Hybridizing with Phalaenopsis Species
by Bill Livingston
Phalaenopsis maculata
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This is one of the smallest species known within this genus, and is rather difficult to keep alive in cultivation and to breed with. It likes brighter lighting than most other species. The first time I saw this cutie was in the very early 70s, when Herb Hager showed me a plant he had just recently received from a friend. The flower had a white to cream base color with a greenish suffusion, blotched with brownish red dots. Some clones come with a purplish red coloring, but the brilliant red lip really excited Herb. He told me, "If I could only get the bright red lip color into my white with red lip hybridizing program I would be really happy." Herb made about five grexes and decided it was too much trouble to grow, as it just didn't have the plant vigor he liked in his crosses.
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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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