The 16th IPA Symposium July 9-10, 2010 in Ontario, California

By Tom Harper Reprinted by permission of the IPA Journal

ONTARIO, Calif. -- The International Phalaenopsis Alliance will hold its 16^th Symposium July 9-10, 2010 in Ontario, Calif., at the Hilton Ontario Airport Hotel.

Registrants will experience a special event in the rich history of IPA Symposiums for several reasons. First, they will get to hear the big winner at the Taiwan International Orchid Show for the last two years, Kuo-Liang Hong of Tying Shin Orchids, give the keynote address. Second, the format is being changed from a three-day to a two-day event.

Tying Shin Orchids is a small nursery Kuo-Liang and his wife, Jane, own and operate near Cao Tun Township, Nan Tou County, Taiwan. Kuo-Liang won a total of 60 awards from the American Orchid Society and Taiwan Orchid Growers Association at the 2008 and 2009 shows. His colorful hybrids were recognized for superb culture, flower quality and hybridizing excellence. (See a story about how Kuo-Liang became interested in orchids, started Tying Shin Orchids and his breeding goals on Page xx.)

He will focus on his Phalaenopsis breeding program, especially his work with orange and desert tones, in his Symposium presentation. He also will bring plants to sell, including his new and continuing line of unique Phalaenopsis hybrids.

This will be Kuo-Liang’s first visit to the United States, so those who can attend but haven’t met him in Taiwan at the annual show there are in for a very special treat.

Symposium organizers are still developing the speaker and workshop programs. As those plans are finalized, they will be announced in Phalaenopsis and on the IPA Web site, www.phals.org.

The meeting will debut a two-day format for IPA’s annual Symposium. Until now, Symposiums have typically been three-day Friday-Sunday events. At some Symposiums, activities began on Thursday with a golf outing designed to further enhance the camaraderie among members.

In the three-day format, Sunday was usually a travel day and people often started leaving while events were in progress so they could make flights or because they had to drive long distances. Harper, in his role as vice president in charge of planning the Symposium, decided to try the new format in hopes it will encourage people to stay for all the events.

Another benefit of the format change is that it should help attendees save on expenses. Although the registration price hasn’t been determined, attendees will definitely save money on meals because of the condensed agenda.

Activities in Ontario will begin Friday morning, July 9 at 9 a.m. with set-up in the sales area and entering of the show plants for ribbon and AOS judging. There will be a preview party Friday evening followed by the first speaker at 7 p.m.

Kuo-Liang will give the keynote program Saturday morning. The rest of the agenda will be filled with other speakers to be announced, workshops, a luncheon and auction. The Saturday agenda and the Symposium will end at 5 p.m. Special plans are being made for a dinner Saturday for those interested in staying over until Sunday or Monday.

Norman Fang will make his Norman’s Orchids in nearby Montclair available for visits during the Symposium. Details about when these visits will be scheduled and other arrangements are being worked out. Fang is the director of IPA’s Southern California Region.

Sunday will be a travel day for IPA members to return home or, for those who might want to stay an extra day, an opportunity to visit other nurseries in Southern California.

The hotel is undergoing a $5 million renovation, expansion and transformation. The changes are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009.

Tom Harper is first vice president of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance and director of its Southeast Region. He also is one of the four founders of the alliance, a past president and is an American Orchid Society judge. 9373 Clovercroft Road, Franklin, Tenn. 37067-8131. 615 771-2755. harper_sro@bellsouth.net.

IPA Meeting in Montclair California - April 2009

By Tom Harper Reprinted by permission of the IPA Journal
MONTCLAIR, Calif. – Phalaenopsis fanciers who attended the meeting of the Southern California region during the weekend of April 4 were treated to a historical reminder of the birth of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance. Three of the four originating members were on the agenda – Bob Gordon, Carlos Fighetti and Tom Harper.
Gordon, Fighetti, Harper and the late Arnie Linsman met in San Francisco in the early months of 1990 for a Phalaenopsis-buying dream trip. Their plan was to drive to Los Angeles and visit every Phalaenopsis nursery along the way. It did not take them long to discuss the idea of an organization devoted to the genus. By the time they arrived in LA, they had the basics of IPA in their minds. All they had to do was make their dream a reality.
That happened in April 1990 when they joined other Phalaenopsis growers in Mt. Laurel, N.J., for the Delaware Orchid Council’s speaker’s day, which was devoted to Phalaenopsis that year. They shared their vision with some of the other growers, and IPA was born.
Gordon served as an ambassador for the then-young group in speaking engagements to orchid societies around the country and authored a series of books on Phalaenopsis culture. Fighetti served as the alliance’s first president. Harper is also a past-president and currently is first vice president.
The Southern California meeting was held at Norman’s Orchids as part of Norman Fang’s annual open house. Fang recently was appointed regional director.
Fighetti kicked the lecture program off with a PowerPoint presentation entitled “The Other Phalaenopsis Species.” These species are infrequently seen, but add a uniqueness and beauty to any collection.
Gordon livened up the remainder of the morning with his unique brand of enthusiasm. He shared his knowledge about Phalaenopsis culture in his presentation, “Getting The Best From Your Phalaenopsis.” The audience responded with questions.
Harper spoke in the afternoon portion of the program, giving a PowerPoint presentation on the “Development of Red Phalaenopsis.” He began with an in-depth look at those species contributing to red breeding and finished with some speculation about how Harlequin Phalaenopsis potentially can be the breakthrough in red breeding due to the intense color saturation produced from the Phal. Golden Peoker genetics.
Afterward, a roundtable discussion was held to answer questions from the audience. Basic cultural questions were again addressed and advice provided by the panel of experts, which included the speakers for the day, Fang and Carri Raven-Riemann, director of the New England Region and also a past IPA president.
During a brief lunch break, an auction was held to raise funds for Phalaenopsis, the quarterly magazine of IPA. Harper served as auctioneer and led the lively group in raising $1,300.
Barbara Noe, one of a group of founding members and the second vice president of IPA, also attended the meeting to lend support and a helping hand in the festivities.

Tom Harper is first vice president of the International Phalaenopsis Alliance and director of its Southeast Region. He also is one of the four founders of the alliance, a past president and is an American Orchid Society judge. 9373 Clovercroft Road, Franklin, Tenn. 37067-8131. 615 771-2755. harper_sro@bellsouth.net.

American Orchid Society Members’ Meeting October 18, 2009

Norman’s Orchids is pleased to announce that the next American Orchid Society Members’ Meeting, in conjunction with the Southlands Orchid Show Committee – celebrating its 50^th anniversary - will be held at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, CA. Open to the public from October 16-18, this show promises elaborate orchid displays by commercial and amateur growers from around the world. General Admission to the Huntington includes admission to the Show. For further information on this event, including hours.

For those wishing to attend the lectures and special events, including the Preview Party, an AOS fund-raising auction and a Saturday Night Banquet, all of which are planned for the AOS Members’ Meeting, the official Schedule of Events and detailed Registration information, including One-Day Registrations, can be found at this link. In addition to the AOS events, many of the AOS affiliated special interest groups will also be holding their semi-annual meetings in conjunction with the show: the International Phalaenopsis Alliance, the Slipper Orchid Alliance, the Cymbidium Society of America and the Pleurothallid Alliance.

As a sponsor of the AOS and in celebration of this upcoming event, Norman’s Orchids will host an “AOS Sunday” on Sunday, October 18, from 10 AM – 4 PM. It will be a great opportunity for those who visit the nursery to spend some time with other AOS orchid hobbyists who have come from all corners of the globe to attend the AOS/Southlands Meeting.

As a special treat for all our AOS friends, our sales area will be stocked with many brand new introductions. In addition, we are planning a special offer for AOS members only. We are just a short drive from the Huntington and look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a very special orchid day.

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.

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.