Tara Peeters

Tara Peeters

‍Vice President & Registrar  / Northern Districts Orchid Society‍

Perth, Western Australia

• 25+ years growing orchids
• Biology degree with specialisation in orchid viruses
• Multiple award-winning competitive exhibitor
• Specialises in Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Vandas and mixed genera
• 5+ years using GT products

I’ve always been plant obsessed. For as long as I can remember, plants have been part of my life. Encouraged by my mum and grandmothers, I started growing orchids around the age of 12, and by 14 I’d joined my first orchid society.

That early obsession shaped everything that followed. It led me to study biology, specialising in viruses in orchids, and to work at commercial nurseries. It took me to K’gari as an eco-tour guide, and to gardens and nurseries around the world, where I made lifelong friends with similarly plant-obsessed people.

Twenty-five years on, orchids have managed to hold my attention. From the oddest tiny species to the large, showy hybrids, I’m still surprised and captivated by the sheer diversity of the orchid family. Over 27,000 species make up 10% of all flowering plants — and when you add the countless thousands of hybrids available; I’m still seeing and learning new things all the time.

I learnt to grow orchids in Victoria, building my collection alongside my mum. I was taught by the many highly talented growers at our local club, Mornington Peninsula Orchid Society

I learnt to grow orchids in Victoria, building my collection alongside my mum. I was taught by the many highly talented growers at our local club, Mornington Peninsula Orchid Society, and had the opportunity to work at several orchid nurseries, seeing first-hand how they manage large numbers of plants.

Growing Orchids in a hot a climate, like Perth (Western Australia)

Years later, in my mid-twenties, I met my partner and eventually settled in Perth, Western Australia. That meant relearning how to grow orchids in a very different climate — much, much sunnier than what I was used to.

Many of my plants struggled with the hotter, drier conditions, while others thrived. Perth is extremely fortunate in that it’s cool enough for Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums, yet warm enough for Cattleyas and Vandas. My collection exploded with warmer-climate varieties — so many Cattleyas!

However, not everything was doing well. Lots of plants weren’t growing, and others simply died. With some help from my new orchid club, Northern Districts Orchid Society, and investigation with my local hydroponic shop, we found the culprit: the water.

Perth’s water can be high in mineral salts, and combined with the pelletised fertiliser I was using, it was burning the roots. I installed rainwater tanks and now top up with reverse osmosis filtered water during summer.

When it came time to start fertilising again, I wanted full control over what my plants were receiving. I started with GT Orchid Focus Grow, then added GT Orchid Focus Bloom (mixed to an EC of 600 ppm). After seeing the plants recover, I introduced GT Rootzone — and the difference in root vigour was immediately noticeable. I started seeing multiple new growth points on previously sluggish plants.

To help thicken plant cuticles and manage pests, I now add GT Silica, and I’ve had far fewer scale outbreaks as a result. I also grow baby orchids from flask, and they get GT Foliar since they’re under grow lights.

Today, my orchid collection is thriving. I’m a member of several orchid societies around Perth, where I enjoy spending time with other wonderful orchid and plant-obsessed people. I’m the current Vice President and Registrar at Northern Districts Orchid Society, and I think this year will be the best flowering year yet — although I say that every year.

Happy Growing.

Tara Peeters