Not all orchids are large plants with big showy flowers. And it is the smaller varieties that are the domain of grower and enthusiast Wilma Fitzgibbons.

Fitzgibbons is a long-standing member of the Bay of Plenty Orchid Society which is holding its annual show in Te Puke on April 4-5.

“Most people think of cymbidiums as orchids, which they are, but there are lots of others too and I go for miniature ones,” Fitzgibbons said.

Her collection is made up of mainly, but not only, tiny species. “I’m known for small ones. For some you need a magnifying glass, but they are cute – well I think they are cute, some people won’t agree, but they have character, they really do.”

Shape and survival

Fitzgibbons used to have more larger orchids but has cut down because they are now too big for her to handle.

She said the attraction of the plants is their shape and the challenge of keeping them alive, something she seemed to manage with ease.

She often has a surplus which she sells at the society’s show. Many have been grown from young plants imported into New Zealand in flasks, with growing them on another challenge for the orchid grower.

Fitzgibbons was first introduced to orchids when a work friend gave her six different ones. “My grandmother was into flowers, so I suppose I picked it up from her.”

She was initially growing cymbidiums and cattleya. “My mother’s neighbours were going to a [BOP Orchid Society] meeting and asked me if I wanted to go and I’ve been going ever since.” That was in 1979. “They are a good group of people.”

When the society started its show, it selected an autumn date as there were no others at the time of year.

Two-day show

It proved to be a good move and the show quickly became popular.

Fitzgibbons is also a regular at the New Zealand Orchid Society conferences, first attending in 1985. “You meet people, talk to them, swap or scrounge whatever you can.”

She also grows tillandsia and other bromeliads, and said the air plants grow well with orchids.

This year’s show will follow a tried and tested formula, running across two days and featuring sales tables, growers from Auckland and Napier, displays and sales of other plants, such as hoyas, and pots. Society members will be available to offer advice on growing and maintaining healthy orchids.

The show is open 10am-4pm on April 4 and 10am-3pm on April 5 at Te Puke Memorial Hall. Entry is $3 for adults.