Which do you prefer Species or Hybrid?

[stefpix]

We could reformulate the question. Which complex hybrids went too far? Anyway seems people prefer species in general with some acceptable hybrids. So what is the point for growers to create all these complex hybrids?

[Tropicgirl]

I think it is human nature to want to create something new and beautiful, not to mention the fun of naming a new cross once it's awarded.

What one person thinks is a hybrid that's "went too far" may be another persons absolute favorite plant. Like the saying goes....One mans trash is another mans treasure.

Just my

[Call_Me_Bob]

for me, the 5 in pure white phals are too 'complex' for my liking

[Lorraine]

I started out growing hybrids because they were easier for me to grow but I am quickly adding species to my collection. I just wish the species bloomed more. For that reason I'll keep the hybrids

If anyone has a few suggestions of what will grow here in South Florida outside and bloom 2+ times a year and IS a species please let me know. Even better if it has a pleasant fragrance.

PS...I'll make even more room Already had to since I went to Smiley's last Thursday!!

[stefpix]

Lorraine,
what are your floriferous hybrids that bloom a lot? That would be useful info to share and could give hybrids some points! what species are not blooming for you?
Anyway thought in FL everything blooms no matter of what!

[IraGlacialis]

I like both hybrids and species, but for different reasons.
While some hybrids can go a bit of the wild side, I enjoy the creativity that can go into such creations. It is interesting the bounds that can be pushed.
On the other end, I always like to see the original species that these hybrids sprang from. Kind of like being able to hold a first edition print of a book (ot: I once got to hold and flip through one of the original print of the Origin of Species; it was almost a magical experience).
Thus, if I am keeping an orchid or any other plant as a specimen, I will tend to lean towards a species. If I am going for purely aesthetics, I will elan towards a hybrid. It is, of course, not to say that the hybrid will not have the same level of attention (though it may not need as much) or that the species will look as plain as its recombined offspring.

Originally Posted by jrodpad

Why are species so much more difficult to care for than hybrids? Feel free to heckle me for the noobie question.

Hybrid vigor or heterosis. Usually, when an organism is purposefully hybridized, you are not only taking desired aesthetic traits, but you are also taking desirable traits that allow the plant to function in a more generalized environment. This is versus the two parents who would tend to live in different niche environments.
Also, genetic recombination helps an organism become more resilient against strains of diseases.
Look at mutts and mules vs purebreds.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by stefpix

Lorraine,
what are your floriferous hybrids that bloom a lot? That would be useful info to share and could give hybrids some points! what species are not blooming for you?
Anyway thought in FL everything blooms no matter of what!

Here are the hybrids that bloom for me more than once a year. Everything blooms here but I like to enjoy flowers all the time. Therefore I always look for catts that bloom more than once. I'm sure I can find a few more out there but not tonight. I went through my list and found these.

Bc. Maikai 'Louise' AM/AOS (B. nodosa x C. bowringiana) Blooms 2x year Spring few blooms - Fall loaded with blooms
Bl. Yellow Bird (B. grandiflora 'Hamlyn' x Bl. Richard Mueller) blooms 2+ x a year
Stlma Kelly ‘Lea’ (B. Nodosa x C tna. Keith Roth) blooms on all new growth all year Favorite #1
Bc St Andre (C dowiana v. aurea x B nodosa'Susan Fuchs' FCC/AOS 2x year Favorite #2
Lctna Renate ‘S & W’ (Lc. Frenchy`s Cheek-La x Ctna. Why Not) 2x year

[stefpix]

Lprraine I have a Bc Mailai as well! your hybrids seem like primary or almost primary hybrids where you can still tell who the parents are. I am OK with those. Just the complex ones are those I do not really get...

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by stefpix

Lprraine I have a Bc Mailai as well! your hybrids seem like primary or almost primary hybrids where you can still tell who the parents are. I am OK with those. Just the complex ones are those I do not really get...

I'm still newer to the orchid growing world (4 years) so I don't get a lot of it yet..but hope to learn something new everyday. So for now I'm happy growing what works for me and enjoying the new species I find. Keep on blooming guys even it it's once a year!!