Learn to Classify Orchids

[lenartiene]

Hello, Orchid Lovers!
I am learning how to register plants for an orchid show. Part of the form requires a class number for the plant being registered.

Does anyone know where I can take some kind of class to learn how to do this? AOS does not have one, and I don't really know where else to look.

I would appreciate any suggestions members of the forum can offer so I can learn more about how to classify.

Thank you,
Diana Lenartiene
Port St. Lucie Orchid Society

[Dimples]

Could they be asking for the number of the class you'd like to enter the orchid into?

[lenartiene]

Yes, they are asking for the class number, but I need to learn how to tell which class number goes with which orchids, so I need some education. Do you know where I can learn how to fit the orchids into the appropriate classes for a show?

Thank you,
Diana

[Roberta]

You need the "show schedule", a list of the categories - classes are specific to a given show, there is no standard. Then, you need to try to match the plants to the descriptions as closely as you can. And ask for help - whoever is managing the ribbon judging would be the most knowledgeable person. Sometimes the categories are ambiguous, where a plant fits more than one. The show probably has guidelines for resolving the ambiguity. Typically, you have to pick one or the other... that can be a strategic decision, based on which category that fits the plant will have less competition. But at any rate, the process will start with a discussion with whoever is running judging (and registering plants). Your first task is to get your hands on that show schedule, the list of classes.

[estación seca]

Find your Show Chair. They are supposed to have copies of the rules for everybody. As Roberta mentioned classes are assigned locally so your Society will have a list somewhere.

[Leafmite]

As said, the categories will vary.

I tried to find ours as it has been posted in the past but could not. Here is an example, thanks to Santa Barbara:

https://sborchidshow.com/wp-content/...hyperlinks.pdf

[Roberta]

The categories often reflect the popularity of particular types - those popular ones likely will have more categories, so that more people have the chance at awards. So a March show in Santa Barbara will likely be heavy on Cymbidiums - by size, color, etc. A fall show someplace else likely will be heavy on Cattleyas. Or Phalaenopsis. Criteria include things like color, size, species vs hybrid, etc. Often species are a separate class with far too few categories ...