2017 ASHS Annual Conference

The breeding objectives with the genus Spathoglottis are to create hybrids with the vigor and hardiness of S. plicata, flowers with the form of S. tomentosa, the size of S. kimballiana, the arrangement of S. affinis and be carried on strong, upright spikes similar to those of S. unguiculata. Flowers of all colors and patterns on plants that bloom profusely over a long season are desired. Plants are to be suitable for landscape uses and as potted flowering plants. In order to accomplish these objectives, hundreds of crosses were made in all combinations with the above mentioned species, in addition to S. plicata alba, S. philippinensis, S. parsonsii and S. vanoberberghii and a few hybrids available from the trade. Over 50,000 flowering hybrid seedlings were evaluated, with the best ones used in the next generation of crosses. The heritability and segregation of various characteristics will be discussed.