Orchid Show and Sale reception
The 8th Annual Huntington International Orchid Show and Sale, set for Oct. 18 to 20 seeks to demystify the world of orchids.
The event, themed “Orchid Mystique,” will showcase the vast diversity of these exotic flowers beyond familiar varieties, featuring rare species from around the globe at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California.
“The orchid family is actually the largest botanical family in the botanical kingdom with over 30,000 species and over a hundred thousand hybrids,” explains Brandon Tam, Associate Curator of the Orchid Collection.
“And with that, there’s a lot of mystique or mystery behind that because people don’t quite understand that there are more orchids than just the orchids you find at your local supermarket at Trader Joe’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s.”
The show will run daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring displays from local, regional, and international growers. Visitors can explore hundreds of exotic orchid blooms competing for honors in various categories. Judging for the competition will take place on Oct. 17 at 1 p.m.
International vendors will be a key attraction, with exhibitors from Japan, Thailand, Ecuador, Brazil, and Taiwan participating.
“Ecuador, believe it or not, has more orchids per square footage than any other country in the world. Because of that, we actually have two vendors that are coming over and there’s a lot of orchids, very, very tiny orchids,” Tam notes.
The event will also highlight the cultural significance of certain orchid species. Displays of Chinese Cymbidiums, for instance, will showcase their importance in Chinese civilization and connection to Confucian scholars.
A competition, similar to a dog show, will be held with judging criteria including plant quality, cultural aspects of growth, size, color vibrancy, and overall plant health. “Plants compete within their own classes to ensure fair comparisons,” Tam explains.
While there are no formal workshops, educational elements will be incorporated into the exhibits. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase orchids and related merchandise, allowing them to continue their orchid journey at home.
“One of the great things about a sale is that people can bring a piece of the show with them back home,” Tam says. “They could buy a plant, they can grow it, and that itself is a learning experience for them, a journey if you will, over a period of time to learn more about how to grow this plant and hopefully get bitten by the orchid bug down the line.”
The Huntington’s orchid collection, one of the largest in the United States, boasts over 10,000 orchids specializing in genera such as Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Cymbidium, Cattleya, Stanhopea, and Lycaste.
Tam emphasizes the dynamic nature of orchid shows: “Because with the seasonal changes of orchids, you can never expect to see the same orchid twice in the same two years in a row. We have quite the fluctuation of, because our weather fluctuates quite rapidly, a lot of these orchids will bloom at different times and of course coming back in a different shape or form.”
This annual event has become a tradition, fostering a community passionate about these exquisite plants while offering educational opportunities for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. It aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for orchids and their conservation, while offering attendees the chance to start or enhance their own collections.
Visitors can also explore The Huntington’s extensive botanical gardens spanning 130 acres, art galleries, and a library containing rare manuscripts.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is located at 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. For more information, call (626) 405-2100 or visit https://huntington.org.
