first orchid show this weekend--advice??
 

Hi all--

I'll be going to my first orchid show in Dayton, Ohio this weekend. Any advice for a newbie (aside from having someone else hold the checkbook and charge cards that is)?

Thanks in advance!

Catherine

take lots of pics :-)

(1) Check the plants you buy carefully for scale and mealybugs. You get a lot of different vendors at shows.
(2) If you take pictures, take pictures of the name tags also so that you don't forget what they are when you are back home.

Be sure the person holding the money also isn't in love with orchids, lol...

Cant wait to see pics!

I agree with looking the plants over for bugs or any other signs of issues. This year, I brought home three that had bugs so I immediately repotted and sprayed. Last year, I bought one against my better judgement that had some issues with the leaves to later find out it was virused. Just keep all new plants away from the others in your collection until you are sure they are free of anything you don't spreading to all.

Ask lots of questions and take lots of pictures.

BUY THEM ALL!!
Oh wait... that is not what you want to hear. LOL
Enjoy yourself. The orchid show in Jacksonville is in March and I can't wait!

Bring someone to help you carry them! Also, make a list of ones you hope to find. Sometimes, it is a little overwhelming to see so many different types of orchids for sale. Orchid shows are quite a bit of fun! The 'biggest in Ohio' is supposed to be the West Shore Orchid Society in Cleveland, March 9/10--I don't know if it actually is but it is a nice one. Have fun!

Follow the advice already given and... If you can get a list of sellers who will be attending. Ask on here which ones are known to give good advice. Then ask them to help you choose something off their stall.

Be aware that what you see on their website might not be what they have on the day: you might want to ask if they can bring anything on the website that you HAVE to have.

Or just wander round in a daze randomly buying what takes your fancy and end up with some great buys and some terrible ones. Which is what I did my first show!

LOL... I still end up with some great buys, and a few poor ones...

The above advice is great! Ask questions, and try new things if you find them interesting and think you may be able to provide what they need. Bring money, and give yourself a budget BEFORE you get there. :) I usually don't come close to maxing out my budget, but that's mainly because money and space constraints cause me to have to be super choosey. It's a good thing because I don't end up with a ton of orchids I kind of like, but only have things that I really love for one reason or another. Have fun!