Rossioglossums - Who's got them?

[MrHappyRotter]

Hopefully this is in the right topic area, if not, feel free to move it.

One of the plants on my wish list is Rossioglossum Rawdon Jester (or similar) -- really any similar looking Rossioglossum species or hybrid will satisfy my taste. If you have any suggestions on a specific species or hybrid that you like best, I'm open to suggestions there, too. It just seems like Rawdon Jester is the most commonly available one.

Since I'm primarily a slipper grower, I was thinking in the near future, but not necessarily immediately, I'd like to add one or two of my non-slipper wish items to my collection. This is one of the top non-slippers on my list, but I don't see any decent sources, so I thought maybe someone on the forum could advise me.

Like I said, this isn't necessarily for immediate purchase. I'm in the USA, so I'd be looking for US vendors. Ideally, I'd like a mature size plant, but I don't care if it's a seedling or division. Budget-wise, I'd say $40 with shipping is about the max I'd shell out, but if it's a little over, I'd still consider it.

A cursory Google search didn't turn up any sources that I could tell, other than a multi-hundred dollar division of an awarded clone. I have no interest in spending that kind of money on a guinea pig (I've never grown a Rossioglossum before).

Any ideas of potential sources? Thanks in advance.

[RHF]

Seattle Orchids has grande but a bit out of your price range.

[MrHappyRotter]

Originally Posted by RHF

Seattle Orchids has grande but a bit out of your price range.

Thanks for pointing that out. They're actually one of my bookmarked vendors, but I must not have looked at their site very closely since I clearly missed the Rossioglossum.

Anyway, yes, it's slightly more expensive than I had hoped, but if I get the urge to pull the trigger so to speak and I can't find the Rawdon Jester hybrid, this will do nicely.

[PaphMadMan]

Rawdon Jester is by far the most commonly available Rossioglossum hybrid, and its parents, Rossiglossum grande and Rossioglossum williamsianum, are probably the next most commonly seen plants of the genus. Only hybrids that involve one or both of those species will have the general look you want.

Ros. williamsianum is the most tolerant of warm to hot temperatures of the 3, and Rawdon Jester has some hybrid vigor, so they're probably both better choices than Ros. grande unless you maintain a cool greenhouse or growing area.

I don't know if you ever use eBay, but Rossioglossums do sometimes pop up there. In March a Rawdon Jester in bloom went for $34 including shipping, and just this week a small Bob Hamilton x Rawdon Jester went for $17 including shipping. Some patience watching eBay listings might pay off.

[mjHuntingtonBeach]

They have a Rawdon Jester for $35, it is where I got mine.

Mine:

Rossioglossum Rawdon Jester 'Monte Vista'