Inter-section crosses in Dendrobium

[catwalker808]

Isurus & Silent Scream ... no doubt a number of these primary intersectional crosses can be made. One question might be: "why?". In many cases, it would probably be for curiosity only, since the primaries would probably prove questionable or unreliable for further breeding.

At least the complex intersectional crosses would be self regulating. You would probably get few seed to begin with, then some of the plants which germinate will be so runty and slow that you will discard them ... which would leave you with only a small number to grow on, rather than taking up your valuable space for many years.

Silent Scream ...that Indonesian breeder must really like very large plants.

Calvin ... although the latouria hybrids are dens, for growing and culture, treat them as cats. Good drainage is very important, lots of water because they have lots of vegetation, bright light and warm to intermediate temps. They are really quite vigorous and tolerant.

[Psyched]

@catwalker: We do like it big. Although such cross really take a long time to develop. Mini orchids don't sell well around here.

Btw, another intersection to take note is Den. Caesar (Den stratiotes x Den phalaenopsis). A really old hybrid registered in 1937 by a Dutch living in Indonesia yet still popular until now.

Also another intersection primary hybrid: Den Bitan (Den bifalce x Den tangerinum).

[catwalker808]

Silent Scream ... although Den Caesar is intersectional, it is statulata x phalaenanthe ... which is a very easy and compatible compatible. Many primary and complex combinations of these "antelope" and Den phal types have been made and grow and bloom easily. I remember we also remade Den Caesar over 20 years ago. The flowers were a little soft, but attractive.

Never heard of Den Bitan. Den bifalce does have some faults as a primary parent. It's a relatively big plant, considering it has very short spikes with only a few 3/4" chartreuse flowers with fine purple stripes. However, bifalce is important for complex hybrids ... once you breed out the small flower size, the low flower count. Den bifalce is the original source for the striping in the Den Candy Stripe and the later striped Den hybrids.