Hybridizing with Phalaenopsis Species
by Bill Livingston
What a Blunder
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It is a shame the International Registration Authority for Orchid Hybrids of the Royal Horticulture Society does not recognize for registration purposes Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica, P. pallens and P. pulchra as being distinct species, but lumps them into the P. lueddemanniana species. Other hybridizers as well as myself felt this was a big mistake, because these species express their own distinct characteristics when used as breeding plants. By adopting this policy the RHS has created real problems in the registration of hybrids using these three species under the all-embracing species classification of P. lueddemanniana. I still refer to them as three distinct species. There are many mistakes in the earlier years of the Sanders Hybrid registrations because of lack of knowledge and the inability to correctly identify species at that time. An example that comes to mind is a cross Frederick Thornton of Florida made in 1965, and it was registered as P. Ambomanniana and its parents were P. amboinensis and P. lueddemanniana. The P. lueddemanniana used was called variety ochracea which turned out later to be P. fasciata. Another cross is P. Golden Pride (P. amboinensis X P. fasciata). Irene Dobkin from Huntington Beach made this cross which produced very strong yellows and dark green colored flowers far superior in shape and size to the crosses made by other hybridizers using P. Ambomanniana. It was believed that Mrs. Dobkin used the rare clone of P. Reichenbachiana, because of the superior color and shape. I could cite more cases, but I think you get the picture I am painting of the mistakes that exist in former crosses. Other hybridizers as well as I cannot understand why the RHS would adopt such a procedure. I was taught when a problem is discovered, possibly like this oner you do not sweep it under the rug hoping it will go away, instead of trying to solve the problem. Honestly I believe, as do other hybridizers, that this situation should not be allowed or occur again.
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This article which has been reprinted here with permission, originally appeared in the Volume 66, Number 4 edition of Orchid Digest, (Oct-Dec 2002), which is a Special Edition that highlights Phalaenopsis, and also features an excellent article on Phal culture by the Tuskes. The Phalaenopsis Special Edition of Orchid Digest can be ordered from Orchid Digest for $22. Highly recommended.
This article, all of its sections and accompanying photographs
are copyright 2002 by Orchid Digest Corporation.
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