Phalaenopsis

Abstract

Phalaenopsis is one of the most popular cultivated orchids worldwide. So far, 92 native species and 34,112 hybrids of Phalaenopsis have been registered in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), but only 18 native species are frequently used for breeding. In Phalaenopsis market, large flowers with various colors are most popular. Phal. amabilis and Phal. aphrodite are the major species used for breeding the white-and-large-flower hybrids. The colored hybrids include pink, red-to-purple, green, yellow-to-orange, and black colors, as well as distinct colors in tepals with red lip. For large-and-red flowers, Phal. schilleriana and Phal. sanderiana are the major parent species, whereas Phal. equestris and Phal. pulcherrima are important for the development of the small- and medium-sized red flowers. Members of the subgenus Polychilos are the most important ancestors for yellow-to-orange flowers. More recently, there is an increased interest in plants with white, pink, or yellow colors with red stripes and/or spots. These traits are introduced from Phal. lindenii, Phal. stuartiana, and Phal. amboinensis. Furthermore, harlequin flowers which have clown-like spots and very complicated color patterns are released in the market, as well as hybrids with peloric and Bigfoot flowers. Besides color, scent and (a)biotic stress resistance are becoming important targets in Phalaenopsis breeding.