Division versus NBS plant

[dshallpost]

Would like to hear views on acquiring a division versus a NBS plant. Just to take the vendor variable out of it, I am looking at both alternatives from the same vendor, one that has gotten good press here. This is Brassavola Glauca, known to be a slow grower, or a cross of B Glauca with another RLC in the case of the division. The division is a "front" with at lease 4 pbulbs; the plant is in a 5 or 6 inch pot, (buyer's choice) with unknown number of pbulbs. The division costs almost 2x the price of the plant. Divisions are usually from more mature plants, so more likely to bloom soon? Would welcome guidance . . .

[AnonYMouse]

Hands down divisions!

You know exactly what you're getting. Seed grown NBS is a genetic crap shoot.

[orchidsarefun]

Division - but just make sure there is ample evidence the plant has previously bloomed.

[Paul]

That depends on your wants. A "front" division will likely bloom sooner than the NBS (especially if the glauca is a slow grower). With the division, unless some weird mutation (a "sport") occurs, then the flowers of the division will be exactly the same as the mother plant so you know what you will be getting. If sooner blooms is a major desire, go with the division.

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

You know exactly what you're getting. Seed grown NBS is a genetic crap shoot.

I would disagree with this statement in this particular case. If the NBS was a hybrid cross then, yes, a crap shoot it would be. However, Brassavola glauca (now renamed Rhyncholaelia glauca) is a species. As such, there will not be a great deal of variation amongst the offspring unless some sort of mutation has occurred. If the look or other traits of the glauca (such as compact growth habit or fragrance) are valued and you are prepared to be patient, go with the glauca.