Bill Thoms


Phone: 941-276-3179 Email: dukesthoms@verizon.net

SpecialtiesBulbophyllum, Growing specimens, Orchid travel, Culture and more
FormatOnline and in-person
Provides plants for sale?No https://bullbophylums.com

Biography

Bill Thoms has grown and shown orchids for more than 45 years in the central Florida area. He has more awards for Culture in Bulbophyllums than anyone else in the world (51 so far) – and he and Doris Dukes together have 105 Cultural Awards in 30 different genera. The American Orchid Society has added a new Annual Award for the Bulbophyllums, the Bill Thoms Award. Bill gives talks all over the world on a wide range of topics ranging from his specialty, “Bulbophyllums”, to General Orchid Culture which is a favorite of most new growers. They all are presented in a funny style that helps growers understand how the plants work and they all revolve around the Culture of Orchids. He helps the beginner grower with lots of advice about fixing problems and has a wealth of accumulated information for the more advanced grower, too! No matter whether you have 1000s of orchids, just a few, or only one, Bill will give you tips to make them grow and bloom better. Many people say he is the best speaker they have ever heard. Come and see for yourself. He has a book, Bulbophyllums; the Incomplete Guide, From A to WHY?, which you may purchase from him. His web site (Bulbophyllums.com) has his book, special food and super eBook, which is more than 5 years' worth of videos of their plants, all his articles, fabulous photos and lots more. He and Doris now live near Greenville, South Carolina.

Talks and Abstracts

1

Bulbophyllum Culture

This is the WAFL-HSE program of general orchid culture with the emphasis on bulbophyllums, the largest genus in the orchid family; as a live demonstration of how-to-grow tips, or I also have PowerPoint programs covering many aspects of growing bulbos with many shots of some of the neatest species and hybrids, as well as culture and growing tips. Humorous.
2

Growing & Showing Specimen Plants

This PowerPoint show covers many aspects of producing world-class plants. Pictures of many of our over 100 (so far) Cultural Awards are woven in with tips on growing in large containers, keeping salts low, grooming for exhibition and transportation to judging, among many others.
3

General Orchid Culture

This covers all the basics of orchid growing and has lots of tips on growing better plants and getting more blooms. A favorite of many Societies and great for beginners. Called the WAFL-HSE (Waffle House) program. This is a “live” demonstration with props, magic tricks and many other interesting and funny things.
4

Bulbophyllum Culture

This is the WAFL-HSE program of general orchid culture with the emphasis on bulbophyllums, the largest genus in the orchid family; as a live demonstration of how-to-grow tips, or I also have PowerPoint programs covering many aspects of growing bulbos with many shots of some of the neatest species and hybrids, as well as culture and growing tips. Humorous.
5

Dr. Diag-nosy

This centers on plant problems and how to fix them. Members can bring in plants with problems and they will be diagnosed and remedies given. I can also bring many examples of common problems and have advice on how to fix them. Most remedies are eco-friendly.
6

Expanded Bloom Table

Plants on the bloom table are discussed at greater length with tips on culture as well as extra information on history, genetics, pronunciation and a whole lot more. There are no severe criticisms.
7

Orchids Around the World

Several wonderful travelogues of Orchids Growing in the Wild in various exotic places. One covers Ecuador, Brazil, Borneo and the Philippines. One covers Belize, Venezuela, Thailand and Malaysia. A talk can be custom-designed for you as well.
8

NEW TALK ON THE PHILIPPINES

This is about my 6 weeks hunting orchids (primarily Bulbos) in the Philippines. It has lots of slides covering the people, the culture and the environment. It isn’t endless shots of trees on the hillside. Said to be one of the favorites by many clubs that have seen many of my presentations.
9

FREE-FOR-ALL

This started when the equipment in the room failed and became a favorite of many societies afterward. It is a question and answer format which covers anything and everything. I have been getting and overcoming the same problems we all have and have some very effective remedies and ways to know - grow - and – show.
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