Species and hybrids???

[Cewal]

Would someone explain the difference between species and hybrids? I've read some articles that are so involved that I'm not sure what I've read by the time I get to the end.

Is there a somewhat simple explanation to help beginners differentiate between plants? Thanks.

[orchidlady]

Species are distinct plants that occur in nature out in the wild and were not the result of human breeding. Hybrids are mostly man-made (though there are some naturally occuring) crosses between naturally occurring species. A hybrid made with 2 species is called a primary hybrid. When you start crossing hybrids with each other and with species you get complex hybrids. That's probably somewhat of an oversimplification, but hope it clarifies some.

Susan

[siaogu]

Choose species!! 'nuff said :P

[orchidlady]

Choose species!! 'nuff said :P

Though I do have a few sentimental hybrids from the early days .

Susan

[Kmac]

I like both..but maybe I am just new. So, I will bite...for those who say "species"...why species over hybrids?

Kathi

[delphiguy]

Cewal,
Susan gave you a good answer as to whats a specie and a hybrid.

Kathi
Im more of a specie person myself, but that doesnt mean that I hate hybrids.
And if I have to make a choice between species and hybrids, I would probably
pick species 90% of the time, why? because I prefer to enjoy things as nature
has intended to. Of course hybrids are good too.... hybrid vigor can go a long
way... frequent flowering, easier to care for, much more tolarant of conditions
etc etc, of course it may not always be the case.

[siaogu]

I would choose species 90% of the time. I will only buy a hybrid if it retains most of the true form. Some phalaenopsis has so many crosses that they have lose all their original form. This is also why I like Bulbophyllum better than other genus as they generally has less hybrids.

[catttan]

Hi Cewal, to tell the difference between species and hybrids when you select your orchids; this might be of some help. The genus name is always capitalised while the name of species is always in the lower case; thus Vanda tessellata, a specie of the genus Vanda.Hybrids on the other hand have both the genus and hybrid name capitalised - thus Vanda Robert's Delight.

As to difference between species and hybrids Susan has explained it very well.

Orchid growers are a passionate lot and hold very strong views especially on their preferences for species or hybrids.I have grown orchids for about 50 years and and at the moment have 70% hybrids and 30% species.I love to see orchids growing in situ and when I was younger made many outings to the jungle and hills to see orchids in the wild. I think that one should not confine oneself to only species or hybrids when starting orchids. Give both a chance and you can specialise later.

[catttan]

Typing error . 'vanda tessellata ' should read Vanda tessellata. Sorry.

[Kmac]

Thanks. I can see the appeal of species being closer to nature, but I don't see a lot of species for sale around here. I have been lusting after some online, and will probably end up with a bit of everything...I still haven't met an orchid I don't like!

Kathi