LAIFS Annual Fern and Exotic Plant Show
June 9 & 10, 2007

Every year, LAIFS has it's annual show and sale. This show is a unique opportunity to see many of the rarest and best grown ferns (and other exotic plants) in Southern California. Over 50 vendors will be present, selling many varieties of ferns and other plants, supplies and other gardening items. The following is a description of the 2004 show. This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Los Angeles International Fern Society and the 40th Anniversary of the Society's Fern and Exotic Plant Show. All Society members past and present have contributed to the success of this organization. Thanks to all for a job well done, and may we continue to do as well in the future.


LAIFS Fern & Exotic Plant Show Rules and Regulations

  • 1. A. The Show Committee consists of the Show, Assistant Show, Registration and Judging chairpersons. The Show Committee is responsible for setup and placement of displays. In case of a tie, refer to Article III, section 3 in the bylaws of LAIFS B. The Show Committee in the rest of the document shall refer to Article 1.A.

  • 2. All entries must be entered between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the show. Judging will take place on Friday.

  • 3. The Show Committee will have the right to exclude any diseased or infected plants.

  • 4. The exhibitor assumes responsibility for entry of plant(s) in the correct Division and Class. If a plant(s) qualifies for more than one classification, it must be entered by the exhibitor in the classification that the exhibitor requests. All classifications must be validated by a member of the Registration Committee before registration can be finalized. Invalidated entry sheets will NOT be processed.

  • 5. All entry forms must be PRINTED (typed, if possible)

  • 6. An exhibitor may enter any number of plants in the same class.

  • 7. All plants exhibited in competitive classes must have been property of and grown by the exhibitor for at least three months prior to the show.

  • 8. For uniformity, labels with personal identification will not be allowed to be visible on any plant or container.

  • 9. For maximum point value, plants must be in presentable and suitable containers which do not detract from the plant.

  • 10. All photographic prints must be appropriately mounted. NO SLIDES will be accepted. Entries should be mailed to the registrar no later than MONDAY prior to the show or hand delivered to the registrar during registration.

  • 11. Only judges, clerks and personnel assigned by the Show Committee as defined by Article 1 will be permitted in the show area at the time of judging.

  • 12. Judges shall make their awards on merit.

  • 13. First, second, third and fourth place will be awarded only when warranted and multiple ribbons may be given within each class.

  • 14. Only first class (blue ribbon) winners may be considered for trophy awards. Trophies will be awarded to the first class winner with the most points in each division.

  • 15. All trophies must remain on display for the duration of the show. NO plant, exhibit, or arrangement may be removed before the close of the show without the consent of the Show Committee.

  • 16. The Los Angeles International Fern Society will not be responsible for loss or damage although due care will be taken at all times.

  • 17. The Junior Division shall consist of entrant's ages 8 through 16.

  • 18. All Divisions with entries shall be posted.

  • 19. No plant polish will be permitted.

    LAIFS Fern Show Plant Rating System

    Cultural Perfection – 60 points

    Overall Form, fullness and balance – 20 points
    Some ferns will form full clusters others will vine or branch sparingly. The specimen should be grown to show to advantage the appropriate form for the specie.

    Foliage color and vigor – 20 points
    There is a wide range of frond color in the various species of ferns. A healthy and vigorous plant has a characteristic glow or color and texture for the species.

    Freedom from pests, deformities and deficiencies – 10 points
    Fern health and appearance is diminished by insects and disease-causing organisms. Deterioration of the color and vigor of the plant may result from nutritional deficiencies or over-fertilization.

    Rarity and growing difficulty – 10 points
    Rarity and difficulty in culture in Southern California should be given full consideration.

    Presentation – 25 points

    Grooming – 15 points
    Potted ferns should have the surface of the potting medium clean and free of debris. It is permissible to cover the surface with clean fresh sphagnum, peat moss, or other suitable material. Marginal brown spots on the fronds may be trimmed, conforming to the shape of the fronds. Old fronds should have been removed. Shield and nest fronds of the Platycerium and Drynaria genera that are functional should be left on the plants even though they are brown.

    Container – 10 points
    The container should not compete with the fern for attention. It should be clean. The size and style should be appropriate to the size and symmetry of the fern.

    Maturity – 15 points

    Number, size and type of fronds – 5 points
    The mature fronds of any species will be of a certain length, breadth and shape as described in the literature. There should be a sufficient number of fronds consistent with the nature of the species. Fertile fronds when present are an indicator of maturity.

    Rhizome or stem growth – 5 points
    A creeping plant or a trunked plant should attain sufficient size to show the nature of the growth habit.

    Overall size of the plant – 5 points
    For some species the size range will be quite large. Difficulty of attaining mature plants should be taken into consideration.
    Species that are naturally small must be given full consideration when point scoring the plants.