Got this absolute beauty from Kirk Hoo himself who is a hybridizer who the clonal name is after. This hybrid gets its lovely vivid red from Philippinensis and not to mention an increased flower count, spikes up to 3 feet long and the potential for spikes to branch.
This is the first spike on a young maturing plant, and suggests to me that there is much more in store from this plant!
The flowers are very flat despite this cross being known to have flowers that are cupped so to speak; as a result, the flowers display very well on the spike. Simply a stunning sight. I actually just brought it to my Orchid Society meeting today where our registered AOS judges commended me on a spectacular display of flowers and culture. I actually won best new member orchid and best overall orchid on the table.
Won an orchid for each award too.
It really feels good to hear AOS judges saying that it was unfortunate today wasn't an official judging or they would have given it an official award.
This one was high on my list of must have hybrids, and I am just enjoying it and that its happy in my care.
Enjoy!