Phal. Yungho Princess Gelb, a plant that is virtually unknown to most North American phalaenopsis growers, is quickly becoming a "must have" plant for the serious Phalaenopsis breeders around. As can be seen from the pedigree below right, this hybrid is basically a P. amboinensis with a small dose of P. micholitzii and a slightly larger dose of P. violacea. The hybrid was registered in 1995 by Yung Ho Orchid Nursery as a hybrid of P. Yungho Gelbliambo and P. Princess Kaiulani.

P. Gelblieber was registered in 1984 by T. Brown for A. Kolopaking as the primary hybrid between P. micholitzii and P. amboinensis. The only

The hybrid between P. Gelblieber and P. amboinensis was registered in 1995 by Yung Ho Orchid Nursery as P. Yungho Gelbliambo. Statistically, this hybrid is ¾ P. amboinensis which both lengthens the P. Gelblieber inflorescence and increases the flower count. Very few, if any, plants of this hybrid have made it to North America, although it is probable that this hybrid will be remade.

The breeding of P. Yungho Gelbliambo to P. Princess Kaiulani to produce P. Yungho Princess Gelb produced a wide range of results. Several clones of the resulting hybrid, P. Yungho Princess Gelb are available from Taiwan. Many are very pretty but the ‘Huei Fong’ clone is probably the best of the available clones. It can have an arching inflorescence with a good number of highly colored flowers perfectly arranged on the inflorescence.

P. Yungho Princess Gelb has been used sparsely in breeding and yet it is quickly becoming a necessity for all hybridizers and a parent to watch for by people buying quality plants for awards. The registered hybrids to date are:

All the above hybrids marked with an asterisk have awarded progeny. P. Bright Peacock is remarkable in that the hybrid was made originally with P. Golden Peoker ‘Brother’ which produced the ‘Ethel Goldberg’, AM clone and then remade with a mutated P. Golden Peoker to produce P. Bright Peacock ‘Lee’, AM, which clearly shows signs of the mutated parent. P. Brother Dynasty has one clone awarded at the Miami Show with only 3 flowers: but what flowers!

P. Sogo Cock is in a class by itself. The result of breeding P. Yungho Princess Gelb back to its parent P. Princes Kaiulani and then crossing the resulting hybrid, P. Sogo Kaiulani, to P. Sogo Peak (Super Stupid x Brother Peak). In addition to an Award of Quality, this grex has produced several remarkable clones including at least 4 with AOS awards.

One clone of the hybrid P. Princess Flame (Kung’s Flame x Yungho Princess Gelb) has made it into general circulation. It is the ‘Huei Fong’ clone and is one of the best reds ever seen by me. The plant has received an HCC/AOS, although a better plant may get an improved award.

There are several hybrids with P. Yungho Princess Gelb in the works. We have bred it to P. Brother Buddha ‘B#500’, HCC/AOS (now registered as Phal. Bedford Buddha) and got exceptional results. New hybrids are being registered on a regular basis and we can expect some exceptional new ones coming on a regular basis.

There is not a lot more that can be said at this time about P. Yungho Princess Gelb because it is so new. However, we suggest that you watch and wait. Keep your eyes open and, if you happen to see a hybrid available, buy it. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.