Orchids

Attention, Orchid Lovers: Exhibition Season Is Back!

Numerous horticultural exhibitions are organized in the spring. Some focus on landscaping, while others focus on seeds and new varieties of plants. However, orchid exhibitions are different. They are a true feast for the eyes and an immersion into the exotic world of spectacular and unique flowers.

Some of the plant specimens are truly impressive. This Cattleya orchid stood over a meter tall and had more than thirty-five flowers, each measuring 12 to 15 centimeters in diameter.Photo: Robert Charpentier

All enthusiasts contribute to the exhibition.

These exhibitions invite us to discover a world of exotic beauty presented in an original and refined way. Local orchid enthusiasts usually provide the plants, selecting the most beautiful flowering orchids from their collections to display at the show. Many retailers also take this opportunity to showcase exceptional plants from their catalogs, much to the delight of visitors.

A well-spaced and balanced display allows you to fully appreciate all the plants on display.
Photo: Robert Charpentier

High-quality shows – throughout America and Europe.

High-quality shows are held in many places in America and Europe, including likely one in your area. It would be too lengthy to list them all here, but you can consult your national federation’s website for a complete list.

In Canada, visit the Canadian Orchid Congress (COC) website at:

https://canadianorchidcongress.ca/cocshows/

The American Orchid Society (AOS) offers a complete calendar in the USA:

https://www.aos.org/community-events/events-calendar

For our readers in Quebec, three exhibitions are worth seeing.

These exhibitions will take place in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa in 2026.

Here are the dates to add to your calendar:

– Orchidexpo (Montreal): March 21 and 22, 2026;

– Orchidofolie (Quebec City): April 11 and 12, 2026;

– Orchidophilia (Ottawa): May 2 and 3, 2026.

Details of each exhibition can be found on the posters reproduced below. The author would like to thank the orchid societies of Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa for granting permission to reproduce their 2026 exhibition posters.

The OrchidExpo is a large exhibition that brings together numerous exhibitors from local areas, South America, and Asia. This gives the international event unparalleled diversity. Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the entire exhibition.
The Orchidophilia show in Ottawa is very comprehensive, with elegant displays and a large commercial section that includes international suppliers. Plan to spend one to two hours exploring it fully.
Although the Quebec City exhibition is smaller than the Montreal one, it is no less captivating. Plan to spend one to two hours there.

Some practical tips for visitors

To avoid the crowds, plan your visit for the late afternoon or early morning. This will help you avoid the lines and crowds around the most spectacular displays, which form early in the afternoon.

Most exhibits offer volunteer guides to accompany you and provide explanations during your visit. Ask about this when you register, as it could greatly enhance your experience.

If you plan to shop in the commercial area, remember to bring reusable bags. Also, arrange secure storage for your purchases to take home.

Remember to bring your camera!

More tips for visitors can be found in last year’s version of this column.

The trade section of each show offers a variety of orchids that are typically hard to find in garden centers. Here, this excellent Ontario supplier is finishing setting up its impressive display. Photo: Robert Charpentier

Robert started growing houseplants in his teens and hasn't stopped since. His current collection includes about a hundred orchids, hoyas, and gloxinias. His interest in lighting technologies also goes back a long way, since he specialized in 'Optics and Photonics' after his studies in engineering physics (Polytechnique '79). Now retired, he devotes most of his time to forestry, orchid growing and windsurfing.

2 comments on “Attention, Orchid Lovers: Exhibition Season Is Back!

  1. Alice Magnet

    This article beautifully captures the magic of orchid exhibitions, her trees blending practical details with vivid enthusiasm. The descriptions are elegant and inviting, making the events feel both accessible and enchanting. It’s a lovely celebration of floral artistry and the passion of orchid lovers.

  2. Rosemary Kimbro

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