They are rare and notoriously difficult to grow.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is also why there are groups devoted to tending them.
The Southern Highlands Orchid Society are all about the science behind orchids.
They meet on the first Saturday of every month to talk about their triumphs, failures, and discoveries in growing the plant.
They also hold a show each year to exhibit the beautiful flowering plant to the public.
Now in its 13th year, the Southern Highlands Orchid Society show, opening this Saturday, September 16, exhibits several hundred Highlands orchids.
About 30 group members have worked tirelessly to grow a range of orchid varieties in preparation for the show.
These include cool-growing cymbidiums, coelogyne, paphiopedilum (slipper orchid) and phalaenopsis orchids.
The Southern Highlands Orchid Society president Raymond Stanton said the key to growing the perfect orchid was “knowing what you’re doing”.
“If anyone is failing or would like to know more about orchids, they are welcome to come here and we can teach them,” he said.
“We give out prizes and show off all the wonderfully grown orchids from our members,” Mr Stanton said.
Group member Shirley Doyle said new members were always welcome to join the club.
“We would love to see new faces, epecially young people, come and join us,” she said.
“We are a bunch of very friendly people who just love orchids.”
The show will be held at the Alexandra Room at the Mittagong RSL on September 16 from 9:30am to 4pm.
As well as the display, there will be plants for sale and information about the cultivation and care of orchids, including a potting demonstration.
Entry is by a gold coin donation. A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to a charity of the society’s choice.