Once again, the Asian magicians at 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 we have come to expect, the team at Taisuco is not stingy when it comes to using parental species, and our little elf is no exception, incorporating 16 botanical species of Phalaenopsis, plus one more taxon about which no information exists.
Contemporary with Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper, also a multispecific hybrid, Kobold presents the following parental formula (which includes a hybrid from the Sogo lines two generations back): 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%.
Systematically belonging to the genus Doritaenopsis, Kobold is a cultivar without valid synonyms, awarded in 2009 and twice in 2010.
The long stems, approximately 30 cm, simply branched with the floral petiole inserted directly, stand out for their considerably thin thickness for the Phalaenopsis genus, measuring only 3 - 4 mm. They emerge relatively high on the stem, compared to other Phalaenopsis species or hybrids, at a distance of 2-3 leaves from the crown area, which marks the boundary between the root zone and the aerial zone. The stems are always multiple, present in varying numbers from 2 to 5, based on personal observations. The inflorescence is abundant, bearing between 8 - 14 flowers per stem, with a diameter of about 4 cm when fully open. These stand out due to a waxy appearance, almost glazed, somewhat reminiscent of the texture of Catasetum or Cymbidium flowers.
Distinctive cormatic pattern features a dominant dark burgundy to chocolate background, relatively compact, without shade variations, covering over 90% of the corolla, except for a 1 - 2 mm wide ventral marginal area of 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, disc-shaped spots about 2 mm in diameter, positioned laterally and slightly dorsally relative to the pollinia capsule, in pale violet color. The dorsal side of the entire corolla, including the labellum with long, rounded lateral lobes that frame and exceed half the thickness of the column in height, displays a dirty white coloration with violet shades, except for a marginal area about 3 - 4 mm wide, distributed longitudinally along the entire labellum, except for the single terminal lobe, which lacks filiform appendages, and the two petals.
The well-developed root system is characterized by long, thin yet sturdy 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 mature plant, whose tough texture is reminiscent of hybrids like Papagayo or Taisuco Jasper, but with a glossy and smooth surface. Their dimensions increase progressively, from 5 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width for the first basal leaves, up to 12 - 15 cm in length and 5 cm in width for the apical leaves.
Regarding cultivation parameters, Phalaenopsis Taisuco Kobold shows no differences compared to its sister hybrid, Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper, with which it shares a good proportion of parental species.
Light radiation level should be in the lower to medium range, typical for the Phalaenopsis genus, with values between 8000 and 10000 lux. Ideal temperatures hover around an average of 28 ℃ and can remain constant throughout the year, as no rest periods are required. Regarding watering, a moderate watering frequency is recommended, allowing the surface part to dry before the next watering. Fertilization is 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 medium-grain bark, which can be used mixed with coarse pieces, 1 - 2 cm in diameter, of coconut fiber. Repotting should be done between flowering periods, when root development and growth outside the pots are observed.
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