Orchids

Orchid Reading Room

Commentaries and articles for the inquiring orchid mind!

New Zealand Sphagnum Moss...Bane, Bust & Bonanza
Purchasing Orchids... Blindly
Death, Taxes... and Orchids
Understanding AOS Judging NEW! 10/11/03
Glossary of Awards
Glossary of Orchid Plant Names

New Zealand Sphagnum Moss ...Bane, Bust & Bonanza

...and I've experienced all three scenarios. My initial introduction to NZSM came when several gorgeously grown seedlings and community-pots of phalaenopsis arrived from Florida. These plants were really impressive which I thus attributed to the potting media. NZSM; and why not, aren’t we all looking for that magical panacea to plant our orchids in? So it was time to do a little investigation, advice came, and it flowed amply and freely. There were as many approaches, and tried and true recommendations as there were people surveyed. One grower would add sponge rock another large charcoal, 100 % moss was quite popular, and still another proffered using coconut wool with just a few strands of NZSM...good grief! With all these different combinations that all work so wonderfully well according to the source, how could I go wrong? So I got into it, I repotted plants left and right. Hardly a phalaenopsis was left that didn't end up in my newly arrived NZSM. I decide my new "wonder-mix" would be composed of equal parts of perlite to NZSM with a few styrofoam peanuts on the bottom, because they told me to do so! Beyond using a new mix for my phals all other cultural aspects such as light and water remained the same.

Well in the short-term my plants seemed to be doing quite well, however in the "long" my experiment with NZSM failed miserably... tragically, whatever, you get the point. Fundamentally speaking, root loss was radical! The "stumper" of the whole matter was that really didn't think I watered to the extent of the disaster that resulted, and that being no roots. Without a second thought I dropped the NZSM idea. Not to be revisited for years, the remaining NZSM was discarded to a dark corner and forgotten like a bad dream. Oddly, there were several instances where we purchased plants that arrived in moss, that we never repotted, and for some unexplained reason flowered and prospered. Why? Darned if I knew.

Now years later, a new chapter with the infamous NZSM must be written. A friend, very astute grower and connoisseur of Taiwanese phals offered a suggestion regarding growing phals in NZSM. He recommends filling the bottom half of the pot with styrofoam peanuts. You then position the plant in the pot and proceed to stuff dampened NZSM so tightly that there's no room left to insert the label. He then added the very non-conforming advice" hold back on the water till the media seems rather dry! Well I gave it my best shot and it worked! Un-potting a few months later I found beautiful white roots scurrying around the styrofoam base. We now pot up many of our community pots with this method with many happy results.

Purchasing Orchids... Blindly

The quest, purchasing or otherwise acquisition of orchids in any form is taking the plant conscience public by storm! And believe me, the various growers, suppliers and sellers around both the country and the world are taking serious notice. Here's a real big fact; what do you suppose is the #2 wholesale money producer amongst potted flowering plants as of 2001... not New Guinea impatiens, not azaleas, but orchids. To the tune of $100 million annually! And as a consumer there may be a few things you may want to keep in mind prior to any purchases. And I'm not only speaking to the home hobbyist but also to the commercialist who have been burned, like myself! Let me point out and clearly state for the record that for the most, vendors do their level best to clearly represent what the are offering us. But not all!

Unfortunately, many sources would like to present what they sell as an " image of the readers imagination"...meaning by adding just the right content and sizzle to the sales pitch, whether it be verbal of written, we imagine getting something that we won't. A real good for instance ..how many of us have bought a plant that was advertised in a certain sizes pot, a 5" pot let's say. Now certainly you would, as I, figured that a plant in that big a pot would certainly be ready to bloom, we could almost see it in bloom! It must have been quite a surprise when the plant arrived in the 5" pot as offered but still had 3 years to go before flowering! Experience over the years has taught me a good lesson, not all 5" pots are created equal; as the very next grower may have the identical plant in the same size pot that's already bloomed, it happens. And, the very same holds true for any size pot, or com-pot or flask. I have a favorite phalaenopsis dealer in Montreal, whose seedlings , while still in flask, are bigger than other dealers' plants that are in 2" pots. You should expect some size variations from one dealer to the next. Do I ever buy plants according to their pot size.... absolutely; however I know before they arrive, to think SMALL! So a word to the wise, buying product listed in a certain sized pot is certainly not a sin, but be sure to ask this,...What is the leaf-span of the plant itself? And avoid any disappointment.

Yet another case of the "orchid blues". Recently a friend of mine purchased a "package deal" blindly! The offer as far as he was concerned (I saw the ad and got the same impression) offered a selection of new, cutting- edge seedlings that the grower/seller didn't have room on the bench for. Well, the order arrived and what he found inside could have made you cry. Instead of exciting new hybrids he found old-time meristems in "multiples of duplicity". Now bear in mind my friend has been growing and caring for orchids for 20 years, what does he need with a dozen Onc. Sharry Babies? Need I go on? You got the point... and my friend got the shaft! I'll be the first to admit there are some very nice package deals out there, but this was a case where someone just wanted to clear excess off the bench and to do so gilded the hell out of the proposed offer. SO BE CAREFUL!

Last but not least... whenever I order new hybrids, particularly phals, I want to know the clonal name. With very limited bench space it's imperative that what occupies that precious piece of real estate represents the best that's available on the market...not just a couple of plants mated to produce some sellable junk to set loose on the unsuspecting public! There are plenty of reliable and honest breeders that use the best parentage to produce quality progeny that are full of exciting potential. On the other hand, there are a few that choose to inundate the market with plants bred to simply have a cheap product they can "turn a profit on" with no regard to the quality of the outcome! Would I like to name these people... you bet I would... but... I like to stick with credible breeders who have proven track records and who know how to choose " promising parentage" that will produce quality plants.

Death, Taxes... and Orchids

But, in which order? A typical fall morning, bright, sunny and dry. DRY! Okay great!! But before I leave home the orchids need at least a good heavy misting, less they dry out. Also, a quick check to see if any new blooms have emerged; this, even though there weren’t even any new buds as of last night. Excuse me, but that’s my routine. Okay, job done, I’m satisfied. Just hoping for the ‘orchidean miracle’ of new flowers from nowhere.

Before I leave let’s check the email for ‘orchid-buddy messages…and of course a quick peak at the AOS Orchid Forum, lots of great cultural issues, a good way to learn through others, and the usual distemperous ravings from the ‘blue’ Floridian.

Early mail has arrived! Hoping for the new catalog promised to be here this week. Didn’t happen. Just the usual quarterly taxes and bills, but that’s Barbara’s domain (After all she is President and treasurer) It’s my job and duty, I may add, to oversee any and all orchid material that makes its way into the home. Hold still my beating heart, there’s yet another mail delivery this afternoon.

Back in the greenhouse again, geez I’m quick!!! Uh,oh this looks like aphid ‘fall-out’. Need a little pesticide…. what was the name of that stuff that ‘Super’ talked about? Well, I’ll probably recognize the name on the shelf.

After an Olympian’ traverse thru grocery store and surviving a "shopping-cart colonoscopy" from a blue-hair and all packages safely anchored in the back seat, and this includes a little isopropyl for you know what, I’m off and running.

Next stop HD; the wife’s list includes batteries, Lysol, which is great in the greenhouse for sanitizing my tools, and there’s something else I’ll think of after I visit the orchid department. There’s always a chance of finding something nice that actually has a real and accurate label and capable of surviving! No such luck today, but I did see a plant being adopted…a pretty pink Phal with 2 flowers and 5 dry buds … I think the buyer was Mother Theresa.

In line to cash out I see yet another acquaintance with an orchid. My God! I thought I taught her better, all those lectures on ‘How to Buy an Orchid’, and here’s Masta Gardiner with an Onc. Sweet Sugar, loaded with critters, flowers failing and buds a-dropping. And she’s enthused about purchasing this pathetic thing? May I suggest she initiate a ‘dead-plant’ orchid society? My God she did! Congratulations! Hell, exhibit them if it turns her on! I’ll come to the wake! This is a tough way to start Saturday morning!

At home, later in the morning, the boys called and want to go fishing. Strippers are hitting, and fresh- eating they are superb. Our RI waters are sincerely blessed with great fishing. The temptation is great as these two are not only avid fisherman, but also orchid judges….what a duo for fun and education!!! Sorry Glen and Dave, today, no go.

Noontime. Lunch is on the table and bareroots are on the bench. Priorities are well defined in this guy’s world. But I must moisten the mix before proceeding. Drat!!! I should have bought more 5" pots while I was out…I’ll take a spin back this afternoon . after an inventory to see if any thing else needs restocking. Back at the lunch table conversation invariably darts from semi-crisis in the world to serendipitous re-blooming of Dad’s plant just in time for my only nieces wedding. We call it so due to it being the only cattleyas in bloom for his funeral….it hasn’t bloomed since. Ain’t orchids neat!

It’s orchid society meeting day at my greenhouse and I’ve a few tasks to perform; mist mounted-Peruvians, de-flask some Phals…uh, oh….who’s that in the driveway…Is it them?…ALERT CONDITION!! Here comes Claire and Marilyn. They always want to buy my Best plants. Certainly I could raise prices to unreasonable levels but not even that would stop them. Quick, where are the NOT FOR SALE tags.

What a pleasant meeting. So much happening. Irna talked on her specialty of ‘growing hydroponically ’ we greeted 10 new members and Miss President Susan informed us that all was well and prospering in the society. Our orchid show is now only a few months away and our members are excited and eager to present Rhode Island with its ‘Biggest & Best Orchid Show’ ever. And this will be done. It’s our destiny.

May I add, it was a profitable meeting I sold 20 plants. I do discount for attending members…sort of a way to get attendance up. Besides, it’s fun!

Also announced that very soon we will be offering Peruvian species, intermediate to warm tolerant only.

Near dinnertime, I’m back home, and again under Barbara’s ‘sphere of influence’. It’s been a long but reasonably typical day; plant culture and repotting, a few voyages for plant supplies and orchid camaraderie with other like-minded folks.

Acting somewhat domestically-inclined (which Barbara highly approves of) I’m setting the table when the second delivery of mail catches my attention. Cause for celebration and bit of revelry, for there within lies a new orchid catalog. With fresh profits from orchid society sales I’m immediately engaged and enabled!

My evening wouldn’t be complete without my usual flop in front of the TV for nightly news. With a fork in one hand, Black Angus in mouth, and orchid wish list front and center, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Day is done, say goodnight to the orchids Mike. ………And Goodnight to all of you!

Understanding AOS Judging… An Explanation & Invitation to Participate

We all work very hard to grow our orchids to perfection. And the ultimate confirmation of our successful efforts comes to fruition when other orchid growers compliment our beautiful plants. It’s the ultimate "slap on the back" for a job well done. Who amongst us doesn’t want to grow their plants to peak performance, whether its orchids, tomatoes, or onions? Only a fool would say otherwise. Just like we all want the best lawn on the block. It’s almost what some of us live for; let’s call it "cultural confirmation."

So we all agree that admiration from our peers is a good thing. Well how about taking it to another level? Dare to take it to an international level for the entire world to know… that you’re very good.

The intent of this article is to lead more of you to the monthly AOS judging that is conveniently located in regions around the USA and beyond. It’s very easy to get involved, and offers so much more than one may expect. And guess what… it’s there for you. Any and all who have any plant representing orchids are welcome to present their plant for consideration. Please don’t think this for commercial growers only. I bring my plants to a few centers and generally find the attendees liberally sprinkled with hobbyists. Quite frankly, windowsill growers present some of the best plants. May I go as far as saying this group represents the essential backbone of the orchid world. And they get more than their share of orchid awards. Why not you?

So let’s do this in steps… baby steps. First, where is your local judging center? You may even find a friend to go along to share the experience. Don’t feel you have to bring a plant; you are more than welcome to sit back, listen, and learn. And learn you will. May I offer you the comfort of knowing that all you need to do is show up and sit. You need not say a word, though some individuals may welcome you. And why not, they are expecting you!

As is the custom of most judging centers, they may treat you to a slide show of recently awarded plants. You may hear a talk given by one of the "judges-in-training," which may even deal with a genera or topic that you are particularly interested in. If the subject matter doesn’t interest you, you are free to leave. You won’t be the first to leave in the middle of a judging session, and no one is insulted. Trust me. I’ve done it myself and came back afterwards.

In the event you bring a plant for award consideration, you will be personally greeted. There will be an entry form that must be completed, and you will be assisted in filling it out. Easy stuff, like your name, address, today’s date, name of plant & its parentage. In the event you don’t know the parentage, don’t worry - not problematic. This is a process where you may expect the ultimate consideration, help, and respect for you and your plants.

General conversation persists amongst the attendees. Expect rampant talk regarding culture, particular plant sources, what’s hot and what’s not, and absolutely everything regarding orchids is there for your pleasure. It’s a wonderful opportunity to eventually create your own agenda. So, so much in common.

Eventually, judging of the plants begins. Plants are chosen indiscriminately and at random. The owner remains anonymous to the judges. Each individual plant is objectively evaluated and scored as to its flowers general shape, color and substance. Also brought to bear for consideration is the plants floriferousness and flower arrangement. Many of the particular varieties the judges have seen before. Available to them is a record of previously awarded plants of that particular grex (hybrid cross-breed) which provides a basis for future awards.

Enter the moment your plant nominated is for scoring. Official AOS ballots are passed out amongst the certified judges. Each judge ponders at length; the flower and its individual parts in minutiae, special attention relating to shape and color; how the flowers are arranged on the inflorescence; the entire plant itself for that matter...

A written evaluation is created and points totaled. The ballots are collected and averaged. Generally speaking, at this point the expression on a particular individual's face betrays ownership of the plant. Don’t believe? Just look around. The judging chairman makes the ultimate announcement… Congratulations, your plant is special, unique, and fabulous and has earned an AOS award. It’s a "slap on the back" that sends an incredible charge! Take it from one who knows. And still gets the thrill after all these years!

It requires seven years of study before accreditation is granted to perspective judge. During this time an aspiring judge is exposed to an absolutely incredible volume of material, data and plants. And on top of that, a student judge is under constant and pervasive evaluation. It’s upon these "building blocks" that our AOS judges make their experienced decisions as to whether or not the plant will be scored for eventual awarding.

Of course I hear the naysayers all-lamenting over the plant that should have been awarded… according to them. And a few are correct. Judging is not perfect. Mistakes happen and justice is not always served. But it’s the best thing we have.

So if you’re thrilled by the reaction to your plants at the local orchid society meeting…. a bigger thrill awaits.

Glossary of Awards

AOS - American Orchid Society - A plant with the AOS designation has been evaluated by accredited American orchid society judges.

AD (Award of Distinction) and AQ (Award of Quality)
These awards for breeding recognize worthy new trends and improved quality, respectively.

AM (Award of Merit)
A flower scoring 80 to 89 points on a 100-point scale. This flower-quality award is a fine though lesser achievement than the FCC.

CBR (Certificate of Botanical Recognition)
Awarded to rare and unusual species with educational interest.

CCM (Certificate of Cultural Merit)
The beginning orchid grower may hope to attain this award because it recognizes the grower, rather than flower quality. The CCM/AOS may be given more than once if the plant continues to thrive and increase in both the size and number of flowers.

CCE (Certificate of Cultural Excellence)
Certificate of Cultural Excellence - This award further distinguishes growers of plants that exhibit an extreme degree of skill in cultivation, having received 90 points or more on the scale that has been used for the Certificate of Cultural Merit (CCM).

CHM (Certificate of Horticultural Merit)
Awarded to a well-grown and well-flowered species or natural hybrid with characteristics that contribute to the horticultural aspects of orchidology, such as aesthetic appeal.

FCC (First Class Certificate)
The highest flower-quality award, given to flowers scoring 90 points or more on a 100-point scale.

HCC (Highly Commended Certificate)
The HCC is granted to a flower scoring 75 to 79 points on a 100-point scale. The great majority of awarded orchids receive this award, which implies that, while the flower is outstanding, there is room for improvement.

JC (Judges' Commendation)
Given for distinctive characteristics that the judges unanimously feel should be recognized but cannot be scored in the customary ways.

Glossary of Orchid Plant Names

Abbreviations are used to quickly identify orchid species and hybrids, and since this can be confusing, here are some of the most commonly used terms:

B. - Brassavola

Blc. - Brassolaeliacattleya (Hybrid of: Brassavola x Cattleya x Laelia)

Bro. - Broughtonia

Brs. - Brassia

C. - Cattleya

Colm. - Colmanara (Hybrid of: Miltonia x Odontoglossum x Oncidium)

Ctna. - Cattleytonia (Hybrid of: Broughtonia x Cattleya)

Den. - Dendrobium

Dor. - Doritis

Dtps. - Doritaenopsis (Hybrid of: Doritis x Phalaenopsis)

grex - a group of hybrid orchids all raised from the same parent plants.

L. - Laelia

Lc. - Laeliocattleya (Hybrid of: Laelia x Cattleya)

Odcdm. - Odontocidium (Hybrid of: Odontoglossum x Oncidium)

Odm. - Odontoglossum

Onc. - Oncidium

Paph. - Paphiopedilum

Phal. - Phalaenopsis

Phrag. - Phragmipedium

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