Odontoglossum breeding

Odontoglossum and its allies , Miltonia , Oncidium , etc., from tropical America are especially dear to orchid growers,because they occupy the minimum of space and put forth the most gorgeous of sprays among orchids. Odontoglossum has the added advantage of not being seasonal , with the result that a spray may appear at any time of the year. The flowers of this group possess an astonishing range of colours and curious markings on their perianth parts. Under natural conditions, they occur from sea-level to very high altitudes,but most of the cultivated species are cool-growing .

The various members of the group interbreed freely . The most popular hybrids are x Odontioda (Odontoglossum x Cochlioda ), x Odontonia (Odontoglossum x Miltonia ) and Vulylstekearas (Odontoglossum x Cochlioda x Miltonia ). Odontoglossum has the largest flowers of the group, with a colour range of white , reddish purple , plum as well as yellows and bluishmauve. Cochlioda , particularly , C. noezeliana , has brought to its hybrids, its brilliant red colour , which is very dominant.

Miltonia has contributed not only its large lip but also its wide range of colours from white to brilliant red and luminous crimsons. M. roezelii and M. vexillaria are the two most commonly used parents for Miltonia hybrids .