Downsizing Multifloral Paphiopedilum Hybrids

AnTec Laboratory - Bob & Lynn Wellenstein

While multifloral Paph. hybrids can have some of the most spectacular flowers in the genus, the plant size can be quite daunting unless you have a good sized greenhouse. There are some breeding strategies that will allow you to produce plants of compact to moderate size, while still retaining relatively large and striking flowers. Even if you are not hybridizing, knowing these strategies can help you in selecting plants.

Multifloral Sections of Paphiopedilum

Coryopedilum
Pardalopetalum
Cochlopetalum

We will deal with the true multiflorals here, excluding the sequential multiflorals in section cochlopetalum.

The following chart shows some measurements taken of various plants in our greenhouse in section Corypetalum. All measurements are in centimeters. The first column is the range of length of a lower leaf of several plants representing plant size, the second column being the mean length in centimeters. The next column is a flower size index utilizing significant flower measurements such as petal length, petal width and dorsal width, with the next being the mean of several plants again. And the final column is a ratio of the plant to flower size, with the lower the number the larger the flowers relative to the plant size. Paph. sanderianum's exceedingly long petals give it the best ratio, although the plants are not necessarily very compact. The real candidates for miniature multifloral breeding appear to be Paph. adductum, Paph. wilhelminae and at least the more compact forms of Paph. philippinense.

Plant vs Flower Size in Corypetalum

Section Coryopetalum
Plant	leaf length	mean	flower	mean	ratio
Paph. rothschildianum	22-47	37.8	24.6-27.9	26.1	1.5
Paph. sanderianum	34-42	37.3	55.4-86.5	71.7	0.5
Paph. glanduliferum	21-30	25.0	16.1-22.2	19.9	1.3
Paph. wilhelminae	12-18	15.2	13.2-17.7	15.2	1.0
Paph. adductum	14-22	17.5	17.4-22.2	19.8	0.9
Paph. stonei	36-49	42.7	22.2-25.8	24.4	1.8
Paph. randsii	28-34	31.0	10.3-12.8	11.6	2.7
Paph. supardii	32-41	36.0	16.6-18.1	17.3	2.1
Paph. kolopakingii	44-60	51.3	15.6-20.1	17.9	2.9
Paph. philippinense	18-32	26.8	20.7-28.0	24.3	1.1

Paph. philippinense
There appear to be basically two flower types of this species available to hybridizers: the first has somewhat shorter petals carried more or less horizontally, and with relatively less twisting of the petals along their length; the second type is known as the variety 'robelenii' , (sometimes erroneously referred to as Paphiopedilum robelenii), and which has considerably longer petals, some approaching nearly 30cm in length, and with typically greater amounts of twisting along the length of the petals. Additionally, sporadic collections of this species have yielded decidedly miniaturized plants; regrettably, the inflorescences and flowers were small, few in number, and substandard as well. Paph. philippinenese is probably best known for bringing greatly increased petal length to its hybrids, along with floriferousness. Drawbacks with Paph. philippinense can sometimes include a reduction in dorsal width, increased plant size, (although this aspect can be offset with appropriate use of large flowered/small growth plants of the species) and a narrowed or horizontally compressed aspect of the progeny. Color-wise, Paph. philipinense is very amenable to working with the other parent plant to produce an attractive flower, and often will bring ochre or pale gold colors to its hybrids. As one of the better prospects for the miniaturizing of multiflorals, Paph. philipinense does seem to produce large flowered progeny, which tend to flower on plants smaller than itself, thus making this species a very useful one for the hybridizer concerned with plant size.

Paph. Vipanii

A delightful 'reduction' in color, as well as in plant size, occurs when Paph. philippinense is crossed with Brachypetalum parents: the ochre and gold tones disappear and instead there is created a pearly white flower brushed and tinted pale to medium rose pink with occasional darker patterning in rose as well. Hybrids of Paph. philippinense made with the Brachys are of course much smaller in size than the coryopetalum parent, and while first bloom seedlings will probably not carry more than one flower and a tiny bud on the inflorescence, mature plants should easily carry 2-4 flowers, depending on the quality of the parents used in the cross. Here we see the results of Paph. (niveum x philippinense) which is registered as Paph. Vipanii. Plant size is scarcely double the size of the Brachy parent, and the flowers are richly colored, with well held petals.

Paph. Michael Tibbs

An exciting Parvi hybrid made with Paph. philippinense is Paph. Michael Tibbs. The extraordinary coloring of the parvi parent comes shining through, as well as some minimal red patterning from the Paph. philippinense. This clone carried an unbelievable four flowers as a first bloom seedling on a plant scarely 8 inches across!

Paph. Clinkaberryanum

Other promising avenues include crossing Paph. philippinense with plants from the section Barbata to produce hybrids with glossy red coloring, wider dorsals, and flatter and wider petals. Shown here is Paph. Clinkaberryanum (x superbiens). These hybrids also have attractively mottled leaves to add to their appeal.
The aureum clones of Paph. philippinense have contributed their color and form to at least two fine miniature multiflorals: Paph. Mandarin Dragon (x Oriental Mystique) and Paph. Green Horizon (x Makuli). Note the broad and flat dorsals in both of these clones, as well as the increased petal width. Note too the surprising difference in petal carriage between these two hybrids, one of which features downswept petals and the other holding the petals almost outstretched. Neither of these two plants, even when mature, are larger than a typical Maudiae type Paph.

Paph. Mandarin Dragon

Paph. Green Horizon

Paph. randsii
Little use has been made of this extremely uncommon multifloral, and it is too soon to say whether it will pass along its reputation as a difficult plant to grow in cultivation. There is work to be done with this species if quality parent plants of it can be found and that are sturdy enough to be bred with, as its most interesting aspect—that of having 7 flowers or more open at once on a relatively compact inflorescence-- has not been exploited. One intriguing avenue to explore would be to breed Paph. randsii with other multiflorals, perhaps Paph. adductum, or Paph. philipinense, or Paph. wilhelminae, then cross the resulting progeny with plants from the subsection Brachypetalum to increase flower fullness and improve shape, while retaining reduced plant size and floriferousness. Colorwise, flowers of this species are somewhat uninspired in shades of dull green and cream accentuated with sparse maroon striping. This could mean, however, that the other parent could more easily dominate hybrids from Paph. randsii, especially if paired with more brilliantly colored plants from the parvisepalum section, or the smaller growing species in section coryopetalum. Petals of Paph. randsii are the shortest of the section Coryopetalum and tend to elbow out and down from the flowers, and petals from some clones occasionally cross underneath the flower, and this is a characteristic that should be selected away from wherever possible.

Paph. sanderianum
This species, of all the multiflorals, gives the most bang for the buck overall when comparing plant size to flower size. The spectacle of one of these plants carry 5 flowers with their 3 foot long petals twirling around the plant is unforgettable. While progeny from Paph. sanderianum can be expected to have a narrowed flower aspect—including an elongated and narrowed dorsal and synsepal,-- plant size-- at least on first generation hybrids-- has been reduced and often –but not always!--petal length has been substantially greater than one would expect, although not quite reaching the length of the Paph. sanderianum parent. Furthermore, Paph. sanderianum hybrids can also be said to display their flowers generally well-spaced along the length of the inflorescence. Often, colors in honey brown and amber are transmitted to the progeny of this species, as are frequently the attractive dorsal spotting and striping, especially when paired with a similarly marked parent. Originally, when imported plants of Paph. sanderianum were seen it was thought that could have only 2 to 3 flowers to the inflorescence, but better culture and maturity of the plants have shown that most clones can easily produce 4 flowers and often 5
and this is of course another desirable feature which can only enhance its hybrids.

Paph. kolopakingii
While having a floriferous nature when well grown, most clones of this species also have the unfortunate habit of being gargantuan in leaf size and leaf span when compared to the rest of its genus. Although we have seen several hybrids of Paph. kolopakingii bloom on much smaller plants than expected, it is unlikely that this species will prove beneficial to the hybridizer concerned with space over the long run. Although flowers of this species also have a somewhat narrowed and hooded appearance, and colors seem generally confined to those in the green and ochre-cinnamon range, with the white parts being nearly transparent, it seems to be quite receptive to the color and form of the other parent. While an interesting and moderately attractive species in its own right, this is probably not a plant to be used when one is concerned about plant size or speed of growth.

Paph. stonei
Overall, this species has proven to contribute to its hybrid progeny flowers of good size and interesting color, along with broad whitish dorsals and rosy tinted pouches. Petal length can vary between 10 and 16 cm and generally its hybrids inherit a good length of petal as well. One drawback in using Paph. stonei is a tendency to produce in its hybrids flowers with a dorsal that does not stand a full 90 degrees away from the lip of the flower, producing a somewhat more closed appearance to the flower, although this of course can vary according to the parent plants that are used. Addtionally, its progeny can be disappointingly slow to reach flowering size, although this too could be ameliorated with the proper use of the second parent plant.

Paph. Bianka

Paph. adductum
One of the bigger surprises in terms of flower to plant size of the coryopetalum group is this delightful and, I believe, considerably under-appreciated species. Individual clones can range from quite compact to medium in size, and the better clones carry 3-4 good sized flowers, well spaced on the inflorescence. While Paph. adductum holds great promise as an exceedingly useful species in the quest for size reduction, it also has proven to be a valuable plant that can contribute a surprising richness of color to its progeny, when the better clones are used as parents.

Paph. Weltz Ballad

Run of the mill plants have pale straw colored flowers, lined in near translucent greens and dingy reds, but the best and most desirable clones can have dorsals that range from being densely barred to nearly solid port-wine colored at their apex, and with rich, forest green shades basally, creating a luminous and luxurious harmony of intense color. As might be expected, these superiour clones are not common, but when used as parents, they exert a colorful influence toward their progeny's flowers, as in the four flowered Paph. Bianka (x glaucophyllum), and Paph Predacious (x glanduliferum.). When paired with a Brachy parent, Paph. adductum tends to even further miniaturize the size of the hybrid plant while accentuating the red end of the spectrum, as in Paph. Weltz Ballad (x bellatulum), Paph. Peppermint (x niveum), and Paph. Deejay Originals (x concolor). What the slides of the aforementioned plants do not show are the considerable compact nature of these plants, along with their attractive leaf mottling. While not as reduced in size as some of the other Paph. adductum hybrids I have shown you, Paph. Johanna Burkhardt (x rothschildianum) and Paph. Low Hum (x lowii)—here pictured as a first bloom seedling—certainly hold promise for second generation hybridizing and beyond, for their attractive flowers and somewhat reduced plant size.

Paph. Peppermint

At any rate, while not as floriferous as some of its Coryopetalum relatives, and having a tendency to narrow petals on some of its hybrids, I feel that serious hybridizers should not overlook the positive attributes that Paph. adductum has to offer its progeny, when looking for floriferousness, along with color and size of flowers and the plant.

Paph. glanduliferum
Originally registered as Paph. praestans, this is a small to medium sized species that boasts 3-5 relatively large flowers in ivory, gold and ochre tones. Flowers are large vertically while rather compressed horizontally, and with tightly twisted, pendant petals.

Paph. Low Hum

The flower shape, along with petal carriage, and their twisted aspect, is passed along to the first generation progeny to a strong degree, which can be a positive or negative attribute, depending on one's expectations. In addition to the capability of this species to reduce plant size, growths are also often closer together and with several starts. Plants of Paph. Manahawkin (x Maudiae), a modestly sized hybrid of this species, can bear 2-3 flowers whose shape is perhaps less attractive than one would hope, whereas Paph. Edna Ratcliffe (x Saint Swithin) has more conventionally attractive flowers, although plant size has not been as reduced. Still, we feel that this species has much to offer in reducing plant size, and perhaps less to offer colorwise.

Paph. wilhelminae
Also occasionally referred to as Paph. glanduliferum var. wilhelminae, and Paph. gardinerii, this diminutive relative of Paph. glanduliferum

Paph. Sable Knight

has many characteristics which recommend it to the hybridizer's quest, although it has been in Paph. glanduliferum's shadow for most of this century. Extremely small plant size-- when compared to the rest of the section-- is the hallmark of this species, and most mature clones in our experience can easily grow, flower and remain in 3 ½ inch pots. (In fact, underpotting is one of the requirements to growing this species, and its hybrids, successfully.) Flowering size plants often have leaves no longer than 5 inches, while inflorescences rarely tower over 12 inches in overall length. While rigid in its flower color of mahogany/cherry red patterning arranged on an ivory background, flowers are usually quite glossy, of good to excellent substance, and with attractive shape, although the dorsal on some clones can have a tendency to be hooded. Petals can be quite twisted along their length, although some clones are less so.

Paph. Oklahoma

Probably the most obvious drawback to using this species in one's hybridizing program are the narrow petals, and the small overall size of the flowers. This lack of flower size can be passed on to its progeny, depending on the other parent used. Probably one of the most popular and stunning hybrid from this little used species is the wonderful grex of Paph. Susan Booth. Originally made with the nominate form of Paph. glanduliferum, it was remade with Paph. wilhelminae and garnered many well deserved awards at AOS judging. Plants of this hybrid are intermediate in size between both parents, with surprisingly large and richly colored flowers well carried on long inflorescences. Paph. Sable Knight is (Vintner's Treasure x wilhelminae), and has flowers that combine the best features of both flowers: deep coloring, glossiness, good substance, and although the slide shows just a first bloom seedling, adult plants produce 2-3 flowers per inflorescence. This hybrid has the added bonus of being decidedly compact in size.

Paph. Rose Regency

While Paph. Oklahoma was originally made with the nominate form of Paph. glanduliferum, here is a slide showing the hybrid made with Paph. wilhelminae. Flowers are an unusual, glossy and rich chestnut with cherry overtones on a creme background. Note that the petals have slowly, symmetrically twisted petals which does not detract from the overall attractiveness of the flower. Paph. Prim-N-Proper (x primulinum) and Paph. (liemianum x wilhelminae) are nice examples of using a Cochlopetalum parent with the Paph. wilhelminae. Their coloring is richly expressed, and while overall flower size is not large, and flower count is only 2-3 per inflorescence, they have a certain charm all their own. The slide of Paph. Rose Regency (x micranthum) shows a first bloom seedling produced on a plant barely 4 inches across, so we feel there is still some promise for this unusual cross once plants gain some maturity. Another very pretty and exciting hybrid is Paph. Wossner Armenglan, which in this case is (armeniacum x wilhelminae).

Paph. Wossner Armenglan

These are delightful miniature plants that produce beautiful large flowers marked with dark rose, often 2 and sometimes 3 to the inflorescence, on extremely small plants - the plant spread often smaller than that of the flowers.

Paph. rothschidianum
One immediately thinks of very large and unwieldy plants when discussing this species, but there are clones of Paph. rothschildianum that are compact growers and, when flower quality is also present, these should be the parents of choice when one is embarking upon a program of producing moderately size multiflorals. However, even when normally sized clones of this species are used as parent plants, the progeny often can reach a flowering size that is less than that of Paph. rothschildianum. This species is also known to contribute floriferousness to its hybrids, even when crossed with plants from the Brachypetalum or Parvisepalum group (Paph. Harold Koopowitz—x Paph. malipoense). Paph. rothschildianum also imparts strong inflorescences, good substance and saturated color to its hybrids. Modestly sized and well colored hybrids of this spectacular species include Paph. Delrosi (x delenatii), Paph. Houghtoniae (x haynaldianum), and Genevieve Booth (x Mount Toro), among many others.

Paph. supardii
While most have overlooked this species because of its curiously twisted and twirled petals, slow growth, and tendency to large plant size, it is probable that when paired with a more modestly sized parent plant, there would likely be some colorful progeny that could flower on smaller plants. Paph. supardii does, after all, offer good substance, large flower size, floriferousness (seven flowered clones are not uncommon when well grown), and pleasing color in shades of brick red and lemon yellow. The cross of Paph. (sanderianum x supardii) is surprisingly attractive with its moderately long petals lacking the twisting aspect of the Paph. supardii; color was a pleasant blending of both parents. Judicious use of this species as a parent for modestly sized progeny could indeed prove fruitful over the long term.

Members of Section Pardolopetalum

Section Pardalopetalum
Plant	leaf length cm	mean	flower size	mean	ratio
Paph. lowii	39-58	49.0	17.1-21.9	18.6	2.6
Paph. parishii	32-48	39.5	17.5-20.9	19.1	2.1
Paph. dianthum	22-34	26.4	18.0-19.0	18.6	1.4
Paph. lynniae	17-32	22.0	13.4-14.1	13.8	1.6
Paph. haynaldianum	25-43	34.3	15.3-19.6	17.6	1.9

Paph. haynaldianum
Plant size seems to be quite variable within this species, with the majority of the population probably falling in the moderate to large size of the spectrum, although smallish and compact clones are known. Probably best known for transmitting to its hybrids its distinctive patterning of the dorsal, with its elongated spots and stripes, Paph. haynaldianum can also transmit its floriferousness as most clones easily carry 5 flowers or more per stem, and its large flower size. On the other side of the coin, often the slightly elbowed out and drooping petals can be carried to its hybrids, as well as its open form and very long inflorescence, and dorsals in its hybrids can often be narrowed basally . Too, the rather pale and subdued coloring of Paph. haynaldianum can frequently carry through to its hybrids.
However, considerable reduction of plant size can be seen even when Paph. haynaldianum is paired with Paph. rothschildianum as in Paph. Houghtoniae, and with Paph. stonei as in Paph. Eva Weigner. These two hybrids, in addition to being bred from 2 large hybrids and being modestly sized, also sport striking patterning and very pleasant colors which highly recommend them to slipper enthusiasts with limited space who still love the multiflorals. When the alba varieties of Paph. haynaldianum and Paph. primulinaum are combined, the lovely Paph. Henrietta Fujiwara is created. First bloom seedlings of this cross can easily produce 4 good sized, yellow and creme

Paph. lowii
Plants of this highly variable species can frequently be of imposing size, with quite long leaves and a floppy habit to the plant, and can often take 5 or more years to reach flowering size. These are, of course, not desireable habits when one is considering breeding toward downsizing the multiflorals. In the hybridizer's plus column of Paph. lowii is its deep coloring, especially on the petal tips, its floriferousness, and its strong inflorescence.

Paph. parishii
This species has a tendency to compactness in plant size, along with a floriferous nature, often holding 7-9 flowers open at once on its strong inflorescence. Flower color is quite limited, being composed of green and creme along with glossy, dark maroon petals. Hybrids from this species can also unfortunately inherit the rather pinched aspect to the dorsal and synsepal (ventral sepal), and the narrow overall aspect of the flower's presentation. This species, and some its hybrids, can also be slow to mature to flowering size, and less likely to produce multiple leads than other hybrids.

Paph. dianthum
Flowers of this close relative to Paph. parishii have many of that species' same attributes and drawbacks, with the added minus of carrying considerably fewer flowers per inflorescence. Color range, too, is limited to green and creme.

Paph. lynniae
This newly recognized species has not yet any been used to our knowledge to produce any hybrids, but we feel that it could hold some promise for producing miniature multiflorals. Flower count is variable, but the better clones to date have carried 4-5 flowers well spaced on an abbreviated inflorescence. Plant size is quite compact, and plants also seem to produce multiple leads once the plant is mature and established. While color is not this species strong point, it does offer the hybridizer a good count of flowers per the size of the plant.

Paph. richardianum
Although it can be said that they are attractively colored, flowers of this species are unreasonably small considering what its close relatives have offer, and the petal carriage, stance, and number of flowers does not merit this species much attention when one strives to produce large flowers on small plants.

Bob & Lynn Wellenstein
AnTec Laboratory
P.O. Box 65
Candor, NY 13743 USA
607 659-3330
http://ladyslipper.com
copyright 1998 AnTec Laboratory
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