What is the difference between a mericlone and a hybrid orchid?
A mericlone is an exact clone of an outstanding hybrid which in most cases is an exact duplicate of the original plant. A hybrid seedling may show many variations from it’s siblings. One may take more of certain traits from one parent, another from the other, & some may possess more of a blending of parental traits. One breeder has said that the ratio of flower color in Phal offspring is as follows: 20% will be the same as one parent, 20% will be the same as the other, & 60% will be a combination of the two. So although mericlones are a little more expensive, they are the best way of assuring that you get the flower color you want. Alternatively, some seek the unbloomed hybrids for the purpose of finding a flower which has never been seen before & which could perhaps be awardable.
