subject: Getting To Know Orchids: The Top 5 Orchid Hybrids That Is Worth Getting To Know For Your Orchids Collection [print this page] Getting To Know Orchids: The Top 5 Orchid Hybrids That Is Worth Getting To Know For Your Orchids Collection
What Is A Hybrid
The definition of hybrid from dictionary.com is "the offspring of two animals or plants of different breeds, varieties, species, or genera, esp. as produced through human manipulation for specific genetic characteristics."
In most cases, cross-pollination of two orchid genuses that have similar characteristics under natural conditions results to a superior variety of orchid. Orchid growers try to produce orchid hybrids because of the increase in the demand from orchid lovers and enthusiasts. Since orchid hybrids have more superior characteristics than their orchid parents, they offer better color combination flowers, more number of flowers and stronger plants.
Here are the top 5 well-known orchid hybrids to familiarize you with:
Cattleya Hardyana: The Cattleya Hardyana is the result of Cattleya Dowiana and Cattleya Gigas. The flowers that the Hardyana produce are yellow with dark red lips, a cross between the flower of Gigas which is mauve colored and a touch of Dowiana.
Epiphronitis Veitchii: This hybrid has been awarded the first class certificate from The Royal Horticultural Society. It is a cross between the Epidendrum Radicans and Sophronitis coccinea. First known growth was in the year 1980. The Epiphronitis Veitchii blooms vibrant large red flowers.
Brassolaelio cattleya: The Brassolaelio cattleya is a result of crossing three orchid generas, Laelia, Cattleya and Brassavola. These types of orchid hybrid possess considerable commercial value. They bloom showy flowers in colors of orange, pinks, purple and yellow.
Potinara: If there are hybrids resulting from three orchid generas, there are also hybrids from crossing four orchid generas and one such hybrid is the Potinara. This hybrid is a cross from of Brassavola, Laelia, Cattleya and Sophronitis. You will find that this type of hybrids have many species as well. Blooms ranges from spotted yellow to cream colored flowers with lavender tips.
Calanthe Dominii: The very first reported success of this hybrid was back in 1856. It is a cross between Calanthe Masuca and Calanthe Furcata. It is of terrestrial origin and you will find many common species of Calanthe Dominii but it doesn't they are less beautiful.
Do not be overwhelmed by the number of orchids there are in the world. It is even a more exciting fact there are so many kinds to choose from. For more valuable orchids information, please Orchid Growing Secrets where you will find great insights and many tips on orchid growing. Be sure to sign up for our Free Orchid Growing Mini-Course.
