There is no way to track that. The AOS is comprised of a lot of volunteers (judges included). There would be no way to keep a database of purchased plants worldwide. It is more of an "on your honor" system. ;)

I agree, impossible to track. But it could be a stated rule that is expected to be honoured by the person displaying the orchid. I have never won an award so don't know what all happens. But someone I know did and they were asked to provide the source of the orchid and get permission to name the hybrid. I realize in all cases, that can't happen, but they must try to find out its origins.

My impression is the AOS views most judging as does the American Kennel Club - a way to identify exceptional specimens of value for further breeding, to improve the general quality. So it wouldn't matter how long somebody owned the plant; the focus is on the plant, not the cultivation.

The AOS has separate judging categories for good cultivation.

This makes sense to me.

Here she is! Lc. Miss Wonderful

Wow! Beautiful!

congrats..........beautiful

Really pink and beautiful!

I haven't been paying enough attention... Did people buy seedlings, or mericlones? If seedlings, we'll be treated to a wide range of different beautiful pinkies.

They are all seedlings. And way to go on the bloom! Unfortunately it looks like next summer will be my first potential blooms :(

Way to go, it's beautiful. I'm not going to have anything till next summer either. Well I hope I have a bloom next summer. Fingers crossed.