Propagation: Hand-pollinating Caladiums?, 0 by LariAnn

LariAnn wrote:
Becky,
Thanks for the compliments! I remember when I was studying about genetics and such, that much of it was presented in a manner that was not clear. So when I discuss it, I want to do my best to make it clear and understandable.

In my crosses with hardy vs. tender Alocasias, sometimes it takes just one cross to change the hardiness. With the Caladiums, I don't think it would take any more than two successive generations to get the plants to behave more like American Caladiums. Of course, commercial breeders are looking for other characteristics besides cold resistance so they wouldn't stop at that. Trying to get just the right mix of different characteristics in one plant is why many crosses are often required.

As soon as I've got something to show, I'll post pics. Meanwhile, here's a look at one of the ones I got from an earlier set of crosses.