Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper is another complex hybrid, with numerous botanical species crossed in various proportions, produced by Taisuco in 2009 - perhaps the most renowned Taiwanese company producing Phalaenopsis hybrids - alongside the much better known company Sogo, Jasper is the result of crossing a complex award-winning hybrid (Phal. Sogo Medal) with a botanical species (Phal. Pulcherima).
Although it has been present in cultivation for over 9 years and is highly sought after by amateurs and professionals, Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper has not been used in hybrid creation, compared to the recent Phalaenopsis Taiscuco Yellow Chocolate, from 2017, which is already registered as a parent for Joy Spotted Cat.
With 14 botanical species in its composition, but with disproportionate participation (since Phalaenopsis Pulcherima holds a 50.2% share in this taxon, although phenotypically its presence is not noticeable, except for the typical form of the flowers, more precisely the specific crenellation at the marginal level of the upper petals), the coloration of this hybrid impresses, alternating zonally from strong contrasts between violet and white, even dark purple and fuchsia, at the level of the upper petals, the column, the labellum and its lobes, to diffuse pastels reminiscent of watercolor technique, at the central level of the petals, sepals, and the dorsal area, where they diffuse to yellowish shades or sometimes even ochre.
Its composition includes species with pronounced variegations (Phalaenopsis amboinensis 15.63%, Phalaenopsis fasciata 0.39%, Phalaenopsis hieroghyphica 0.39%), species with dark, obscure coloration, like Phalaenopsis venosa, 12.5%, species from which it inherits and fixes the predominant coloration formed of shades of pink, violet, cyclamen, and white, such as Phalaenopsis amabilis var. amabilis 7.64%, Phalaenopsis Aphrodite 2.97%, Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana 1.95%, Phalaenopsis sanderiana 0.15%, Phalaenopsis schilleriana 0.03%, Phalaenopsis aphroditae 0.01%, Phalaenopsis stuartiana 0.03%, and of course, Phalaenopsis equestris, with 0.15%, from which it receives the small size and the attribute of multiple flowers on branched stems.
The flowers with a diameter of 4.5 cm last for about 2 months, delighting with their special coloration, and the partial sequential blooming that causes the gradual opening of the flowers contributes to the aesthetics of this taxon. If we also add the fact that, like most species of the genus Phalaenopsis and implicitly their hybrids, multiple bloomings occur annually, we can appreciate that we will admire this taxon in all its splendor for at least 4 months a year.
With a medium size, and a preference for terrestrial stations and occasionally epiphytic, according to the preferences of the parental species, with monopodial growth, and thick, leathery leaves, naturally forming basal keikis, as a result of the massive percentage weight of the species Phalaenopsis (ex. Doritis) pulcherrima, Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper impresses not only with its uniquely colored flowers, a defining feature of Asian lines and especially Taiwanese ones, but also with its robustness and compact habit.
It can tolerate conditions of strong light intensity, unlike other species of the genus, with values reaching up to 18000 lux. The tolerance for high light intensity is also evident at the level of thermal values, where the upper limit can rise to 32 ℃, an aspect that brings this taxon closer to the conditions required for the related genus Vanda, compared to the cultivation methodology generally applied for Phalaenopsis.
Proper watering for this hybrid will follow the already known routine for the genus, done weekly, provided the substrate is allowed to dry between waterings. Likewise, fertilization does not pose special problems, being done gradually throughout the year, every 3rd or 4th watering, but care must be taken that immediately after fertilization watering, abundant washing of the substrate is allowed to remove excess fertilizer, which can deposit as crystals on the roots, causing chemical burns. Depending on preferences, watering and fertilization can be intensified during the warm season, to be reduced later at the onset of the winter season, when the low temperature and light levels do not allow nutrients to be metabolized as efficiently, thus slowing growth.
The tolerance of this hybrid is relatively generalized, enduring minimum humidity values between 55 - 60%.
The recommended growing medium will consist of fine-grained bark, with up to 1 part to 4-5 parts of coconut peat, coconut fiber, sand, or charcoal, to ensure proper drainage and efficient aeration of the substrate and roots. As inorganic alternatives to amendments that can be added to the substrate, there are also expanded ceramic balls and pumice stone, of medium to large granulation (0.5 - 1 cm diameter).
Changing the containers will be done at the start of growth, when the roots tend to grow outside the pot, a moment that indicates the appropriate season for repotting has begun, and intervention can be made accordingly, generally after the flowering period has ended. Since Phalaenopsis Taisuco Jasper has the characteristic of easily forming basal keikis, it is recommended to propagate it by dividing the pups from the mother plant once root formation is observed.
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