OrchidSafari ARCHIVES*

I expect that many of us have entered the orchid hobby by way of a smiling face at a show, a first purchase or gift of a beautifully flowered orchid, or by joining an orchid club to learn more about the hobby and to meet similar- minded people. By whatever means we were lured into the orchid hobby passion, we likely remember, fondly, the smiling face at our first show, the helping hand when we first tackled re-potting, the thoughtful guidance of a hobbyist- mentor when we wanted to expand our collection and the counsel of a seasoned exhibitor when took the plunge and decided to display our pride and joy. How many of us remember the wise counsel of a senior hobbyist who cautioned about disease transmission or who pointed out that "To save a plant you give a division away."?

Because many species of the Orchid Family (Orchidaceae) are desirable horticultural subjects, members of this floral family have suffered much at the hands of greedy collectors who choose to take from the wild for profit. The ravages have somewhat diminished due to international legislation but where caring about oneself takes precedence to respect for the natural world greed continues to be expressed. When we refuse to trade in wild-collected material we demonstrate respect and caring about wild orchids. When we practice what we preach and express ours concerns in constructive ways such as supporting enterprises dealing in artificially propagated plants then we show new hobbyists that orchid hobbyists care.

Few horticultural specialties focus so strongly on species. Cactus, succulent and rock garden specialties are a few of the other hobbies with species in mind. Some of us have the privilege of having rare species in our collections. When we show generosity by propagating rare plants either by seed or pollen exchange or by raising and distributing seedlings, we show new hobbyists that orchid hobbyists care about conservation.

All plants are subject to a panoply of pests and diseases. Most orchids happen to be vulnerable to virus diseases which are both deleterious and contagious. When we practice sanitation in our collections and employ methods to reduce the transmission of virus diseases such as using a new razor blade to cut flowers from each plant, we show new hobbyists that we care about the health of the plants in our care.

Orchid hobbyists love to show what they grow. New hobbyists are especially keen to exhibit either in a society display or as individuals. Often it becomes the responsibility of some of these new enthusiasts to stage an exhibit for the club. The mentor(s) can demonstrate not only how to assemble the props and stick handle through the registration process but also how to care for the precious entries of hobbyists not at the show. From the time of unpacking, staking and staging to the rushed takedown and re-packing for the trip back home, the new hobbyist will see how the mentor cares for their own plants and those of other members. When your plants are in their care, the appropriately mentored hobbyist is likely to take good care of those plants.