Hybrids vs Mericlones

[Lin]

When I fall in love with a orchid, it's because of the flower, so I would pick the mericlone. That way you know exactly what you are getting.

But if I had more space, several hybrid seedlings would be fun because you could be the first one to see that particular flower.

[Frdemetr]

Lin, you are completely right, that's it! I intend to buy a specific clone of Cattleya walkeriana, called 'Feiticeira' (Witch), than I have only 2 options: Or I buy a division of a adult plant (~U$ 1,500.00), or a mericlone (~U$ 150.00 BS); it's useless to buy a seedling, it never will bloom identical to 'Feiticeira'. For obvious reason I'll buy a mericlone (if my wife doesn't know, of course)
Frederico

[IdahoOrchid]

Originally Posted by Magnus A

Yes Tindomul1of9, you can get "genetic mistakes" on Mericlones. Random mutation when cells divide will introduce variations that when the proteocorn is divided mechanicaly several times will end up in isolated plants.

Originally Posted by Lin

When I fall in love with a orchid, it's because of the flower, so I would pick the mericlone. That way you know exactly what you are getting.

Lin, with the caveat of the statement made by Magnus, of course. Whatever the chances are, they still exist.

[Rick Barry]

I am usually skeptical when told that a division is from the original plant unless the seller is the original owner of the plant. Once a mericlone matures it is nearly impossible to distinguish from the original, yet the original costs so much more. Buyers beware!

There are some mericloned plants which are truly worthy of purchase, chiefly because they have rarely been equaled in subsequent hybrids. I think a good example is Blc Pamela Hetherington 'Coronation', which has truly stood the test of time.

Mericloning sometimes produces mutated freaks that become famous in their own right. The most famous examples are mutated forms of Phalaenopsis Golden Peoker, which became the basis of the harlequin line of Phals. Another famous mutated clone is Cattleya loddigesii 'Streeter's Choice', which is still considered one of the finest of this species ever produced. The mericloning process can produce some exceptional and unforseen results.

I prefer to buy seedlings, which are often produced from awarded plants and are more likely to represent modern standards. I like the possibility (however remote) that I might be getting a future FCC-quality plant. If not, it's still likely I'll get an average plant by today's standards, and that typically would be better than most 20-year-old awarded plants. In terms of rarity, bear in mind that there is no rarer orchid than a one-of-a-kind seedling, and every seedling is just that, for better or worse. The vast majority of awarded plants were grown from seed, and most were first bloomed by the person receiving the award. There are exceptions, but breeders tend to select their best plants for judging and breeding, so flowering plants offered for sale have effectively already been screened out for judging. True potential lies in unbloomed seedlings.

In conclusion, I recommend buying any orchid that you like, but be wary of paying exhorbitant prices for divisions of 'original' plants. Mericlones usually are much cheaper and just as good, sometimes even better. Seedlings are the rarest plants of all, and a true joy to see bloom for the first time.

Regards,
Rick

[Shadow]

Rick, you are very right.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Rick Barry

Mericlones usually are much cheaper and just as good, sometimes even better. Seedlings are the rarest plants of all, and a true joy to see bloom for the first time.

Regards,
Rick

I had not realized this yet. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Phantasm]

A good example of mericlone mutation is the often reproduced Vuylstekeara Cambria 'Plush'. Some of the mutations have been awarded, such as Vuyl Cambria 'Lensing's Favorite' and others.....
If you look at any vendor display of dozens of mericlones, you will notice that they don't all look the same. Another one is Onc. Sharry Baby 'Sweet Fragrance' ...there is a lot of variation in the mericlones.

On occaision, polyploids will be created from the mericlone process and these will be larger, fuller and better colored flowers than the original. A good example is the mutation of Laelia anceps to create tetraploid versions. This has happened in other genera such as Miltoniopsis, and they have helped to achieve new levels of hybrids.

[Frdemetr]

Rick, Phantasm, thanks for your advices. Anyway, for me (my personal view and behaviour about this), if I fall in love with an orchid, and is impossible ($) to buy a division, I agree 100% with Lin and I'll pick the mericlone.
Frederico