We are thrilled to offer this amazing seed-grown F1 strain of Phal. bellina var. murtoniana from Mr. Yang Yang of Prince Orchids. Phal. bellina var. murtoniana ‘Prince’ is his best and most colorful clone—almost the entire flower is purple. By selfing this clone, its seedlings will be very uniform and retain the best traits of the parent, i.e., brilliant color, unique flower shape, and strong fragrance. Plants are showing species vigor, highly scented, and more pest and disease resistant than the standard form.
Phal. bellina var. murtoniana comes from a wild strain of Phal. bellina found in Kalimantan (the Indonesian portion of the Island of Borneo), where it grows in shady, humid, lowland and swampy riverine forests low down on trees often near or on branches overhanging stream banks at elevations up to 700 feet. It is a hot growing epiphyte with large 8-in long round shiny green leaves and a short pendulous, inflorescence. Phal. bellina thrives in warm to hot temperatures, bright light, high humidity, good air circulation, regular watering and fertilizing. It has a multiple spiking growth habit. It will bloom from older, mature spikes for several years as well as new spikes. Do not cut the spike unless it is brown and dry. It is a sequential bloomer, flowering alternately on either side of the spike. Can be grown on a bright windowsill or under lights. Excellent for growing outdoors in hot and humid climates where winters are frost free. Can be grown potted or mounted. Will need more frequent watering if mounted as it tends to dry quicker. Let dry slightly between thorough watering. It does not need a winter rest.
The murtoniana variety is highly prized by collectors, hobbyists and hybridizers in Southeast Asia! Its flowers exhibit slender petals that reach up rather than horizontal, almost as if it has its “hands up” being “under arrest.” The petals are narrow and resemble the Chinese character for fire "火”, and thus it is also known as the “fire character form.” This form is highly colorful and even more fragrant than the regular form. This sibling cross carries tremendous wild species vigor, not seen in typical Phal. bellina breeding. Our photo shows a first bloom seedling, in just a 2.5” pot, with an abundant suffusion of its rich lavender flush on all of the segments. This strain has proven to be as faster grower than the tetraploid Phal. bellina, which has been in-breed to a high degree in the USA.
The last American Orchid Society award on this form was an Award of Merit in Dallas, TX during late 1970s. This form was never seen again after the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was established. We are committed to reintroducing this (and other) species from their native country and try to keep its genetic strain as much as possible. This is a “must have” for any novelty Phal breeding program. Highly Recommended for the species collector and lovers of fragrant orchids!
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