Phaleonopsis KS Happy Eagle X Princess Kailuani is not a new hybrid to start. Firstly because it has been around since the KS Happy Eagle has been introduced in 2009 and taking the spotlight with a storm.
But it is new in terms of novelty especially in Europe, mostly because it took a few years to get the first hybrids done and then to continue the work. But the hybrid didn't get a permanent name like so many others did. Why? Because genetics can be very tricky in terms of non clonned phalaeonopsis and the variability of the flowers meant there would be naming problems.
But in the world of the orchid grower variability is a blessing.
I absolutely love this hybrid because of its variety, vigour and fragrance. Having two plants from a different batch I can say there is many differences in their size, leaf shape and so on. But each one of the sisters (heck because they are Princesses) is so different and the colours are so saturated they are quite difficult to capture by the camera lens.
The flowers are covered by a shimmering layer that reflects the light, a bit like a butterfly wing would have. Therefore depending on the source of light they can look dramatically different.
One of my hybrids is vivid orange like sunburst with a red pattern and inner circles, and it's sister is amazingly strawberry red with just a pencil splash of yellow on two side petals., if the light source is behind the flowers will seem like is glowing, if it's from the front it seems over saturated.
Bizzare yet beautiful.
But also as I mentioned there is a plant to plant difference. The sunburst one has bigger softer foliage, the flower spike is more pendant on a shorter, stubbier spike. The flowers are sequential meaning there is never more than 2 flowers open at the same time.
With the strawberry sister it looks that the spikes are more rigid and upright, with flower buds developing so much faster.
There is also the question of fragrance. The Sunburst one smells of green floral and citruses, im yet to see what is the red one about.
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