Any Advice/Tips on going to Orchid Open House?

[lotis146]

If you've read any of my other posts then you know I'm a newbie to Orchid society in general although I have had a mini Phal. for about 5 years (that's what turned me on to "getting serious" about Orchids), a Phal. for 2 1/2 (a year ago producing twin keikis), and a Paph. less than a year now. I've never been to any shows or open houses.

Today I learned that there's a Orchid nursery open house happening now until Sunday that I MAY be able to go to. I was just wondering, seeing as I've never been to such a thing, do you have any tips/advice? Things to look out for? It's still pretty cold around these parts (although this week we've got temps in the mid 30s (F) to 40s so I would think that's even more reason not to buy plants in bloom or maybe even in bud?

Thanks in advance!
Lotis

[plumania]

When I attended first show as a newbie, mistake I made is buying too many Orchids(8) and boy they smelled really good. I did not know that you have to change media they were in.Some were in moss.As a result many died.
Also bought a Zygo which is hard to care for in Florida heat and it died eventually. It had one of the best scent I ever smelled on a flower. I was and still sad about losing that Zygo.
Back then I was not on any orchid forum and had very limited understanding.I also went after killing a gift Phal and Phals seem to be gateway orchid for addiction.
So, I would say-
Do not buy too many, and before buying talk to vendors about particular plant's care/culture in your area. Do some homework as to what types of orchids do well in your area and what type of care you can provide.
For example I can not keep anything alive or healthy in moss and I am not able to water something daily. And I can not grow cool growing stuff because I have everything outdoor.

[dounoharm]

TAKE A CAMERA! you will enjoy going back and looking at the flowers again and again! enjoy yourself, and, as stated above, try not to buy too many, there is always next year! pick a few that you know you can care for....there will be so many you want! enjoy yourself!

[terracotta7]

This is a great question!

A local orchid society is having their sale/show today and even though MY HUSBAND OFFERED TO TAKE ME while we will be over in that area, I said "no". This is big! I simply do not have any more room right now. I divided some plants in the last couple of months and I am waiting for them to get established in their new pots and put out some nice growth before I pass them along to some friends that are newly interested in orchids.

That being said, I will say that when I do go to shows or open houses, I have a kind of mental list of what I am looking for. I usually only buy one orchid at a time. Again, I grow on my windowsills and I am out of space. I happen to do very well with oncidium types and maxillarias. So I usually look for new ones that would take similar culture. Lately I have been on the lookout for a multifloral paph, but I am wanting to rebloom the ones I have that came to me in bud before I try another one.

I like to go just to see the blooms! Ask a lot of questions! Take a lot of pictures! Take a small notebook and write down the ones you really like and then do your homework when you get home. As plumania and dounoharm said...enjoy yourself! pick up one or two! save the rest for another show!

Let us know how it goes!

[Optimist]

If you bring something like a styrafoam cooler, maybe a heat pack or two, transport might not be a problem. If I were doing the same, I would check out the nursery's website first, and pre select the plants you would buy if you could, and make sure you can take care of them.
Remember that impulse buying can get you in trouble.

[Fairorchids]

As long as temps are over 32F, you will be fine if you drive the plants directly home. Biggest problems at your first show are:

#1 Set yourself a budget, and bring that amount in cash.
Do not pull out your plastic - no matter how much the plant screams and begs for you to buy it.

#2 Remember what growing conditions you can provide.
If plants are borderline, you will probably be OK, but don't buy plants that require 75F nights if your thermostat is set at 60F.


And, be aware that at subsequent shows & open houses, it only gets worse.

[quiltergal]

I would not shy away from buying a plant in bloom. Even if the flowers blast when you get home at least you know what it looks like. I can't tell you how many times I purchased a plant not in bloom that was supposed to look just like the one in bloom sitting next to it only to have it bloom and have bad form, or so so color, or be something else entirely because it got tagged incorrectly. For now limit yourself to one new genus. If you buy a bunch of different kinds you will drive yourself crazy trying to keep them all happy. The best advice already given here is to do your homework, and don't buy anything that won't do well in your conditions......no matter how much you want it.

[Leafmite]

Okay, I am an impulse buyer. I see an orchid that I like and I don't hesitate. My policy:
Buy now, research later, and be horrified at how large that cute little seedling will get in five years! Oops.

[lotis146]

OHhHHHHH Sad sad, I could not make it to either of the two shows that were happening in Chicagoland area. I'm so sad...But trying to look at the positive, maybe I would have bought too many...I'm still going to visit Hausermann's greenhouse though even if I missed the open house.

I really do appreciate all your advice though and I will try and make sure I get to the next show. There is an Orchid exhibit though that i'll make! Your suggestions are very helpful and I will keep them in mind for the future. I don't know that I could see some at a show and go home to research without buying! I think I'm another person who'd have to buy right then and there. Although I am doing some research into what Hausermann's has before I go.

Thanks again!
Lotis

[Leafmite]

I order quite a bit from Hausermann's, online. They always send me healthy orchids with a great root system. I think you will enjoy your trip. I have called them and their staff seems very friendly and helpful so I'm sure that they must be in person as well. You can always write down your normal season temps and lighting and ask them if a certain orchid would do well. Good luck and have fun!