Phalaenopsis Journal Third Quarter 21(1), 2011 | Página 11

Judging Phalaenopsis
The Basics
Tom Harper
T
he following article was developed by the author to provide
a greater understanding in the American Orchid Society
(AOS) judging process as it particularly relates to Phalae-
nopsis.
The AOS judging process may seem shrouded in mystery, but the
process is actually structured and adheres to specific standards es-
tablished by the Judging Committee of the AOS. Here’s how it re-
lates to our favorite genus, the Phalaenopsis and its relatives.
The AOS Handbook on Judging and Exhibition states that when
judging Phalaenopsis: “The general form of the flower is toward
roundness, fullness and flatness. The dorsal sepal should tend to
be somewhat larger and broader than the lateral sepals. The petals
should be broad and flat, filling in the gap between the sepals. The
lip will vary according to variety and breeding. The color should be
definite and clear. Markings, when present, should be pleasing. The
lip should be distinctively marked or colored. Substance should be
equal to or greater than the average of the parents. The size of the
flower should be equal to or greater than the geometric mean of the
size of the parents. The inflorescence should be gracefully arching
with the flowers well spaced and well displayed according to breed-
ing. The number of flowers will vary according to the species, or
breeding. The inflorescence should be mature enough to show the
full potential of the flower or flowers. The General Scale should be
used where the flower under consideration does not meet the above
criteria.”
So what does all that mean? Let’s illustrate that with these pictures:
The general form is toward roundness, fullness and flatness – this figure
illustrates the transition from star-shaped to full form.
Phalaenopsis - Vol. 21(1), Third Quarter 2011
The sepals should arrange themselves almost in an equilateral triangle – connect
the sepal tips, i.e. the dorsal and the two lateral sepals.
The dorsal sepal tends to be somewhat larger and broader than the lateral sepals
as illustrated.
11