The generation of cultivars of ornamental species is strategic for the country development and provides the achievement of plants which are adapted to the climatic conditions for cultivation. Nearly 200 plants from an intergeneric cross between a hybrid of Cattleya and another hybrid of Laelia were subjected to mass selection during the vegetative stage. The ones with quick development and without symptoms of pests and diseases were selected. After three and a half years, a plant presenting vigorous vegetative growth, no symptoms of the crop major pests and diseases and high flowering quality was selected as the new 'Brazilian Girl Rosa' cultivar of Laeliocattleya. The first flowering displayed good architecture and a long inflorescence with four flowers presenting an average diameter of 11.7 cm and, also, firm petals and sepals which were proportional to the flower size. Pink was the flower predominant color and the senescence occurred 20 days after anthesis.
Laeliocattleya; ornamental plants; breeding program; growth; flowering; pests and diseases
