Hybrid Phals.

[stargazer]

Yet another question from the newbie!

I've found a few types of Phals. that I really think are amazing. Many of the ones that I am looking at are either hybrids or clones and it raised a question to mind:

Are hybrids any easier to grow or heartier than regular or cloned orchids? I know that the crossing of individuals (at least in the animal world) creates something called 'hybrid vigor'. In short, it just makes the offspring that much less prone to disease. Just a sprig of curiosity that came to mind.

Also, here is a picture of the phal hybrid that was interesting me.

[jfrizz743]

"Are hybrids any easier to grow or heartier than regular or cloned orchids?"

In some cases yes, and in others, no. Typically, a hybrid will be more tolerant of less than ideal conditions than a species orchid will. This is due to what is called "intermediacy." For example (an extremely simplified example), if you took an orchid that's natural habitat is a cool alpine cloud forest, and crossed it with a sea level warm growing orchid, you would get one that likes a temperature range somewhat between the two.

As far as phals are concerned, they're all (especially hybrids) pretty tolerant and adaptable. They've been bred for years and years, and one of the reasons they're so often recommended as beginner orchids is because they are so tolerant.

As far as heterosis, or hybrid vigor is concerned, there's also a flipside. The opposite of that is genetic depression. The progeny can get a better combination of genes than either of the parents, which results in a more vigorous growing plant, or it could end up with a worse set of genes, making it unfit for survival.

Phalaenopsis Fancy Musick is a hybrid formed when you cross P. Micro Nova with P. equestris. P. Micro Nova = P. maculata x P. lobii.

[stargazer]

Alrighty. So pretty much any Phal. is going to be a good beginner orchid. xD Got it.

As far as other orchids that I have been looking at are the Sharry Baby, which (according to the internet) is supposed to be pretty easy to grow. Also, the Lctna. types are amazing. I'd like to get into them eventually, and just for kicks I am going to post a few pictures, since I have been browsing and drooling over plants all day.

Thanks for the advice on genetic depression as well. Before I delve into any of the more tempermental species, I'll be sure and get some sound advice on them.

Lctna. Flying Colors 'Mendenhall'.

[clintdawley]

Welcome.

The Sharry Babys are EASY...the oncidium alliance is pretty forgiving and is probably easy than Phals.

The Lctna. is nice. They're fairly easy to grow too..but need a bit more light.

[stargazer]

Good to know! I've only ever seen the Sharry Baby orchids online before, but I am planning on making a trip to a local greenhouse to see if they have any available. xD I mean, the closest I get at the moment (since I spend summers in Grand Lake, CO...population of 298) is just what I see when I drive the 45 minutes to the store

[clintdawley]

My Sharry Baby 'Misaki' came from a grocery store...you just never know what you'll find! There are several chains around here that buy from the big Florida growers and get mostly phals and dends, but every now and then a surprise slips in.

I found a very nice Tolumnia hybrid and my Max. tenuifolia came from the grocery store as well!

Good to know! I've only ever seen the Sharry Baby orchids online before, but I am planning on making a trip to a local greenhouse to see if they have any available. xD I mean, the closest I get at the moment (since I spend summers in Grand Lake, CO...population of 298) is just what I see when I drive the 45 minutes to Safeway!

[jfrizz743]

Sharry Baby smells like chocolate, just so you know...

[cindiras]

Hey! I've been through Grand Lake! My sister lives in Loveland, so we vacation in northeas Colorado when we can.

[stargazer]

Hey! I've been through Grand Lake! My sister lives in Loveland, so we vacation in northeas Colorado when we can.

Nice! It's a pretty neat town, to be sure. Gotta love tourist traps. xD

But thanks for all the advice. I had no idea that you could get anything good from grocery stores! I've seen some Phal. orchids there before, maybe some lady slippers, but that's about all I have seen.