Holdback

"Holdback" refers to an Anthurium that a breeder initially retains from a group of offspring, rather than releasing or selling it directly.

Cross-breeding often results in many different seedlings. Although they come from the same cross, they do not necessarily develop in the same way.

A breeder may initially retain such Anthuriums for their own collection, for further observation, or for future breeding projects. The term "holdback" is frequently used in this context.

The term primarily describes a decision made by the breeder. It is not a botanical term and does not initially indicate anything about the plant’s genetic classification.

There is disagreement on how to handle the term "holdback" when a plant classified as such is eventually sold. Strictly speaking, it no longer meets the criteria of being "held back" at that point.

It is debated whether it might be better to refer to these plants as, for example, "ex-holdbacks," thereby indicating a longer observation period compared to a "selected" status. This is handled differently within the plant hobby.

Reasons for continuing to use the term "holdback" for plants offered for sale could include, for example, instances where plants are no longer needed for a planned breeding project, or the breeder decides to part with a portion of their plants; in these cases, the phenotypic criteria of the plant are not the decisive factor for the sale.

In this case, an Anthurium originally retained as a "holdback" can also be sold later. In other instances, the alternative designation "ex-holdback" would certainly be more appropriate.

Growers Choice, Selected, and Holdback

These three terms are frequently used in the Anthurium scene in the context of seedling selection:

"Growers Choice" describes an Anthurium from the general group of offspring.

"Selected" describes an Anthurium that has been specifically chosen from within this group due to certain characteristics.

"Holdback" describes an Anthurium that is initially retained by the breeder, for example, for their own collection, further observation, or future breeding.

However, these terms do not represent an officially established ranking or quality level. A "selected" plant can be sold. A "holdback" can also be sold later on.