by wolfman » Mon Nov 25, 2024 4:11 pm
So true, Richard - that is exactly the big problem we have here in Oz; the true Odontoglossum afficionados are literally dying out, not too many youngsters are taking up the hobby (and of those only a very small fraction can be bothered with Odont.s), and commercially “the classics” are difficult to market due to their cool climate requirements. But I am very hopeful that in a “post-Hawaiian hybrid era” the WT creations of Bob, Andy and others will ring in a renaissance of classic-looking Odontoglossums that are easy to cultivate - they truly deserve it.
In addition, even in the orchid world fashion is cyclical - just look at the classic complex “bulldog” Paph.a: hot property in the 70ies and 80ies, then completely going out of fashion in favour of species, primary and rothschildianum hybrids, vinicolours, Maudiae-types, etc etc and finally today the complex Paph. hybrid is reappearing in nurseries, greenhouses and on window sills of the eager hobbyist. And on average the quality you can get today is far superior to that of the past due to the availability of superior selections. So I am hopeful and convinced that the same will happen with Odontoglossums.
Fingers crossed ….
So true, Richard - that is exactly the big problem we have here in Oz; the true Odontoglossum afficionados are literally dying out, not too many youngsters are taking up the hobby (and of those only a very small fraction can be bothered with Odont.s), and commercially “the classics” are difficult to market due to their cool climate requirements. But I am very hopeful that in a “post-Hawaiian hybrid era” the WT creations of Bob, Andy and others will ring in a renaissance of classic-looking Odontoglossums that are easy to cultivate - they truly deserve it.
In addition, even in the orchid world fashion is cyclical - just look at the classic complex “bulldog” Paph.a: hot property in the 70ies and 80ies, then completely going out of fashion in favour of species, primary and rothschildianum hybrids, vinicolours, Maudiae-types, etc etc and finally today the complex Paph. hybrid is reappearing in nurseries, greenhouses and on window sills of the eager hobbyist. And on average the quality you can get today is far superior to that of the past due to the availability of superior selections. So I am hopeful and convinced that the same will happen with Odontoglossums.
Fingers crossed ….