Orchid Exhibitions and Events: A Guide to Orchid Shows, Sales, and More

Orchids are not only beautiful and fascinating plants, but they also have a passionate community of enthusiasts who love to share their knowledge and enthusiasm. One of the best ways to learn more about orchids and to meet other orchid lovers is to attend orchid exhibitions and events.

Types of Orchid Shows and Sales

Orchid shows are typically organized by local orchid societies. These shows are usually held annually or bi-annually most commonly in Winter and Spring and provide an opportunity for growers to display their most prized orchids. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of orchid species and hybrids, ranging from the common to the rare and unusual.

Orchid shows can include presentations, and demonstrations on orchid care and cultivation. Many shows also have vendors or society members selling orchids, as well as orchid-related products such as potting mix, fertilizer, and growing supplies.

Orchid sales are events where orchid vendors come together to sell their plants to the public. These events can be smaller or larger than orchid shows,and occasionally are organised by multiple clubs. They can offer a wide variety of orchids to choose from. Orchid sales are a great place to find rare and hard-to-find orchid species, as well as unique hybrids.

Online orchid sales have become increasingly popular in recent years particularly overseas but are still somewhat rare in Australia. These sales allow orchid enthusiasts to purchase plants from growers and vendors from all over the world. Many online orchid sales offer a wide variety of species and hybrids, and some even offer pre-orders for new and rare plants.

Other Orchid Events

In addition to orchid shows and sales, there are other events that cater to orchid enthusiasts.

Orchid auctions are a great way to add new plants to your collection while supporting a good cause. Many orchid societies hold auctions as a fundraiser for their organization as part of or in addition to their monthly meetings, and attendees can bid on a variety of plants grown and donated by members and vendors.

Orchid workshops and classes are a great way to learn more about orchid care and cultivation. These events are typically led by experienced growers or experts in the field and cover topics such as repotting, pest control, and orchid propagation.

Orchid Society Meetings

Many orchid clubs and societies hold monthly meetings where they display, sell and present on orchids. These are generally held on an evening during the week once a month and while smaller than orchid sales or orchid shows allow members to have more in depth discussions about orchid topics, get updates and find out about the latest news.

Tips for Attending Orchid Events

Attending orchid events can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but with a few tips, you can make the most of your experience:

Research the Event

Before attending an orchid event, be sure to research the event details, including the location, dates, and hours of operation. You should also check if there is an admission fee, and if so, how much it is.

Bring Cash

While some orchid events may accept credit cards, many vendors prefer cash and some places continue to only be able to take cash particularly at orchid club and society sales tables. Be sure to bring enough cash to purchase the orchids and products that you are interested in.

Bring a List

With so many orchids to choose from, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Before attending an event, make a list of the orchids that you are interested in, as well as any growing supplies that you need. Its easy to be overwhelmed and so like avoiding the temptation to buy too many chocolates at the supermarket a list can help keep you on track and avoid buying a plant that doesn’t suit your conditions.

Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask questions! Orchid enthusiasts are often very willing to share their knowledge and experience with others. If you have a question about a particular orchid or orchid care in general, don't hesitate to ask the vendors or those minding the orchid displays or even other attendees.

Take Photos

Orchids are some of the most beautiful flowers in the world, and orchid shows and events are the perfect place to see them. Take plenty of photos to remember the event and the orchids that you saw.

Join a Local Orchid Society

Attending orchid shows and events is a great way to meet other orchid enthusiasts, but you can also join a local orchid society to connect with other growers and to learn more about orchid care and cultivation. Many orchid societies offer educational programs, workshops, and other events for their members.

Final Thoughts

Attending orchid exhibitions and events is an excellent way to learn more about orchids and to connect with other orchid enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned grower or a beginner, there is something for everyone at these events. With a little research and preparation, you can make the most of your experience and come away with some beautiful new orchids for your collection.