoxicating fragrance.
She built an entire greenhouse in her backyard to accommodate the precious plant, which only led her to buy more orchids. Then another friend gave her a gift membership to the Orchid Society of California and it’s been a serious hobby and passion ever since. Carol is President of the Orchid Society of California and is currently a Fully Accredited Judge with the American Orchid Society, California Sierra Nevada Judging Center.
At the meeting, it will be explained how members of the Malibu Orchid can participate in an exhibit at the Huntington Orchid Show October 18 thru October 20. If one can’t go to the setup on October 16, plants may be brought to this meeting and will be transported to the Huntington.
JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN:
Bat Orchid
Although many people decorate for Halloween, orchid growers know that some orchids have natural features that could be straight out of a horror movie. Adding these spooky orchids to your collection not only shows off the darker side of nature but can also transform your home or garden into a haunted botanical wonderland for Halloween.
Consider growing the Bat Orchid (Tacca chantrieri). While not a true orchid, this plant is often mistaken for one and adds a chilling effect to any Halloween decor. Its black, bat-shaped flowers are accented with long, whisker-like tendrils, making it look like something you’d expect to find in a witch’s lair.
Or add the Dracula Orchid (Dracula simia) to your collection. Often called the “Monkey Orchid,” this plant is known for its flowers resembling a monkey’s face. But under dim light, these features can take on an unsettling look, especially with the dark, blood-red petals. The genus name Dracula means “little dragon,” adding to its Halloween allure.
Monkey Orchid