Vivi's Orchid Corner

a friendly, informative orchid column

February, 1996; Article 3

Cultivating An Interest in Orchids

Dear Orchid Friends:
The winter months are exciting times for orchid lovers in South Florida. Yes, it's peak tourist season, but it is also some of the best months for orchid shows. Orchid shows are an excellent place to see the latest in orchid hybrids or stimulate an interest in and increase your knowledge about orchids. Individual plants and commercial exhibits are judged by the American Orchid Society (AOS) judges, with awards and trophies offered. The diversity of orchid plants at the shows is impressive.
I remember my very first orchid show. I was in awe of the majestic colors, sights and displays. The view was breathtaking. I could have been walking into Monet's Garden. That was the first time I realized orchids were so fragrant! I am still enthralled with each show and the overwhelming beauty of each orchid flower.
This year's theme for the January 1996 Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Show was "Orchid Carnival". It was a small but delightful show. Commercial exhibit themes varied: penny arcades, carousels, tropical settings, and a Latin party theme. Paphiopedilums ( slipper orchids) and Cymbidiums (yes, there are warm growing Cymbidiums) dominated the commercial exhibits. It was refreshing to see more Brassias (spider orchids) and Angraecums in this show.
R.F. Orchids was awarded first place for commercial exhibits (300 sq.ft. display). A New Orleans garden display captured the "Orchid Carnival" theme. His display showcased a most impressive angraecum orchid (angraecum 'Gene', CCM/AOS), a 4'x4' plant with delicate, crystalline white flowers. R.F. Orchids also was awarded Best Cymbidium (Cymbidium Via Loch Reposo 'Bronze Beauty', a pale gold flower with orange streaks and a magenta spotte d lip).
Adkins Orchids took first place (150 sq.ft. display) highlighting a lovely tropical setting. Daisy Farms Orchids was awarded "Most Artistic Display" for a visual delight of paphiopedilums and waterfalls.
Other Awards:

Best Yellow or Green Cattleya:
Bl. YellowBird 'Tigertail' AM/CCM/AOS, by Impact Orchids
Best in Category - Cattleya:
Lc. Color Guard x Blc. Toshie Aoki, a fushia flower with pink and orange center on lip
Best in Category - Paphiopedilum:
Paph. Green Legend, a deep yellow paph with white
Best in Category - Broughtonia:
Tetra Dark Pine 'Lindsay' AM/AOS, tall flower spikes with delicate magenta clusters of flowers
Best in Category - Phalaenopsis:
Phal. Miva Golden, pale yellow flowers with magenta spots and burnt orange lip
Best in Category - Potinara:
Pot. Sao Paulo 'Orchiglade' AM/AOS, a sungold flower with fushia lips
Orchid shows are good places to purchase orchids, however the irresistible beauty and wide selection of orchids makes it difficult to decide which ones to purchase. Learning to care for your new orchid purchase is part of the fun of becoming an orchid ho bbyist. A good rule for growing orchids is to know what kinds of orchid plants you have. The name tag attached to your orchid is an important component in keeping your plant alive and healthy. Don't throw it away! The name of the plant tells yo u the kind of orchid you have and provides information useful in presenting appropriate growing conditions. The value of your plant is based in part on the plant's heritage. The plant tag indicates the plant's parentage and any awards it has received. The parentage is usually registered with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in England. Good quality orchids make a difference in the value and performance of your plants during their lifetime.
So expose yourself to orchids! It is the ideal time for orchid shows and South Florida is the perfect location to begin an orchid hobby. Check out the upcoming Miami Orchid Show March 8-10, 1996, at the Coconut Grove Convention Center and Enjoy!
Until next time,
Vivi