Once again, the Asian magicians from Taisuco amaze us with a new hybrid from 2008, in which numerous botanical species contribute chromatically and morphologically to create a new taxon with a storybook name and desert colors - Phalaenopsis Taisuco Kobold.
As they have accustomed us, those from Taisuco are not stingy when it comes to using parental species, and our little elf is no exception, incorporating 16 botanical species of Phalaenopsis, to which another taxon is added, about which there is no information.
Contemporary with Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper, also a multispecific hybrid, Kobold presents the following parental formula (in which a hybrid from the Sogo lines slipped in two generations ago): Phalaenopsis equestris 31.03%, from which it probably inherits floral abundance - but not flower size - Phalaenopsis venosa 12.5%, easily identifiable in the corolla's coloration and diameter, Phalaenopsis amabilis 11.54%, Phalaenopsis amabilis subsp. amabilis 10.52%, Phalaenopsis gigantean 6.25%, Phalaenopsis aphrodite 6.17%, Phalaenopsis lueddemaniana 0.24%, Phalaenopsis amboinensis 4.22%, Phalaenopsis stuartiana 2.85%, Phalaenopsis schilleriana 2.7%, Phalaenopsis sanderiana 2.2%, Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica 1.56%, Phalaenopsis fasciata 1.56%, Phalaenopsis Aphrodite subsp. Formosana 0.52%, Phalaenopsis sumatrana 0.39%, unknown data 0.06%, Phalaenopsis pulcherima 0.05%.
Belonging systematically to the genus Doritaenopsis, Kobold is a cultivar without valid synonyms, awarded in 2009 and twice in 2010.
The long stems of about 30 cm, simply branched, with the floral petiole inserted directly, stand out for their considerably thin thickness for the Phalaenopsis genus, having only 3 - 4 mm. They emerge relatively superior on the stem, compared to other Phalaenopsis species or hybrids, at 2-3 leaves distance from the collar zone, which marks the root zone from the aerial one. The stems are always multiple, present in variable numbers, from 2 to 5, according to personal observations. The inflorescence is rich, bearing between 8 - 14 flowers per stem, with a diameter of about 4 cm at full opening. These stand out for a waxy appearance, almost glazed, somewhat reminiscent of the texture of Catasetum or Cymbidium flowers.
Distinctive cormatic features a dominant dark maroon to chocolate background, relatively compact, without shade variations, covering over 90% of the corolla, except for a marginal ventral zone of 1 - 2 mm width on the petals, sepals, and labellum, which shows a white-yellowish coloration turning to intense yellow as the flower matures. At the column level, the coloration is completely white, except for two diffuse and discoidal spots about 2 mm in diameter, positioned laterally and slightly dorsally relative to the pollinia capsule, of pale violet color. The dorsal side of the entire corolla, including the labellum with long, rounded lateral lobes that frame and exceed in height half the thickness of the column, shows a dirty white coloration with violet shades, except for a marginal zone about 3 - 4 mm wide, distributed longitudinally over the entire labellum, except for the single terminal lobe, lacking filiform appendages, and the two petals.
The well-developed root system is characterized by long and thin but robust roots, with a diameter of 4 - 5 mm, much smaller than expected for a medium-sized phalaenopsis hybrid. The foliage is well represented, with 8 - 14 leaves per adult plant, whose hard texture recalls hybrids like Papagayo or Taisuco Jasper, but with a glossy and smooth surface. Their dimensions vary ascendingly, from 5 cm length and 2.5 cm width for the first basal leaves, up to 12 - 15 cm length and 5 cm width for the apical leaves.
Regarding cultivation parameters, Phalaenopsis Taisuco Kobold does not differ from its sister hybrid, Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper, with which it shares a good proportion of parental species.
The light radiation level will be in the lower to medium range, typical of the Phalaenopsis genus, with values between 8000 and 10000 lux. Ideal temperatures fluctuate around an average of 28 ℃ and can remain constant throughout the year, as no rest periods are required. Regarding water administration, a moderate watering frequency is recommended, preferring the drying of the surface part before the next watering. Fertilizations are recommended every 3rd or 4th watering, provided that subsequent irrigation after fertilization is thorough to remove any fertilizer crystal deposits on the roots, which can cause chemical burns.
The ideal growing medium is represented by medium-grain bark, which can be used mixed with coarse pieces, 1 - 2 cm in diameter, of coconut fiber. Changing the growing containers will be done between flowering times, when the development and growth of roots outside the pots is observed.
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