Presentation Help on Growing Miniature Orchids

[Becca]

Hi Everyone! Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend and the holiday season! I thought I would jump on here and ask for some input, opinions, and/or help on a presentation I was asked to help out with for my local orchid society meeting in January. It is on Growing Miniature Orchids. First off...I must admit....I am deathly afraid of speaking in front of public groups! But since I will be talking about orchids, maybe it won't be so bad! But I am at a loss! I'm not sure what to cover exactly, so I'm turning to everyone here on the OB for some help! If you were the audience, what would you want to know about as far as growing miniature orchids? Lights, humidity, pictures of my mini orchids even if they aren't blooming? I feel like I'm going to be boring! Any suggestions? TIA!

[Jerry Delaney]

Becca,
Wow, I really admire your intestinal fortitude!!! I am afraid I have nothing of importance to offer except this. Would it be possible to narrow it down to handful or a single genera. Otherwise, if you are going to discuss culture, this could become a multi-hour presentation since cultural requirements of say Pleurothallids is going to be radically different from say lithophilic Laelias, and then there is everything in between. Perhaps a really nice slide show just showing examples of the various miniatures available to hobbyists today.

[Becca]

That is a great idea, but not sure how to go about getting photo's of orchids I don't own. I didn't even think about the Pleurothallids because I don't grow any. I'm probably should have accepted the offer to help out, I'm the last person to know about minature orchids except the handful I grow. Well I'll see what kind of slide show I can put together. Am I allowed to use photo's in a slide show is I provide credit to the website I got it from? I don't want to step on anyone's toes!

[Jerry Delaney]

Am I allowed to use photo's in a slide show is I provide credit to the website I got it from? I don't want to step on anyone's toes!

Golly, Becca, I am the last person I would listen to on that subject, but for what it's worth, unless a web site specifically states that it is OK to use images from it, it would be considered a copyrite infringement. I know time is short, but you might try and send blanket e-mails to members of your and/or other societies you may have close ties with to send you photos of miniatures. You certainly have my permission to use any you may have come across on any of my postings here on the Orchid Board. Perhaps others would do the same for you. Members are certainly more than generous in giving help and since your intent is to use the images as a teaching tool, there may be many here willing to help you out. Come on members, give Becca a helping hand!!!

[Becca]

Thanks Jerry! Another tool that will be helpful to me is a book I checked out from the library, Miniature Orchids by Steven Frowine. I just started flipping through it and it has given me great ideas already. I'm just to tired to start reading it right now, perhaps over Christmas break.

And yes, yes, if anyone has any pictures of miniature orchids in bloom and the actual plant as well that I could use that would be awesome! I know people like pictures during presentations...and then they wouldn't have to be staring at me as well...lol.

[scy]

I'm no expert, but I think it's ok to use photos as long as you properly cite it. You are doing it for education purposes and not profiting in any way. By properly citing it, you are not claiming it is yours. Anti-Plagiarism was a topic on The University of Maine's website. I thought it was interesting since you brought it up.

Of course, do what you feel comfortable with.

[scy]

I think it's great that you will be speaking at your local orchid society!

If I were an audience member, I would like to hear about:
- Difference between standard & mini (other than size), such as cultural requirement differences.
- Since there are so many different types of mini orchids, perhaps you could give a brief overview of cultural requirements of the ones you have. This way you can also give examples using your own orchids (can also bypass the whole photo issue by using yours)
- History of how mini orchids were first introduced. Was it by accident or on purpose? Why? What was bred to get them so small?
- Any particular adv to growing them small other than having more space for them?

Speaking in public can be scary but perhaps this will help: Everyone there shares a common interest - love of orchids! I think as long as you convey your passion for them, you'll do a great job!

[quiltergal]

You're welcome to photos of any of my miniatures Becca. Let me know what you're interested in and I'll email you the jpegs.

[camille1585]

What a great idea for a talk! I love to speak about that. I'm a weirdo, I like giving presentations...
I was about to suggest that you look at the book 'Miniature Orchids' for ideas, but you've done that already.

Talking about culture requirements in general might be tough, since minis are a diverse group, just like their larger counterparts.

Me too, I can send you some photos of the minis I have. PM me your email address if you're interested.