Teacup breeding

[Fairorchids]

Several years ago, I obtained two plants of In-Charm Topaz = helenae x Pacific Shamrock. Flowers are as could be expected from the first step in this breeding process, and they bloom on plants that are 6-8" across.

[Fairorchids]

Last year a number of vendors offered plants of In-Charm Topaz x Sorcerer's Stone (and the reciprocal cross), and many of these were small to compact plants.

I purchased about 8 of them, from various sources, and from at least 3 different seed pods (based on parents clonal names). Most arrived in bud or flower, but I usually discount flowers on plants that have travelled 2-3 times. However, it was satisfying to see that these plants were blooming compact to very small - the smallest being 3.1/2" across, but sporting a 2" mini-complex flower.

Now they have started to rebloom. The first one this season is a 3" flower on an 8-9" fan. Not exactly teacup specifications, but probably useful if it is bred with another mini.

I have posted looking for pollen under Propagation. In the meantime, enjoy this flower, which is 25% helenae. I have another plant that should bloom in about 10 days, so I will add to this thread then. At that time I will try include a photo with the plants also.

[No-Pro-mwa]

It's very cute, I really love the blush on the pouch.

[Leafmite]

That is a nice result. I hope the further breeding is everything you want.

[Fairorchids]

The first one (on L in photo w both) had no clonal names on the label, other than In-Charm Topaz x Sorcerer's Stone.

No 2 (on R in photo w both) is a true alba, and tells us a little more: In-Charm Topaz 'Goldenrod' x Sorcerer's Stone 'Torrence'. Both parents have to be at least 50% alba to produce the alba offspring. If anyone knows who bred these seedlings, I would like to know.

Crookedness of No. 2 is due to a second bud on the same spike. The dorsal is proportionately smaller, and petals are more narrow, but closer to horizontal. This gives the flower greater natural spread (abt 3.1/4"), on a plant where the largest fan is only 8" across.

So far nobody has registered this cross. Since I am breeding with them (I have one pod just about ready to go to the lab), I am inclined to do so, but I should ask the originator for permission - if I can find out who it is.

10/09 update: It has been registered as Paph Topaz Magic.

[Fairorchids]

I got an opportunity to buy some Paph Mystic Isle (75% niveum) wholesale, so I have now pollinated both of the flowers shown previously, with the best one from that group.

This plant is blooming on a single growth, which is just under 5" across. Flower is a little 'crooked', which comes from shipping in bloom.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Good luck. That is a cute bloom on it. Are you hoping to keep the spots?

[Fairorchids]

Originally Posted by No-Pro-mwa

Good luck. That is a cute bloom on it. Are you hoping to keep the spots?

I had choice of 10 different Mystic Isles. Choice was primarily based on shape (& wide petals, to compensate for helenae skinny petals). Spots was a secondary issue, I went with fewer spots rather than more spots. If they come through, I am OK with that.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Well I hope you get what color you want, I like the spots but what ever.

[Fairorchids]

Here is the third plant to bloom this year. It is probably the largest of the lot, with this years fans reaching 10-12" across.

I have to see how the flower looks when fully open. If dorsal stays like this, I think that this one has to go to judging next week.

Even though the plant is too large to be considered a teacup type, it is still usefull for further breeding, if pollinated with an appropriately small flower.