The old dictum: 'Buy the largest plant you can afford' is so true when it comes to the sample plants vendors bring to the orchid shows. We are at the start of the busiest orchid show period of the year so it's worth thinking about this.

Often you will see a spectacular orchid behind a bunch of little ones as a demonstration of what they will look like in a number of years. Since the flowers only last a limited time and since there is only one show a week, these plants have a finite value to the vendor. If he knows that the flowers are near the end of the blooming period, he is likely to sell the plant at the end of the show. You can make a bid for it by buying it now but returning at the end of the show to pick it up. Often a real good deal.

Cal Orchids had a stunning Bulbophyllum bufordiense on display before a bunch of little ones. It had 10 adult pbulbs, most with leaves, 4 new leads and 2 very large, beautiful flowers. The ones for sale had 2 adult pbulbs with one new lead lead for $25. I was told the the flowers had been open for 2 month. I asked if I could buy it at the end of the show and was told it would be $50 which I paid then and there but walked out without the plant.

Since I am an active participant in the show I was there Sat afternoon and noticed the plant was gone from their table. Apparently all the little ones had sold and they put the blooming one under the bench. I took it home at that point.

Usually I feel that one pays too much for the little ones and not enough for the sample plant if it becomes available. True in this case as the big one could be split into 4 small ones, each with a new lead and as many pbulbs as their small ones had.

The big display plants are usually labeled 'Not for Sale', don't let that stop you for making a play for them. Anything is for sale, these people are in the business of making money. If they can use it for the next show, one week from now, they probably won't sell it but if it has outlived it's usefulness it's probably up for grab at the end of the show. The one I got has been in bloom for 2 month, will probably fade any day so no longer useful to them. I'm sure it would take these little Bulbos 2 to 3 years to reach the size and flowering capabilities of the large one so I consider it a good deal.

Nick