Asahi image Copyright Evelyn Drew


Hybridizing with Phalaenopsis Species
by Bill Livingston

Phalaenopsis violacea

Flowers of the East Malaysian form, referred to as P. violacea, include carnation, purple, magenta, rose-magenta, and rose-carmine colors. Flowers have pleasingly star-shaped rather than full-shaped segments, with some flowers showing a 3/8 inch very dark green outer edge on all segments. Flowers have a very pleasant fragrance, but this fragrance is not passed on to its hybrids unless the other parent is fragrant too. Phalaenopsis violacea from Borneo has been renamed P. bellina; it has been used widely over the years in hybridizing, and has contributed as much, if not more, than the Malaysian P. violacea has to hybrids registered as having P. violacea as a parent. Phalaenopsis bellina gives its progeny heavier substance.



This article which has been reprinted here with permission, originally appeared in the Volume 66, Number 4 edition of Orchid Digest, (Oct-Dec 2002), which is a Special Edition that highlights Phalaenopsis, and also features an excellent article on Phal culture by the Tuskes. The Phalaenopsis Special Edition of Orchid Digest can be ordered from Orchid Digest for $22. Highly recommended.

This article, all of its sections and accompanying photographs
are copyright 2002 by Orchid Digest Corporation.


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Robert Bedard Horticulture • Scotts Valley, CA • (831) 439-9484
All content ©2005 by Robert Bedard. Last update: 12/10/05
Dtps. Asahi Image Copyright Evelyn Jenkins Drew