Going Back to Basics

Since the "buzz" about harlequins has settled down, our photographer found a gorgeous blush semi-alba this MC751 Dtps. Mount Lip 'FANGtastic' flowering in the greenhouse. Its vibrant red lip jumped out from its white splash petals. One can not help to notice its simple beauty among the sea of exotic harlequin phalaenopsis.

IPA - International Phalaenopsis Alliance

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the International Phalaenopsis Alliance (IPA), Norman’s Orchids was one of the original Founding Members of this 18-year old international organization solely devoted to promoting education about - and the sharing of information relating to - Phalaenopsis orchids. The IPA keeps the membership up to date with the latest information on culture, conservation and new breeding trends through their color-filled quarterly magazine, “Phalaenopsis”, through more casual regional get-togethers and at their annual three-day Symposium, which has been held at various locations around the US, in Taiwan, and which is due to take place in England next year.

Looking ahead, Norman’s Orchids is planning to host an IPA Regional Meeting next spring in conjunction with our April Open House. As more details become available regarding speakers and dates, we will keep you advised. It’s a relaxed day long get-together which allows for round table discussions, culture workshops and presentations on the newest directions in breeding. Even experienced growers comment that they always learn something new as a result of participating in one of these meetings. We welcome all – IPA members and non-members alike – to share in this very special day solely devoted to achieving the best from your Phalaenopsis orchids.

Our Cup Runneth Over – In Dallas, Texas

“Our cup runneth over” with a Trophy, an AOS award and numerous blue ribbons at the 14th International Phalaenopsis Alliance (IPA) Symposium in Dallas, Texas this July.

But even more rewarding than the ribbons and trophies for us was the opportunity to personally meet many of our on-line clients from all over the world and the chance to get to know many new Phalaenopsis friends.

This three-day annual Symposium was packed with speakers from around the world, workshops moderated by experienced growers, sales tables offering the newest and best in Phalaenopsis breeding and, as its centerpiece, a stunning show table of Phalaenopsis entered for ribbon and AOS consideration by the teams of AOS judge-attendees.

One of the show stoppers – and the trophy winner of Best Phal in Show - was our clone of Phalaenopsis Talin Gold ‘FANGtastic’ HCC/AOS exhibiting three proud spikes of full and round large clear yellow flowers, beautifully accented with a dramatic red lip. This particular clone was the happy result of clonal drift, producing non-fading yellow flowers with heavy substance.

In addition to winning the IPA trophy, this clone also received a Blue Ribbon in its class and was granted an HCC/AOS of 78 points by the American Orchid Society judges present, all of whom were Phalaenopsis experts. We are currently having this very special plant mericloned in Taiwan.

In addition, we were awarded Blue Ribbons for Best in their Class to several of our exclusive clones, many of which are currently available on our web site:

Phalaenopsis Sogo Lawrence ‘Tahiti Sunset’ (MC1214): A beautiful waxy sunset tone flower created by an intense red overlay on a brilliant yellow flower





Phalaenopsis Princess Kaiulani ‘Caribbean Sunset’ (MC1192): A more compact spiking and flowering plant with vivid sunset tones and flowers with the substance of cardboard. Beautifully fragrant and capable of flowering from old spikes as well as creating new.



Phalaenopsis Nobby’s Fox ‘Super Star’ (MC1199): A delightfully fragrant hybrid bearing flowers which look like a Phal. bellina on steroids. Its compact spikes will re-flower in addition to creating new.




Phalaenopsis Ming-Hsing Yellow Boy ‘Montclair’ (MC1096): This flower suggests the brilliance of sunshine touched by the intensity of fire! One of our all-time favorites, it produces medium height spikes with flowers of heavy substance.




Phalaenopsis Yu Pin Natsume ‘Butterfly Peloric’ (MC1252): Another happy result of clonal drift from a mericlone population of Yu Pin Natsume. This peloric clone shows how beautifully the petals are attempting to mimic the lip of the flower, showing themselves off to their best advantage by lying flat to the surface of the flower.

Doritaenopsis Little Gem Stripes ‘Stars’ (MC795): A very special little “bush” of multifloral miniature white flowers, with a subtle hint of soft pink candy striping and finished with a brilliant red lip. This particular plant, blooming for just the first time, was fully branched and very showy.


Doritaenopsis Sogo Chabstic (NF1581): This miniature flowered from a hybrid population producing small white flowers accented with light harlequin marks just around the column. A real charmer which not only won Best First Bloom Seedling but also Best Miniature in Show.


In addition to the plants we exhibited, two of our clones were exhibited by one of our clients, Mr. Meir Moses, both of which received Blue Ribbons in their class:

Phalaenopsis Cat’s Paw Firebird ‘Montclair’ HCC/AOS (MC897): A stunning waxy red flower display that can last for months…and definitely one of the best reds available. Plus, it’s fragrant!



Doritaenopsis City Girl ‘Madonna’ HCC/AOS (MC538): Our truly elegant - and always classic - large white flower with a bold red lip, the flowers presented on gracefully arching inflorescences.