Live Zoom Seminar Hosted by the New Zealand Orchid Society
Growing Oncidiums and Cattleyas with David Woolf
Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Format: Attend online by Zoom or join our Auckland screening
Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
Registration: Required for both attendance options
The New Zealand Orchid Society welcomes respected Australian orchid grower and hybridiser David Woolf for two practical presentations on growing Oncidiums and Cattleyas.
David lives in Toowoomba, Queensland, where the elevated inland climate provides cooler growing conditions than many other parts of Queensland. These conditions have useful similarities to orchid growing in New Zealand.
About David Woolf
David comes from a family with a long involvement in orchid growing. He is the son of John Woolf and is associated with Woolf OrchidCulture in Toowoomba.
Woolf OrchidCulture is one of Australia’s major orchid nurseries. The nursery produces a broad range of artificially propagated Australian species, exotic species and orchid hybrids.
David has grown a wide range of orchid genera and species over many years. His present focus includes the cultivation and hybridising of Oncidiums and Cattleyas.
His collection also includes Tillandsias, mounted orchids and numerous species. He has produced a number of hybrids and is known for growing and presenting his plants to a high standard.
David is an experienced orchid judge and has received awards for his plants. His success includes winning Champion Orchid at a Toowoomba Orchid Society show.
Two Practical Presentations
Growing Oncidiums Successfully
David will discuss his approach to growing Oncidiums, including the conditions and care needed to produce healthy plants and reliable flowering.
Topics will include:
- Light and temperature requirements
- Watering and feeding
- Potting media and containers
- Repotting and root health
- Managing common growing problems
- Encouraging strong flowering
Growing Cattleyas Successfully
The second presentation will focus on Cattleya culture and the methods David uses in his own plant houses.
- Topics will include:
- Providing suitable light and airflow
- Seasonal watering and feeding
- Understanding new growth and root development
- Selecting suitable potting media
- Repotting at the correct stage
- Improving plant health and flowering
There will also be an opportunity for participants to learn from David’s practical experience as a grower, hybridiser and orchid judge.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 1:30 PM | Registration, Tea or Coffee |
| 2:00 PM | First Presentation |
| 3:00 PM | Afternoon Tea |
| 3:30 PM | Second Presentation |
| 4:30 PM | Clean Up & Pack Away |