Selection of miniature Dendrobium orchids as potential potted plants

A.A. Fadelah

Abstract

In Malaysia, there is a lack of potted orchid hybrids for commercial planting. Therefore, through the breeding programme in MARDI, several potential potted miniature Dendrobium hybrids have been developed. After about 5– 6 years of research, Dendrobium Doctor Sharif (F176.94), Dendrobium Tuanku Fauziah (F78.94), F167.94 and F53.93 were identified as promising potted miniature orchid hybrids. Basically, miniatures are orchid plants that grow no taller than 20 cm, excluding the flower stalk. The result of the research has improved plant growth habit and flower traits of potted orchids as required by consumers. Most of the parents used in the cross combination, such as Dendrobium biggibum, Dendrobium Chao Praya Gem and Dendrobium Chao Praya Gem ‘alba’ are miniature orchids. The other parent hybrids are however, of normal size, such as Dendrobium Peewee, Dendrobium Spellbound Compactum and Dendrobium Nila Inangda. These cross combinations resulted in the development of progenies, with desirable characters of potted orchid plants make ideal houseplants. These potential potted orchid hybrids will be further tissue cultured, so as to ensure the supply of quality planting materials for the industry’s needs.

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