orchid plant named ‘PHALHYSXO’

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Phalaenopsis plant named ‘PHALHYSXO’, particularly characterized by light reddish-purple flowers with white centers and red-purple lips, lip depth of 30.0 mm to 32.0 mm, flat flower shape in lateral view, and is propagated by meristem tissue culture, is disclosed.

Description

Genus and species: Phalaenopsis hybrid.

Variety Denomination: ‘PHALHYSXO’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Phalaenopsis plant, botanically known as Phalaenopsis hybrid of the Orchidaceae family, commonly referred to as moth orchid, and hereinafter referred to by the variety name ‘PHALHYSXO’.

The new Phalaenopsis plant is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the inventor in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands. The objective of this breeding program was to create a new Phalaenopsis plant with attractive, light reddish-purple flowers with white centers and red-purple lips, suitable for potted plant production.

The new Phalaenopsis plant ‘PHALHYSXO’ is a result of cross-pollination made by the inventor in November 2011 in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, of the proprietary female, or seed parent, Phalaenopsis hybrid ‘PHALVAPYH’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,052) with the proprietary male, or pollen parent, Phalaenopsis hybrid ‘35337-02’ (unpatented).

The new Phalaenopsis was selected by the inventor as a single plant within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination in a controlled greenhouse in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, in July 2014. Asexual reproduction of the new Phalaenopsis plant by meristem tissue culture since 2015 in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, has demonstrated that the new variety reproduces true to type with all of the characteristics, as herein described, firmly fixed and retained through successive generations.

Community Plant Variety Rights for this variety have been applied for in the European Union on Apr. 16, 2019 (Application no. 2019/0971), by Applicant who obtained the subject matter disclosed directly from the inventor. ‘PHALHYSXO’ has not been made publicly available or sold anywhere in the world prior to the effective filing date of this application with the exception of sales or disclosures made one year or less before the effective filing date of this claimed invention by Applicant who obtained ‘PHALHYSXO’ directly from the inventor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of this new cultivar when grown under normal horticultural practices in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, and can be used to distinguish ‘PHALHYSXO’ as a new and distinct variety of Phalaenopsis plant:

• • 1) Light reddish-purple flowers with white centers and red-purple lips;
  • 2) Depth of the lip is 30.0 mm to 32.0 mm; and
  • 3) Flower shape in lateral view is flat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

This new Phalaenopsis plant is illustrated by the accompanying photographs which show the overall plant habit including blooms and foliage of the plant; the colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures. The photographs were taken in a greenhouse in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands, from 50-week-old plants in June 2020. Colors in the photographs may differ from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the actual colors of the new variety.

FIG. 1 shows the overall plant habit, including blooms and foliage of ‘PHALHYSXO’.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up of a flower of ‘PHALHYSXO’.

FIG. 3 shows an overhead view of the leaves of ‘PHALHYSXO’.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

The following detailed description sets forth the distinctive characteristics of ‘PHALHYSXO’. Plants of the new Phalaenopsis have not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, light intensity and day length, without, however, any variance in genotype. The chart used in the identification of colors described herein is The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England, 2015 edition, except where general color terms of ordinary significance are used. The color values were determined under 4000-6000 lux natural light in a greenhouse in Bleiswijk, the Netherlands. Observations and measurements were made in June 2020 on flowering plants which were planted in 12-centimeter (diameter) pots. After in vitro propagation, the plants were grown in nursery trays for 20-24 weeks, followed by transplantation to 12-centimeter pots and grown in a greenhouse between 27° C. to 29° C. for 30 weeks, continued by a cooling period of 8 weeks between 18° C. to 20° C. and 12 weeks in a greenhouse of 21° C. Flowering occurs after 50 weeks in 12-centimeter pots.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

• Classification:
  • • Family.—Orchidaceae.
    • Botanical.—Phalaenopsis hybrid.
    • Common name.—Moth orchid.
    • Variety name.—‘PHALHYSXO’.
• Parentage:
  • • Female parent.—Phalaenopsis cultivar ‘PHALVAPYH’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,052).
    • Male parent.—Phalaenopsis cultivar ‘35337-02’ (unpatented).
• Propagation:
  • • Type.—Meristem tissue culture.
• Roots:
  • • Root description.—Greyed-green (something between RHS 190B and 190C) colored roots with branching lateral roots having yellowish-green (RHS N144A) with a touch of purplish-red (RHS N77B) colored root tips.
• Plant:
  • • Commercial crop time to flowering.—Following asexual propagation (in vitro), the rooted cuttings grow for 20-24 weeks. After transplantation into 12-cm pots, the plants are finished after 48 to 50 weeks.
    • Growth habit of the peduncle.—Upright to slightly pendent with raceme and panicle inflorescence.
    • Height (from soil level to top of inflorescence).—Approximately 56.0 cm to 66.0 cm.
    • Width (measured from leaf tips).—About 31.0 cm to 33.0 cm.
    • Vigor.—Strong.
• Leaves:
  • • Mature leaves.—Quantity per plant: 5 to 6 leaves are produced before flowering. Length (fully expanded): 18.0 cm to 21.0 cm. Width: 7.5 cm to 8.5 cm. Position of the broadest part of the leaf: Toward the tip. Shape: Obovate. Base shape: Moderately elongated. Apex: Obtuse unequal. Leaf blade angle with the petiole (measured from the horizontal position): Between 25 degrees and 45 degrees. Leaf margin: Entire. Color: Upper surface: RHS 147A. Lower surface: RHS 147B with reddish-brown margin (RHS 200B) toward the tip. Texture (both upper and lower surfaces): Smooth. Thickness: 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm. Variegation: Absent. Venation: Pattern: Parallel. Color of the midvein: Upper surface: RHS 147A. Lower surface: RHS 147B.
• Peduncle:
  • • Quantity per plant.—1 to 2.
    • Number of flowers per peduncle.—10 to 15.
    • Length.—56.0 cm to 66.0 cm.
    • Diameter.—6.0 mm to 7.0 mm.
    • Strength.—Strong.
    • Aspect.—Upright to slightly pendent.
    • Texture.—Smooth.
    • Color.—Mix of brown (RHS 200A) and yellow-green (RHS 146C).
    • Internode length.—3.0 cm to 4.0 cm.
• Inflorescence description:
  • • Appearance.—Upright to slightly pendent, raceme and panicle inflorescence with bilaterally symmetrical flowers that open in succession beginning with the lowermost flower.
    • Number of inflorescences.—1 to 2.
    • Inflorescence size.—Height (from base to tip): 200.0 mm to 280.0 mm.
    • Flowering time.—First flowers can be expected 10 to 11 months after planting in a 12-cm pot.
    • Flower.—Height: 80.0 mm to 85.0 mm. Diameter: 100.0 mm to 105.0 mm. Depth of lip: 30.0 mm to 32.0 mm.
    • Flower longevity.—On the plant: 10 to 12 weeks.
    • Flower shape.—Flat.
    • Fragrance.—Absent.
    • Flower bud.—Average size: Medium to large. Length: 20.0 mm to 22.0 mm. Width: 17.0 mm to 19.0 mm. Shape: Egg shaped. Color: Touch of yellow-green (RHS N144A) at the base; dark red (RHS 187B).
    • Petals.—Arrangement: Open/free. Shape: Semi-circular. Apex: Emarginated asymmetric. Margin: Weakly undulated. Length (from base to tip): 48.0 mm to 50.0 mm. Width: 60.0 mm to 62.0 mm. Position of the broadest part of the petal: Toward the base. Color (when fully opened): Upper surface: Basic color: Light reddish-purple (RHS N78D). Over color: White (RHS NN155C) at the base. Lower surface: Basic color: Light purple (RHS 76A). Over color: White (RHS NN155C) and purplish-pink (RHS N78C) at the base. Number of spots and stripes on the petals (upper surface): None. Color of spots and stripes on the petals (upper surface): Not applicable. Density of netting of the petals (upper surface): None. Color of the netting (upper surface): Not applicable.
    • Dorsal sepal.—Shape: Elliptic. Apex: Emarginated symmetric. Margin: Entire. Length (from base to tip): 50.0 mm to 52.0 mm. Width: 37.0 mm to 39.0 mm. Position of the broadest part of the dorsal sepals: At the middle. Color (when fully opened): Upper surface: Basic color: Light reddish-purple (RHS N78D). Over color: White (RHS NN155C) at the base. Lower surface: Basic color: Light purple (RHS 76A). Over color: Reddish-purple midvein (something in between RHS N78B and N78C). Number of spots and stripes on the dorsal sepals (upper surface): None. Color of spots and stripes on the dorsal sepals (upper surface): Not applicable. Density of netting of the dorsal sepals (upper surface): Low. Color of the netting: Something in between RHS N78B and N78C.
    • Lateral sepals.—Shape: Ovate. Apex: Obtuse asymmetric. Margin: Entire. Length (from base to tip): 49.0 mm to 51.0 mm. Width: 30.0 mm to 32.0 mm. Position of the broadest part of the lateral sepals: Toward the base. Color (when fully opened): Upper surface: Basic color: Light reddish-purple (RHS N78D). Over color: White (RHS NN155C) and light yellow-green (RHS 145C) at the base. Lower surface: Basic color: Reddish-purple (RHS N78D). Over color: Light yellow-green (RHS 145D) at the base; reddish-purple midvein (something in between RHS N78B and N78C) toward the tip. Number of spots and stripes on the lateral sepals (upper surface): None. Color of spots and stripes on the lateral sepals (upper surface): Not applicable. Density of netting of the lateral sepals (upper surface): Medium. Color of the netting (upper surface): RHS N78C.
    • Labellum (lip).—Whiskers: Present. Length of whiskers: 22.0 mm to 24.0 mm. Color of whiskers: Reddish-purple (RHS N78B) at the base with light yellow tips (RHS 10C). Pubescence on the lip: Absent.
    • Lateral lobe.—Shape: Type V (as described in the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) Test Guidelines for Phalaenopsis); spatulate. Margin: Undulated (widely wavy). Length: 22.0 mm to 24.0 mm. Width: 16.0 mm to 18.0 mm. Color: Upper surface: Light yellow (RHS 13A); red (RHS 175B and 180A) toward one margin; reddish-purple (something in between RHS N78A and N78B) and light purple (RHS 76A) toward margin on the other side. Lower surface: White (RHS NN155C) with a touch of yellow (RHS 13B) at the base; reddish-orange (RHS 175B) on one side toward margin; light reddish-purple (RHS N78D) and light purple (RHS 76A) toward margin on the other side. Number of spots and stripes on the lateral lobe: Medium stripes at the base. Color of spots and stripes on the lateral lobe: Something in between RHS 175A and 175B. Density of netting of the lateral lobe: None. Color of the netting: None.
    • Apical lobe.—Shape: Triangular. Margin: Entire. Length: 24.0 mm to 26.0 mm. Width: 27.0 mm to 29.0 mm. Color: Upper surface: Reddish-orange wings (RHS 175B); reddish-purple (something in between RHS NN78B and NN78C) toward whiskers; red midvein (RHS 185A). Lower surface: Touch of reddish-orange wings (RHS 175B); purplish-pink (RHS N78C) toward whiskers; light olive-brown midvein (RHS 199B). Number of spots and stripes on the apical lobe: None. Color of spots and stripes on the apical lobe: Not applicable. Density of netting of the apical lobe: None. Color of the netting: None.
    • Callus.—Average size: Medium. Height: 6.0 mm to 7.0 mm. Length: 6.0 mm to 7.0 mm. Width: 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm. Color: Orange-yellow (RHS 23A); dotted (RHS 175B).
• Reproductive organs:
  • • Column.—Length: 8.0 mm to 10.0 mm. Diameter: 5.0 mm to 6.0 mm. Color: White (RHS NN155C) at the base; light reddish-purple region (RHS N78D) toward the tip.
    • Pollinia.—Quantity: 2. Diameter: 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm. Color: Orange (RHS 24A).
    • Ovary.—Length: 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm. Diameter: 2.4 mm to 2.7 mm.
    • Pedicel.—Length: 36.0 mm to 38.0 mm. Diameter: 2.8 mm to 3.0 mm. Texture: Smooth. Color: Hint of light brown (RHS 200C) at the base; light yellow-green (RHS 145B) and very light purple (RHS 76B) toward the flower.
• Disease, pest, and stress resistance: No specific resistance or susceptibility observed to pathogens and pests common to Phalaenopsis to date.
• Fruit and seeds: Fruit and seed development has not been observed on plants of the new Phalaenopsis to date.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL LINES AND MOST SIMILAR VARIETIES

‘PHALHYSXO’ differs from female parent plant ‘PHALVAPYH’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,052) in that ‘PHALHYSXO’ has obtuse leaf apexes, whereas ‘PHALVAPYH’ has acute leaf apexes. Additionally, ‘PHALHYSXO’ has longer whiskers than ‘PHALVAPYH’.

‘PHALHYSXO’ differs from male parent plant ‘35337-02’ (unpatented) in that ‘PHALHYSXO’ has obtuse leaf apexes, whereas ‘35337-02’ has acute leaf apexes. Additionally, ‘PHALHYSXO’ has smaller flowers than ‘35337-02’.

‘PHALHYSXO’ is most similar to the commercial Phalaenopsis plants named ‘PHALFEWYP’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 31,514) and ‘PHALOFMO’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 28,736). ‘PHALHYSXO’ differs from the commercial variety ‘PHALFEWYP’ in that ‘PHALHYSXO’ has columns that are white at the base with a light reddish-purple region toward the tip, whereas ‘PHALFEWYP’ has columns that are light purple at the base and reddish-purple toward the tip. Additionally, ‘PHALHYSXO’ has wider petals and wider apical lobes than ‘PHALFEWYP’.

‘PHALHYSXO’ differs from the commercial variety ‘PHALOFMO’ in that ‘PHALHYSXO’ has narrower leaves and wider apical lobes than ‘PHALOFMO’.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of Phalaenopsis plant named ‘PHALHYSXO’, substantially as described and illustrated herein.