10/08/2026
Interested Growers Group – Shadehouse Social
A huge thank you to Victoria for so generously opening her home for this month's Interested Growers Group Shadehouse Social. What a wonderful property to spend the morning exploring, with beautiful orchids, peaceful surroundings and plenty of inspiration for everyone.
One of the highlights was admiring Leslie's magnificent Bulbophyllum, beautifully mounted in a coconut shell – a wonderful reminder that orchids can be displayed in so many creative ways.
As always, there was no shortage of lively discussion! Members shared their experiences with Solarweave for shade houses, discussing both the benefits of being able to better control watering during our wet Sunshine Coast winters, and the need to be mindful of the extra heat that can build up beneath the roof.
There was also plenty of excitement around Catasetums and Clowesias, and we're looking forward to Master Grower Michael Pye's presentation on Catasetums at this Saturday's club meeting. If you've ever been curious about these fascinating orchids, this is one meeting you won't want to miss!
For anyone battling those pesky mealy bugs—you're certainly not alone! Members generously shared a range of ideas, including sprinkling ant powder over the bark or using Richgro Bug Killa granules to target the pests hiding deeper in the potting mix. (Remember to wear gloves when handling these products.)
Another fascinating discussion centred around water pH. Thanks to Sandra's research and careful testing, we learned that Caloundra's tap water generally has a pH of around 7.0–7.3, while orchids absorb nutrients most efficiently in slightly acidic water (around 5.6–6.6). Sandra has found that adding two pinches of citric acid (available in the baking aisle) to a 9-litre watering can brings the pH into the ideal range. And if you accidentally add too much, a little bicarbonate of soda will raise the pH again. A handy tip to remember if we find ourselves relying on town water during future dry spells!
These Shadehouse Socials are such a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another. Every meeting is filled with practical tips, generous advice and plenty of laughs, proving once again that some of the best orchid knowledge comes from simply sharing experiences with fellow growers.
Thank you again to Victoria for your warm hospitality, and to everyone who contributed to another fantastic morning. We can't wait for the next one!
