The Flagship
XIX · Nineteenth Edition
The South African National Orchid Show
- Dates
- 18–21 Sep 2027
- Host
- Western Cape
- Venue
- The Hangar, Stellenbosch Flying Club
- Cycle
- Triennial
Opens in
About the show
Three years in the making, four days on the bench
The SAOC National Orchid Show is the country’s premier competitive orchid event. Held every three years, it rotates across South Africa’s nine provinces, bringing together growers, hybridisers, judges and collectors for four days of competition, education, and community.
Every plant is assessed by accredited SAOC judges against the 100-point scale across ten botanical classes. The Grand Champion is the highest-scoring exhibit across all classes.
The rotation
Three-year cycle
Host province rotates among regional orchid societies nominated by the SAOC board.
Competition structure
Ten judging groups
Every exhibit is entered in one of ten botanical classes. Judges score on a 100-point scale covering cultural quality, presentation, and species accuracy.
Group 1
Cattleya Alliance
Cattleya, Laelia, Brassavola, Rhyncholaelia and intergeneric hybrids.
Group 2
Cymbidium
Standard, miniature, pendulous and species Cymbidium.
Group 3
Dendrobium
Den-Phal, hard-cane, soft-cane, nobile type and species.
Group 4
Miniatures
Plants with flowers under 4cm at widest point.
Group 5
Novice
Growers who have not won a first prize at SAOC level.
Group 6
Oncidium Alliance
Oncidium, Miltoniopsis, Odontoglossum and intergenerics.
Group 7
Paphiopedilum & Phragmipedium
Slipper orchids — species and hybrids.
Group 8
Phalaenopsis
Standard, novelty, multifloral and species Phalaenopsis.
Group 9
Species
All botanical species, including indigenous SA orchids (in cultivation).
Group 10
Vandaceous
Vanda, Ascocenda, Aerides and related genera.
Entering the show
Exhibitor information
Stage 01
Register your interest
Oct 2026 – Jan 2027
Contact your provincial society to express exhibitor interest. Early registration secures bench space and priority catalogue listing.
Stage 02
Confirm entry and classes
Feb – Apr 2027
Submit your entry form with plant list and class selections. Entries reviewed against current SAOC judging standards.
Stage 03
Staging and preparation
Sep 17 2027
Arrive at the CTICC from 07:00 for bench set-up. All plants must be in place and labelled by 17:00. Judging begins the following morning.
Stage 04
Judging and awards
Sep 18–21 2027
SAOC accredited judges assess each class over the first two days. Awards ceremony on the evening of Sep 20. Show open to the public throughout.
Show history
Past editions
20242024 — September
Durban ICC
20212021 — September
Walter Sisulu NBG
20182018 — September
Cape Town City Hall
20152015 — September
NMBay Boardwalk
20122012 — September
Bloemfontein Showgrounds
Start planning your entry now.
The 19th National Orchid Show opens in September 2027 in Cape Town. Register your interest through your society or contact the council directly.