Orchid Rodeo Show and Sale at Botanical Garden

It was a bonanza of orchids for the 2026 Naples Orchid Society’s Annual Orchid Show and Sale held during the weekend of February 21st at the Naples Botanical Garden. The Garden’s Kapnick Hall featured well over 500 orchids and approximately 75 exhibitors, according to Marie Harris, first vice president of the Naples Orchid Society (NOS). This is not NOS’ first rodeo as they celebrate their 52nd Annual American Orchid Society judged show this year!

The orchid arena at Kapnick Hall featured prize-winning orchids representing such species and hybrids as Phalaenopsis and allied genera. Phalaenopsis (also called moth orchids) are probably the most widely grown orchids in the world; they are fast-growing, colorful, and widely available at your local grocery stores. They are called moth orchids because the flower has a whimsical resemblance to a moth in flight. Growers are imploring you not to put ice cubes on the delicate roots. There were two judging categories: large (over three flowers) and small (less than three flowers).

There are more than 50,000 registered cattleya hybrids and the exhibits are judged on two classes: Large (four-inch or over flower size) and small (less than four-inch flower size). Cattleya orchids are often called the queen of orchids and very recognizable with their showy and often fragrant blooms.

There are more than 18,000 registered oncidium hybrids. They are often referred to as “dancing ladies” because of their long and large spikes of delicate blooms that resemble dancing ladies.

There are more than 12,000 registered vanda hybrids and two judging classes: Large (over three-inch flowers) and small (less than three-inch flowers). Vandas in bloom are always show stoppers!

Dendrobiums, or Dens for short, are very desirable in Southwest Florida. They are easy to grow with many blooming at least twice a year, and the flowers can last for several months. According to NOS, there are more than 16,000 registered hybrids and very popular with orchid hobbyists.

The Naples Orchid Show and Sale also featured a round-up of vendors from Southwest Florida selling beautiful blooming orchids and supplies. The 2026 vendors included: Krull-Smith Orchids, Mac’s Orchids, Odom’s Orchids, Bredren Orchids, Springwater Orchids, OFE Orchid Supplies, Accent Orchids, and Soroa Orchids. Vendors had a very busy morning as visitors took advantage of their orchid specialties. Cattleyas are the specialty of Odom’s Orchid and they have the largest selection of quality orchids in the world. Mac’s Orchids specialized in Asian species; Bredren Orchids had a wide variety of Phalaenopsis and visitors took advantage of the availability of orchid supplies such as fir bark, clay pots, osmunda fiber, and sphagnum moss.

According to the Naples Orchid Society website, their mission is to promote the appreciation and cultivation of orchids as a hobby and preserve wild orchids indigenous to Southwest Florida through education and research. They sponsor year-round activities intended to educate individuals in how to obtain and grow healthy, blooming orchids which do well in our area. They also offer a series of classes and hold one annual show in the spring. NOS was founded in 1962 and currently has approximately 225 members ranging from novice to advanced hobbyists (many award-winning), to recognized commercial growers.