IPA - International Phalaenopsis Alliance Regional Meeting April 4, 2009

The International Phalaenopsis Alliance (IPA) is a worldwide group of hobby and professional growers devoted to sharing cultural and hybridizing information. Southern California will be hosting an IPA Regional Get-Together for the first time in years. And it will bring together 4 of the original Founding Fathers of the IPA in 1990: Carlos Fighetti, Bob Gordon, Tom Harper and Carri Raven-Riemann. Details of the day are as follows - we're looking forward to seeing many of our "phal phriends" from Southern California for what promises to be an informative and fun day.
IPA REGIONAL DAY IN MONTCLAIR, CA (SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)

IPA Regional Director: Norman Fang

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 4 at Norman's Orchids in Montclair, CA for what promises to be a great Regional get-together - our first in this area in many years! Guest speakers will include three of our original founding fathers: Carlos Fighetti, former IPA President & current AOS President, who will speak on "The "other" Phalaenopsis Species"; Tom Harper, of Stone's River Orchids, former IPA President & current 1st Vice President, on the newest developments in breeding for Reds; and Bob Gordon, famed author of several books on Phal culture, to update us on the latest and best ways to help your phals thrive. In addition, we'll have a workshop and/or roundtable discussion - an opportunity to share with other phal enthusiasts, meet new - and renew old - friendships.Since this will also be the first day of Norman's Annual Spring Open House, you'll have the added advantage of first crack at his sales plants in the sales greenhouse, which at this time of the year is overflowing with brilliant blooming colors from many different genera in addition to our favorite phals.
This is an open get-together so all phal lovers are invited to join us, IPA members and non-members alike. But please call Norman's Orchids (909.627.9515) ahead o f time to let us know you're planning to attend- we want to be sure we have enough chairs and food for everyone. Details of the speaker schedule will be posted soon. Click>>

Cycnoches Jumbo Puff (Swan Orchids)

Ah, the swan orchids are flowering again. For a short period of time during November, our greenhouse is filled with jasmine like fragrance of MC1301 Cynoches Jumbo Puff, a primary hybrid of two specie warscewiczii and Mor. badia.These plants grow vigorsly during spring and summer. As soon as the weather cools off, its elongated leaves started to die back. The grower would stripe off its leaves to show off its newly developed robust pseudo bulb. Each bulb can carry 2-3 spikes. They are grown in a pot at Norman’s Orchids, but they can be grown successfully mounted on cork. The common name of this genus arose because the slender column and down turned apex resemble a swan.

News Flash! Buy 5 Get 6th Free
Norman's Orchids and orchids.com for the first time are promoting their fall open house in conjunction with their website www.orchids.com. Starting November 1st thru 16th, any orders placed online with 5 plants or more will receive the 6th one free (One of least value, all plants must ship to one address, and can not combine with any other offer).

2008 Fall Open House Nov 7th - 16th

Orchids.com & Norman's Orchids
11039 S. Monte Vista Ave view map
Montclair, CA 91763 (909)627-9515
Click for Pictures of Previous Open Houses

Our family invites your family and friends to a gala event held exclusively twice a year. Norman's open house is a tradition not to be missed. We have over 10,000 square feet of orchid showrooms filled with a vast assortment of blooming and near blooming size orchids. If you like our on-line catalog pictures, we invite you to come see them come to life in our greenhouse.

All your questions about growing these tropical delights will be answered at our lecture presentations each Saturday and Sunday of the event at 11am and 2pm. Our lectures are given by avid amateur growers with years of practical experience growing (indoor or outdoor) of Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium, Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum, Brassia, Epidendrum, Odontocidium & etc.

Our TV commercial Clip

Water Heads comparison

Water Breaker Nozzles: So What?

Water breakers are essential for "non-destructive" watering -- they prevent damage to a plant’s flowers and leaves from a water stream that is too powerful . Different water breakers have different uses. The flow pattern, hole density, and surface area of a nozzle determines its correct application. Both models in the photo regulate the water flow so that delicate foliage is not damaged and the potting medium is not disturbed. They are constructed from stainless steel and plastic -- made to last for many growing seasons.


Our Ultra Fine Water Breaker is used for smaller orchids. It has a much finer flow pattern, higher hole density as well as smaller holes, and a more concentrated area of effect. The outcome of all these elements is that you get a concentrated soft spray that minimizes damage and waste. This makes it perfect for those small potted orchids and don’t have to worry about tipping over the pot or damaging the flowers. Our growers typically use this head for pot sizes of two to four inches.

The Low Pressure Soft Rain Orchid Water Breaker is, as you can plainly see, larger. Its flow pattern is coarser compared to the one above. The lower hole density as well as larger holes and a larger area of effect makes it ideal for larger plants. The end result is it provides complete coverage of the root system while maintaining a high flow rate. As a general rule of thumb, this head is used on pots that are five inches or larger.