Dracula Lotax varieties?
 

I am thinking of trying a Lotax, maybe in a terrarium or case set-up. We can do cold and gray here in MN, but need to boost the humidity. I am seeing a number of varieties listed for this species, but no info on how they actually vary from the species.

The only ones I can see as available online are "Jungle Mist" and a grex Dracula Gerardo Guachisaca. Seeking any information on these....thanks.

If they are just different clonal names for the species, they're still the species. If a grower has one that is particularly good, they may clone it. The progeny would be genetically identical to the parent plant. Or, here there may be two "named" cultivars of the species that are crossed, again trying to "improve" the flower - line breeding. They're still the species. Differences would be subtle.

Yes, thanks for the response. I am wondering what qualities are there about "mist" that makes it different? Bigger flowers, more floriferous? Better color, biggger plant?

Also Gerardo is a hybrid (Dracula gigas x Dracula lotax) as such I am wondering about it's culture....does it tolerate more variation than the species? Cooler? More light/less light? Just wondering if anyone grows these?

Orchids by Hausermann near Chicago sells a lot of Draculas. Consider calling them and asking how they grow them. They've always been very helpful when I call, and willing to speak at length.

Thanks ES....I have sent some emails off to some growers...going to the horse's mouth as it were.....

Dracula lotax 'jungle mist' has an 80pt award of merit from the AOS. This is a flower quality award based on color and size and such. Buying it would mean you are getting a good plant but there is no real way to differentiate (usually) between that and another good example of the same species.

"Varieties" are a different thing. That means they are the same species buy have a genetic quality that differentiates them from the normal species.

Thanks for the clarification. I assumed "named" meant variety. I assume a flower quality could be also the result of being well grown as I realize many flowers vary depending on light, temperature and fertilizing. So if there is no genetic difference, I wouldn't think there is necessarily any certainty that a named plant would produce the same results for another grower.

You are right. Think of it as a measure of potential. You may not be able to grow it to that level, but you also may be able to grow it even better. The AOS award says that it can be at least that good.

Getting really good flower quality requires a well grown plant, but there are also plant culture awards. Huge specimens with many flowers can get cultural awards without having remarkable flowers.

I think most people are satisfied with "good" performance, I suspect very few plants are ever grown to their full potential.....like much in life...:)

Agreed. We do our best