phrag besseae

[MattWoelfsen]

Maybe back in 2008, this plant was listed for $35,000.00. But in looking at Orchidweb.com website, they have three of these plants listed:

[jeremyinsf]

Those aren't the same plants though. Those are plants that were bred from the original.

[quiltergal]

Many growers sell their stud plants for that much and more.

[Dart21]

This provides some clarification on the matter for me. So more or less a stud plant is just one that produces year after year flawless shape, size, color as well as producing new divisions? Or they are more meant for hybridization?

---------- Post added at 01:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:03 PM ----------

Or both?

[jeremyinsf]

Well, sure, both - The plant can be used to make new plants via seed/pollen. There is a lot of money to be had in making new plants that have very large flowers with great shape.

And if the original plant grows large and it can be divided, and make two plants (or more) that can then be used for the same thing, then they can sell one and someone else has a great stud plant, and the original owner made a lot of money off it.

[Dart21]

Regardless, basically it has to be a unique sport or hybrid that one has created, huh?

For example, I think I have a pretty large sport Dendro. I have been working on for a long while and it produces divisions readily whilst being very, very hardy.

[jeremyinsf]

What is 'unique'?

If there is a very standard cross - i.e. Paph Pinocchio - and I re-make that cross using the two largest and most colorful and perfect form parents, then I have created something special and unique. They will be valuable, even if it wasn't something 'new'.

[Dart21]

Hmm... you have got me thinking. For that I thank you, that makes a lot of sense.

---------- Post added at 01:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:45 PM ----------

Just getting into the hybridization/sterile environment necessary/tissue culture within the past month or so. Working on my own homemade agar mix along with one of my professors and what not... so this is very exciting... I've got a long ways to go before I'm successful with my hybridizations though or growing from seed for that matter.

Though, I guess there are some that are much more simple to grow from seed and don't necessarily require the laboratory conditions I'm speaking of above.

[quiltergal]

A good stud plant will meet or exceed the standard criteria for that particular plant in size, color, and form. Hybridizers are always looking for plants that significantly improve a species or existing hybrid, as well as creating something new & unique. Something to consider is new & unique should represent the best of both parents. Some hybrids while they may be new & unique have poor form, bad color, etc . That is a cross that may end up on the compost pile. I think that is why good stud plants are so important. If you start with good breeding lines your odds of getting something decent are much better.

[ron-in-norcal]

Have to say that's one spectacular flower!