receiving orchids back after a show..

[ronaldhanko]

I've shown plants many times over the years and shows are hard on plants, first of all, just simply because the conditions usually aren't very good. It's usually either too hot or too cold or too drafty and almost always lacking in humidity. Besides you've got cameras and people and purses and set-up and take-down. The flowers especially take a beating.

The last couple of shows I attended I put my minis in an enclosed case which helped a bit and set up and took the thing down myself, but even then the whole business of moving plants around and their being in a show for several days all takes its toll. The other side of that is that if you don't enter them you don't get the ribbons and awards, and the fun of being involved in a show.

[fotofashion]

If, by any chance, you have pictures of your plants taken before sending them off to the show, and can take pictures of the plants when they came back, this might help explain your justified concern.
And, maybe, that would be a good idea for the next time.
Beverly A.

[Paul]

As Ron said -- shows are often hard on plants. This is especially true with mini's and more delicate plants like the pleuros. Even when attending the set up and tear down yourself (which is indeed generally the best way to minimize damage to your plants) things happen. Now if something drastic happened ... like a strong wind knocked a box of plants over on the way to the car, et cetera ... then I would hope that someone would have the courtesy to let you know and apologize.

If you're worried about being tactful, perhaps saying something along the lines of:

"Is there a better way for me to pack up my plants when submitting them for a show to avoid damage? I noticed a number of mine were more beat up/worn out/rough than I expected upon return and would like to do what I can to minimize that next time."

might go over better?

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by fotofashion

If, by any chance, you have pictures of your plants taken before sending them off to the show, and can take pictures of the plants when they came back, this might help explain your justified concern.
And, maybe, that would be a good idea for the next time.
Beverly A.

i have pics from before. like a few days before the show. but only of the blooms. the blooms look pretty bad. but the actual leaves of the plants took a beating to. even sunburn on some. but i dont have pics of the plant's leaves from before the show

Originally Posted by Paul

As Ron said -- shows are often hard on plants. This is especially true with mini's and more delicate plants like the pleuros. Even when attending the set up and tear down yourself (which is indeed generally the best way to minimize damage to your plants) things happen. Now if something drastic happened ... like a strong wind knocked a box of plants over on the way to the car, et cetera ... then I would hope that someone would have the courtesy to let you know and apologize.

If you're worried about being tactful, perhaps saying something along the lines of:

"Is there a better way for me to pack up my plants when submitting them for a show to avoid damage? I noticed a number of mine were more beat up/worn out/rough than I expected upon return and would like to do what I can to minimize that next time."

might go over better?

im just surprised as to the amount of damage. the actual plants arent looking so hot. necrotic patches on some that DEF were not there before. and sunburn... and the masdie has white patches on the leaves that looks like they could be bugs or cold damage or something. though i doubt cold damage.

thats a good idea! thank you so much. thats exactly what ill say! sand ill email the exact person that picked them up and dropped them off!

[silken]

I agree shows are hard on plants, but this sounds over the top. Was the show outdoors? Otherwise how could they have what looks like sunburn, and mud on flowers etc. etc. I would also ask very casually if others got their plants back in such bad shape. I've never seen anything like that from our shows. I wouldn't expect too much damage on leaves and roots. Yes, flowers can drop prematurely and they are easy to bump off, but...

[Call_Me_Bob]

it was in the pennstate ag. arena. so i dont think it was outdoors. but they do have a dirt floor. the person kept them in their GH for a few days before returning them to me. so im guessing thats where the sunburn came from

[stefpix]

They will grow back most likely. Would have been better to keep them in a cardboard box a few days in the dark than in the sun. After all plants are in the dark when shipped.

Personally I never liked not cared about the displays. I prefer to see plants in a pot on a vendor's shelf. I feel those displays do not really look like the natural environment that gets recreated at a Botanic Garden.

I would voice the concern to the people in charge. It may help them to be more considerate or careful next time.
Maybe it is not a sengle person's fault but a combination of factors and negligences.

I wonder why they kept your plants in the sun.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i dont know. all i do know that it is sunburn. but its only the one phal. others have necrotic patches though. idl what from.

[silken]

I guess for sure I wouldn't entrust my orchids to the person who delivered them back to you again. Sounds like some of it may have happened in their greenhouse. Was someone at the show or involved in setup who you can ask about how it went? I don't think just because you are 15 that anyone should discount your opinions or concern.

[ronaldhanko]

I agree that this is a bit over the top. Some mechanical damage is not unexpected, but this is obviously more than that. How to deal with it? I like what Paul suggested.