Save the date · June 2027
Fern & Exotic Plant Show
A judged exhibition, specialty vendors and rare plants for sale at the LA County Arboretum.
About the show
The Los Angeles International Fern Society’s Fern & Exotic Plant Show is a curated event celebrating ferns and rare plants, hosted at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.
The show features a judged exhibition, specialty plant vendors, and hands-on workshops led by experienced growers. Explore exceptional specimens, discover uncommon plants, and connect with a community of enthusiasts, all in one place.
The 2026 show
Dates for 2027 will be announced soon. Here are the details from this year’s show.
Location
Los Angeles County Arboretum
301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, California 91007
Dates
June 13–14, 2026
Saturday and Sunday.
Hours
Saturday 9:00 am–3:30 pm
Sunday 9:00 am–2:00 pm
Judging & exhibition
The show features a judged exhibition of outstanding ferns grown by hobbyists and collectors. Entries are evaluated by experienced judges across approximately 20 categories, with awards recognizing excellence in cultivation, presentation, rarity, and overall quality. We encourage exhibitors of all experience levels to participate.
People’s Choice
Not all entries need to be ferns. In addition to the judged fern categories, visitors vote for their favorite plant in the exhibition. Any exotic plant is eligible, so we encourage exhibitors to share unusual, rare, and eye-catching specimens from their collections.
Plant submission (2026)
June 10: 9 am–5 pm
June 11: 9 am–12 pm
Appointments outside these hours may be arranged in advance.
Why enter?
Showcase your plants, win ribbons and awards, and support the exhibition.
Questions?
For plant registration questions or special appointments, contact Don DeLano at delanos8@icloud.com.
Become a vendor
Join a curated group of plant-focused vendors at one of Southern California’s dedicated fern and exotic plant events.
- Verified plant-focused vendors
- High foot traffic and engaged buyers
- Themed events celebrating ferns and rare plants
Apply online
Complete your application in minutes. Your application is not complete until you confirm payment and then click ‘Submit’ on the form.
Print & mail
Download the vendor registration form, print and complete it, then mail it to the address provided.
Vendor setup takes place on Friday, June 12, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For loading and unloading, vendors may enter through the driveway gate next to Ayres Hall. Once unloading is complete, all vehicles must be moved to the Arboretum parking lot.
Questions about show logistics? Contact Tim Lonegan, Show Chairperson, at fernshowchair@laifs.org, or Donna Radoumis, Vendor Coordinator, at events@laifs.org.
Show map & vendors
The 2026 floor plan. Find a booth letter on the map, then match it to the vendor below.
| Vendor | Booth | Specializes in |
|---|---|---|
| Ambriz Kingdom of Plants | N | Platycerium, tillandsia, cactus & succulents |
| Bulbous Airplanters | W | Unique, handmade planters |
| Cacti and Exotica | M | Succulents, cactus & other rare plants |
| Candy and Norm | A1 | Ferns, begonias, and assorted foliage |
| Desert Creations | I & J | Succulents & cactus |
| Fang Hua Gardens | E | Orchids and staghorns |
| Jingers Greenhouse | B | Rare plants |
| Leaf N Bark | D | Indoor plants |
| Lisa Ann Sparks | X | Eco-friendly glass plates and sun catchers |
| Los Angeles Carnivorous Plant Society | Q | Carnivorous plants for beginners and collectors |
| Rainforest Flora | A | Staghorns, tillandsia and bromeliads |
| Plantophilia | C & F | Rare ferns, orchids and desert roses |
| The Doe Orchids | O | Orchids and houseplants |
| Thomsen Clayworks | V | Ceramics |
| Tiki Tropic Plumeria | P | Plumerias |
| Van Ness Aquatic Nursery | K & L | Aquatic plants and fish |
Volunteers needed
We rely entirely on volunteers to make the show possible, especially during setup and teardown.
Help is needed in the week of the show, starting at 9 am each day. Shifts are organized in flexible two-hour time slots, and you’re welcome to sign up for as many as you’d like. Please contact the show chairperson to schedule your hours.
Volunteers:
- Can purchase plants at the Friday presale
- Receive LAIFS Bucks
- Can redeem LAIFS Bucks for plants and supplies
