American Orchid Society. The mission of the CCOS is to provide people in the Charleston area with opportunities to learn more about orchids and with a forum to interact with other orchid enthusiasts.
While most people are probably familiar with the Phalaenopsis orchid commonly sold in nurseries and grocery stores, participants in the workshop were surprised to learn there are over 28,000 different types of orchids. While widely viewed as tropical or semi-tropical plants, orchids grow in many climates. They are found on every continent in the world. The United States alone has over 250 native species of orchids, with each type having differing growing requirements.
According to Ms. Greenwood/Koch, with so many different species, it can be hard to generalize orchid care, but she did offer the following tips on caring for orchids. Most orchids prefer indirect sunlight and do best in southeast-facing windows. While orchids like high humidity, it is important not to overwater or allow the roots to sit in water. She suggested never watering the leaves, only the roots. Their roots need aeration, so orchids are typically grown in sphagnum moss, orchid mix or orchiata (New Zealand orchid bark). Orchids also prefer to be root-bound, making transplanting unnecessary unless the potting medium has broken down or the roots have outgrown the pot. Orchids can be grown outside but should be brought indoors once temperatures approach freezing. Throughout her presentation, Ms. Greenwood/Koch emphasized customizing the care to find what keeps your particular orchid plant healthy. She repeatedly stated, “If your plant looks healthy, keep doing what you are doing.” She has a large collection of orchids at her home in Mt. Pleasant. She brought several of her plants to show some of the different types of orchids that can be grown in the Lowcountry. Her interest in orchids began as a result of her husband gifting her orchids for special occasions. She felt compelled to learn about their care, and this led to a lifelong passion and involvement with CCOS. Information on joining the Coastal Carolina Orchid Society is available at www.coastalcarolinaos.org.
The next meeting of the Seabrook Island Garden Club will take place on November 10 at the Oyster Catcher Community Center. It will feature Seabrook’s own Rogers Kyle, who will be doing a presentation on hydroponic gardening. Other upcoming events include a trip to the Barrier Island Oyster Company, a “pop-up event” bingo social at the Pelican’s Nest, and a holiday wreath-making workshop. Current members are encouraged to email photographs of their gardens to Debbie Daskaloff at ddaskaloff@aol.com. Anyone interested in joining the Seabrook Island Garden Club for the 2023-2024 year can find information at sigardenclub.blogspot.com under the “Join Us” tab. Membership will remain open until October 30.
Seabrook Island Garden Club 2023-2024 “Let’s Talk Some Dirt!”
Submitted by Susan McLaughlin, Seabrook Island Garden Club Publicity
Photo credits: Vivien Joklik and Susan McLaughlin
