THE AWARDS

The 2026 show is judged across eight divisions by a panel of aroid experts, with eleven named trophies. New this year: artistic arrangements and aroid art, so growers are not the only ones who can take home a trophy.

TROPHIES

Denis Rotolante Best in Show. The top honor, chosen from the division winners.

Thomas Croat Most Unusual Aroid. For uncommon, distinctive, or unexpected traits that stand out from the rest.

Enid Offolter People's Choice. Decided entirely by popular vote. Every Expo attendee gets a ballot.

Best of each division:

Tim Anderson Best Anthurium  ·  Simon Mayo Best Philodendron  ·  David Scherberich Best Monstera  ·  Peter Boyce Best Alocasia  ·  John Banta Best Other Aroid Genera  ·  Marie Nock Best Aroid Flower Arrangement  ·  Barry Schwartz Best Aroid Art 

DIVISIONS

I. Anthurium  ·  II. Philodendron  ·  III. Monstera  ·  IV. Alocasia  ·  V. Other aroids  ·  VI. Artistic arrangements  ·  VII. Aroid art

Each division awards 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

KEY DATES

Friday, September 18, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Entries accepted at the info booth.

Friday, September 18.  Judging.

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  People's Choice voting.

Sunday, September 20, 11:00 a.m.  People's Choice winner announced.

Sunday, September 20, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Entry pickup. 

ENTRY RULES AT A GLANCE

These are the rules that most often cost an entry a ribbon. The full rulebook governs.

EVERY ENTRY

• Open to current IAS members only. Have your membership available at registration.
• You must have grown the plant and had it in your possession at least six months.
• Label accurately with genus, species, cultivar, or hybrid parentage.
• Hybrids compete for ribbons regardless, but qualify for major awards only if parentage is known and listed on the entry tag.
• One entry per class of a given species, variety, or cultivar. No limit on how many different entries you bring.
• Clean pot, healthy plant(s), free of insects and disease. Symmetry counts: center single plants, balance multiples.
• No leaf shine, oils, or artificial enhancers. Water spots may be removed with vinegar or another non-residue cleaner. Oil-based pesticides up to one week before the show.
• Oversized or hard-to-place entries need pre-approval from IAS before entry day.
• Not competing? Plants may be entered for display only. Check in at the info desk.
• All entries are made at the owner's risk. Neither the International Aroid Plant Society, Inc. nor the Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo assumes responsibility for loss or damage.

ARTISTIC ARRANGEMENTS (VI)

All plant material must be family Araceae. Fresh cut flowers and foliage only, able to hold three days in water. No painting or dyeing. No visible extraneous material.

AROID ART (VII)

An aroid must be the central focal point. Other plants may appear so long as the aroid remains the subject.

HOW JUDGING WORKS

A panel of aroid experts judges on Friday, September 18. Every entry is judged on its own merit, not against the entry beside it. Best in Show is chosen from the division winners.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the display and cast a vote in the People's Choice category. Entries are open exclusively to IAS members.

Entering gives members the chance to showcase their prized plants, compete for trophies and certificates, and earn lasting recognition with winners permanently featured on the IAS website.

Already a member? Login and submit your entry through our form!

Not a member yet? Join IAS and take part in the next competition!