Thank you! It's a joy to share this pic with you. The pink one next to the lamp, Cristabel, is the only plant that might be suitable for me to enter into the Show in a couple of months. I need to get busy disbudding it and is the real reason I decided to take a picture -- it's about to lose all its flowers. I'm late with the the grooming schedule but am going to give it a shot anyway and enter as a novice. Either it works or it doesn't...

Names

Front row from bottom left:

• Rhapsodie Evelyn (NOID)
• Optimara NOID
• Cristabel
• Mystery violet for club's culture contest (anyone recognize it from the pic? ;-) )
• Harbor Blue
• Heaven's A-Calling

Back row from bottom left:

• Optimara Chico (NOID)
• Cosmis Sunshine
• Optimara Chico (NOID)

Do you mean the red with white edge? Can you show a closeup? We would love to help you guess! Zoe?

Love them all. Harbor Blue! Wow!

Well there's no way I could figure this out so here's goes...

Some close-up shots with and without flash...

Your plants look so healthy and beautiful.

I'm having a bit of a lull ... life events and ... my plants seem to be missing their old KMart fertilizer (I ran out and I had to switch).

I am still working on decreasing my numbers. I'm down to around 75, I think.

I did take photos of one plant yesterday. One of the Jersey Snow Flakes was lookimg fetching, if not particularly well-kept ...

DViolet1 - It is amazing how good your plants grow and bloom in a natural light.

Aegis - your Snowflakes is lovely.

dviolet1

I'm late with the the grooming schedule but am going to give it a shot anyway and enter as a novice. Either it works or it doesn't.....

That, m'dear, is the correct attitude to have. It is one thing if you are a vendor trying to boost business, make a name for yourself (which ties in with boosting business, I know),, or draw attention to a new hybrid, but a very different thing if you are just a hobbyist. Shows should be fun, not stressful.

Go for it Paul! I wish we had any sort of organized show near here. I would have to enter under the novice assistant category. At any rate, enjoy!

And here's Picasso ... always good for a few blooms ...

BTW ... I do use supplemental lighting ... mostly CFL's in desk-lamps, etc.

Hi, DViolet, Your AVs are so well grown. They are all happy. A possibility for your red is Bob Serbin, which is an older variety and very strong. It can grow quite large. Your red is beautuful. Mine was more of a brick red and I don't recall the petals being that wavy. If your club member chose that as a stock plant, that would make sense. Because it is relatively easy to grow, blooms well, usually has an abundance of leaves. Those traits are hard to find in a red, especially the first trait. It is also easy to replace and is an all-around satisfying AV to grow.

There are other reds on the Lyndon Lyon's website with newer reds to consider. Another candidate could be Sisters' Secrets.

Heaven's a Calling is also lovely and unusual.

Joanne

Aegis, your Snowflake is great. Also, Picasso. And good for you that your collection is down. But don't we all lose count after 75?!

In the old days, 75 was just getting started, it takes that many to know what we like. Then Irina talked to us about "collection control." Nowadays, anything under 100 seems manageable.

I just had a peek at EBay violets.

Joanne

Hear, hear! Life was significantly easier when I had less then 75 plants. Alas - it didn't last ...

DViolet - you need to look into 2 classes - novice - and grown under natural light - and enter in both. Usually natural light grown AVs are not as vibrant as light shelf grown ones - yours are an amazing exception.

Irina, Aegis, I counted. I have 75, including small ones. I decided to grow out newer AVs and went to a club's sale and replenished with named varieties. No longer growing NoIDs.

Wow, 75 must be the magic number. I just counted 59! (That's close to 75.) :-)

Still a manageable number for me as 40 of those are minis and plantlets, heheh. Now I understand how those of you with light stands can easily acquire an outrageous number of AVs.

Irina, can one plant be entered into 2 different Section/Classes? Whatever your answer, does that rule apply across the board for both National and Local shows?

Also, does having a CFL lamp in the middle of the table still qualify a plant to be in the natural light, window sill Class?

Another question, in the Unusual Container class, does it need to be planted in that container, or can a cover pot used?

I attended last year's National Show and was overwhelmed by all the beautiful, very large, very floriferous AVs that were there. That was before the meaning of Divisions, Sections, Classes or ribbon color meant anything to me. As I remember, there were also smaller standards people entered that I wouldn't have thought were show-quality plants. I'm wondering if there's a guideline, not necessarily a rule, that people follow such as entering plants with a minimum of perhaps 3 rows of leaves, even if the leaves haven't reached maximum size?

Took another look at the schedule and see one Interpretive Arrangement class does not need to have blooms if it's variegated. Well that opens up an whole new possibility for me -- with the one sparsely blooming variegated plant I own, lol! That one is under a purple grow light, maybe I should move it to the window still. :-)

Aegis, I love (love, love) the color of your Picasso! There's something so appealing about that color blue. All your plants look great. Are you a polar bear grower? Does everyone have blooms right now or just us southerners?

Can anyone tell me if something is wrong with my Cosmic Sunshine, 2nd plant in back row. The leaves are so small, narrow and open. Can't tell from google images and the plant's not in FC2.

Joanne, both good candidates, though I think it's more like B. Serbin; SS is a semi-double and mine looks more like a single.

Paul, I think changed my attitude about showing from you in the first place. :-)

DViolet, surely you must round up to 60!

Yes, having a professional set up is the turning point.

Once my hobby took hold, I bought a Gro Cart brand set up, quickly filling it. After a few years, I decided to cut back. I got rid of the set up and reduced the quantity.

I know former growers who still have their professional set ups but are no longer active. They keep just a few. They were growing for many years before retiring. Others specialize in just one type of AV.

By the way, I agree about that shade of blue on Aegis' Picasso.

Picasso - has this fluorescent light blue to die for. Aegis got the color JUST RIGHT. Mine looks more purplish than it is. It is a very durable plant - It blooms for Aegis on a natural light and even looks decently symmetrical. Large plant - but oh-so-good!.

Dviolet1 -

No, you cannot enter the same plant in 2 classes. Like you cannot sit at 2 tables at the same time - every class has its own designated real estate.

On National Conventions - you have top growers of the country bringing their plants - who can drive - drives, who cannot - brings a couple on the plane. So there is a lot of entries from local growers - if the Show is in FL or TX - you will have a flood of good quality entries, if the Show is in a middle of nowhere - there will be less entries from all over the country and less entries from locals - and the quality of the plants suffers. Any member can enter the plant in a show even if it is a dawg - to be disqualified from entering -it should have bugs or disease. If it is not it will probably be judged - and can get it red or white ribbon if it is a total wash... (suckers on a rosette plant are a cause of non-judging)

There is no rule on the amount of leaf rows or general maturity of the plant in AVSA judges book. Size matters in minis and semis - to be judged - it should be less than 6" in diameter, semi - less than 8" ( if it is bigger- it is not judged)

Some standards are small standards by genetics- they are not losing points for that. But when you judge for symmetry - if the entered standard has only 2 rows of leaves- usually it means that symmetry suffers, amount of bloom is small - so as a result the plant didn't reach its top shape and will lose some points anyway.

There is no AV gestapo to check if you've used a bit of supplemental light on your table or not. Up to you. I think you can.

Cosmic Sunshine is LLG = and they do not carry it. It is not registered. It was a best new introduction at Baton Rouge Convention in 2003 - but who still has these photos...it was probably published in AV Magazine in 2003-2004.

The only one who sells it is PJSviolets. The photo they have on their ebay page - is the only one around. So it is a standard with hot pink wavy flowers with geneva edge - looks like small standard to me. Flowers look pretty tender... and it is lovely on a shelf - but for the show purpose they probably lack substance.

It doesn't look like a super desirable plant - probably that's why LLG doesn't carry it anymore and that's why they didn't bother to register it. Why it is so leggy - this is a typical flow of all LLG hybrids - they have very long petioles and the soil is often exposed. Generally LLG plants have a lot of great qualities - with this... feature... the way to overcome it - grow under lights, preferrably under 4 t8s.

If it irritates you - pass it on. If not - love it with its flaws.

Regarding using the variegated plant in an arrangement - you do not know until you try to mount it - it can be too big. Look at the size in a schedule. Second issue - it was grown under insufficient light - and it shows - the rosette is very symmetrical - but it is pretty loose - in an arrangement - it can be detrimental. But again - I can be mistaken - it all depends on your design and you won't know until you try to assemble it.

Interesting to learn of the differences between different plant shows.

In orchid shows, it is possible, though not common, to have a plant entered in more than one category. For instance, a particular orchid may be entered in its own particular genera class as well as "First Bloom Seedling" if it is on its first flowering, or "Specimen" category if it is a particularly large/multigrowth plant of its type.

Also, displays are the norm at orchid shows. Most displays are either by vendors, or societies though there may be the occasional one put up by an individual. These are a few examples of what I mean:

The only blooming plants permitted a display are orchids. Foliage plants are allowed as fillers. The displays are separate from the sales area. (And the sales table for some vendors almost becomes a display in its own right.)

NIce show! The big lavender Cattleya is quite impressive. Unfortunately, violets don't lend themselves to this type of display, although I feel species violets would be an exception. I can see them nestled between pieces of driftwood and accented by moss & ferns. A few tree clinging gesneriads would add a nice touch.

An AV called "African Violet Blue Rose Rare" just sold for $270. 00 on EBay. There is a new listing with the same title with the bid starting at $10.00. The seller is in the U.S.

"In the middle of nowhere" Ouch! (Grin!) That's why I'm HERE!

The orchid displays are beautiful! Thanks!

I have seen some Russian displays of AVs on You Tube that were glamorous. Nearly like Broadway productions. If I find them, I will post a link.

fortyseven_gw

"An AV called "African Violet Blue Rose Rare" just sold for $270. 00 on EBay"

Proof that someone out there has more money that brains.

While huge displays like those above might not be AV compatible, I could envision smaller tabletop displays being done.

Irina, When I first started growing, the person who got me hooked introduced me to Lyon's varieties, so it was not until I joined this forum that I got a real sense of pattern and symmetry. Probably from you. Is that the reason why in the upcoming show in Buffalo there are separate catego ries for various hybridizers? Joanne

Joanne - it is a joint Convention for 2 societies -AVSA and AVSC,

Traditionally Canadians promote their own hybridizers - so the society shelled lets say $100 for the collection - same is LLG, Optimaras and Russian Collection. There was good money donated for these awards. A very nice gentleman from CA - Hans Inpijn - was giving a good cash award for his hybrid for many many years - and that's why a miniature 'Everdina' is still with us since 1983. I think he always brought it to a show and won his own award multiple times. I think he passed away not that long ago - and he probably left some provision for this award to continue.

But 'Everdina' doesnt need it own class - it can be shown in a fantasy miniature class - and after all judging is done - this special award will be given to the one with a best score. Collections... they need space - and with a couple hundred dollars in a reward... I am sure there will be more than one of these collections - so here is a separate class

Irina, you are absolutely awesome to take time to explain that to me. Thank you again!

Paul, those displays are beautiful. Due to space limitations I never had an interest in growing them, but your photos have enticed me to want to attend an upcoming orchid show. Were those taken at a National show? Are local shows usually so elaborate?

Wow, Irina, thank you! I would love to go to a show with both U. S. and Canadian hybridizers! I always wondered what the reputation of "Everdina" was due to.

Speaking of reputation, another starter plant of the lovely blue rose AV is being bidded on now. It must be a very important and serious AV, perhaps representing genetic advances, or maybe a new Russian.

I like that it is very pretty.

I remember years ago when Russian AVs from the countries of origin and the hybridizers were first starting to appear on EBay. The bidding could get very high.

I will be happy to eventually get a Picasso or something similar.

Picasso is a great vintage. Perennial winner.

I never grew Everdina, but I saw it several times and it seems like a very good plant. Not very flashy - so it won't be as popular as it is without a hybridizer's support.

My club member grows Blue Rose. She asked me if we can propagate and sell it for $200 - and I said - no - at the time you will have starters ... the hype will be the part of an ebay bidding history.

dviolet1

"Due to space limitations I never had an interest in growing them...."

There are many orchids whose "foot print" is no larger or far far smaller than most full grown AV standards. Others that are smaller than even the mini AVs.

dviolet1

"... to want to attend an upcoming orchid show. Were those taken at a National show? Are local shows usually so elaborate?"

Alas! Have never made it to a National or truly big show. These were just from local shows. Some were much less elaborate, but those societies which desire recognition/awards for their displays put in more effort. From photos I have seen and folks I have spoken to who have attended the truly large shows -- including international and national shows, the displays I showed would have been considered relatively "small" displays. Florida -- particularly the Redlands show in Southern Florida is, if I recall, one of the largest if not the largest annual show in the US. Vendors come from around the world to attend. I understand it is a show one can easily spend a couple days attending just even trying to see what all the different vendors' offerings.

DViolet...Beautiful, all of them..curious though...what direction are they facing in that window?

For me Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) like similar conditions that I provide violets, though with a bit more light and misting. A cool mini orchid is Platastele reflexa. It blooms frequently and grows upright on bark. I killed mine accidentally, so I don't have it anymore.

Sounds like a spectacular show for orchid growers Paul.

Debra, that's a west window with sheers on it. Very bright but gets intensely warm in the summer, at which time the shades need to be drawn down in late afternoon. So warm that our AC can hardly keep up. We used to have partial shade there but we lost a tree from the hurricane just last year, that had replaced Another in that spot we lost several years ago from Charley! Crazy! We plant them. They get big. They blow down. No more, that's enough lol!

I meant to ask you what kind of plant is that you posted? So pretty.

Irina, Another Blue Rose is now being auctioned on EBay. The final bidding will probably surpass the previous one. From the picture, it is gorgeous. What did you think of it in person? Is it a fairly new introduction? Does it grow large? The leaves look to be a rich, dark color. I would love to have it because I love that rare Delft Blue color. It would look so nice with my blue and white china! Dream on!

I think you are right about Everdina. I was not motivated to grow it. Joanne

Thus far I have been just as unsuccessful at obtaining a "blue" violet as I have a red one. I have a few that lean toward the blue but thats about it. I pulled that Ebay auction up to take a look at what they were selling. A nice looking plant but I doubt if the color in the picture is true.

At any rate, even if its as blue as blue can get, I won't be buying one at that price!

Thank you DViolet1! I only have 1 west window, there's furniture in front of it, but I have 4 hanging plants in that window.

For those who might be curious, it occurs to me to mention that there is no main separate area at orchid show for plant judging. Plants to be judged are in the displays themselves. The exception might be someone not part of a society who had a particular plant they wished to undergo AOS (American Orchid Society) judging. (This is separate from just show judging.) Such an orchid would not receive any show awards. Instead, it is the type of thing one would do if they had a plant they thought might be marketable. Even then, this rarely occurs at shows. Instead, such a person would be encourage to take it to a judging center at some other time.

If a plant in a display considered worthy of more serious AOS judging and not just show judging, the plant would be removed from the display, if possible, so the judges can give it a more thorough examination. Not sure how that compares to AV judging.

I looked up the seller and the plant. Right now it is $255. The seller is a new player, seems that everything checks in a very positive way. I believe that it is the grower's photos, not copied from internet, they provide the photo of an actual plant. Watermelon Snow is way too small and way too variegated, chimeras are not in bloom - so it is a buyer's risk, Ann starter is good.

Regarding Blue Rose. It is a sport of Lagoon... What Lagoon? RS Green Lagoon? Blue Lagoon? Would be nice to know more.

Otherwise I believe the seller right now holds the monopoly on this plant and there is the only place you can get it.

I am thinking that if you guys want to buy it - wait for a year. At that point - the new crop will appear from everybody who bought it - and the price will go down.

I just looked at this auction. Amazing! Not the plant, the high bids. While the color is nice, this type of bloom doesn't appeal to me but if I happen to encounter it in a trade, (fat chance!), I'll propagate it for all of you! Lol

I checked the bidding history and don't quite understand it. Bidder ***6 (358 *) bid 21 times in a row from $122.80 to $248. It's basically one person bidding up the price. Appears autobid is taking place, though it doesn't show the in-between bids. Guess ebay removes them when showing history...

I think you are correct. Automatic bidding with increment of $5. As soon as the other bidder put $250, the program did tra-ta-ta - and added all this increments until it overbid the new cowboy. Yup- ebay normally doesn't show it - but ebay software does the strangest things every once in a while.

Jeff, There is no such thing as a true blue violet, as in primary color blue. They are basically violet in color.

Regarding bidding on EBay, the bidder enters the maximum bid, such as $300. Then if someone else does not bid the same way, by entering a max bid, but instead bids in increments, it will look as though there was a bidding war. But it is automated.

As for the plant, this is the third one that I saw being auctioned but there could have been more.

It is possible to ask the seller a question regarding what its parentage is. Or maybe it can be found on one of the Russian websites.

It probably has a rare combination of characteristics. I am guessing those who bid understand more. Joanne

I think it is more hype than value...

dviolet1...Just saw your question....It's what I call a Chirita... their name has changed though, to Primulina....purchased from the Violet barn online.

https://www.violetbarn.com/store/primulina.html?page=all

I also grow a couple of Primulinas. Tamiana is a miniature that is easy to grow and bloom. Little white flowers with purple streaks in the throat. Kazu is a nice hybrid with fuzzy pointed leaves like rabbit ears and lavender flowers. Similar culture to violets, just a little less water and more perlite in the soil mix.

Very nice, I see why people like to mix them among their violet collection.

Just to be a pain in a tush... The botanists ran a DNA analysis on Primulina tamiana - and decided it is not Primulina at all but it belongs to a small SE Asian genus Deinostigma.

SO = It is Deinostigma tamiana now.

In a couple of years I would not be surprised if they changed the name again. It has changed twice in the time I have been growing it. Maybe they'll come full circle and change it back to Chirita again. At least that name was easier to say.

The name Chirita went to the type species and its relatives - some shrubby weeds in Himalayas,,,

Just for the record, I don't believe in the existence of red African Violets, blue African Violets, yellow African Violets or the Easter Bunny.

Aw, c'mon, the Easter Bunny, too?