Fall Show Season

The cooler weather of autumn brings out the orchid flowers, and the orchid shows, to serve as a teaser before the full schedule of the winter-spring show season begins after the holidays. There are many fine orchids whose primary flowering season is October through December and most areas of the country offer local orchid shows within an hour or two drive. So it's a good time to plan a weekend outing to see some of the late-season orchids in bloom and perhaps do a little holiday shopping for family, friends or self!

Just say no to sick plants! This Rlc. Donna Kimura seen at an undisclosed orchid show shows the telltale sign of being virused: flower color break.

There are a few simple guidelines to remember when purchasing an orchid and we list those here on the website. But to even the untrained eye, a healthy plant just "looks" healthy while a sick one usuually looks weak. Unless you are a nurturing sort and desparately need to acquire a certain orchid, avoid the latter. You will expend far more effort trying to coax them back to health and blooming than you will a strong, healtyh orchid. One of my personal criteria for purchasing an orchid is that it has active growth: a new lead or leaves. This rule can be exempted during these months of slower growth and even dormancy for some orchids, but if you can choose between the same Cattleya with and without a new lead, pick the plant with the lead. A plant that is growing will stand a better chance of quickly acclimating to a new growing environment. Another tip: if you have consistently had trouble growing a particular orchid, try finding a seedling. The almost continuous growth of seedlings give them a better chance of adapting to your growing conditions.

Michael Coronado of R.F.Orchids stakes a Cattkeya hybrid for an upcoming orchid show.

If you are lucky enough to be involved with your local society's orchid show...have fun! Putting in an exhibit at an orchid show, or even submitting a plant for exhibit and judging, can be a tremendously gratifying experience. And you will certainly learn a lot! Although over a decade old, the Online Guide to Exhibiting Orchids at my personal website has become a useful reference source for orchid exhibitors each season. It contains information about what is needed for creating an orchid exhibit as well as what judges look for when evaluating exhibits.

Finally, next spring Orchids magazine will have a special awards issue that will feature both the Special Awards and the FCC's and have a photo feature on preparing orchids for exhibition and articles on judging. Don't miss out, join the AOS today!

Greg Allikas, November 4, 2009