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Paph
Julius, a multifloral that carries 4-5 flowers
per stem. Unlike sequential bloomers, which generally
have no more than one flower open at a time,
multiflorals will open their blooms in rapid succession
for a stunning display. In the top right of the
photo, you can see the last bloom beginning to open.
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FLOWERING
Buds
will emerge from the growing tip of the plant
on wiry stems. Do not disturb plants too much while
buds are forming otherwise the stems will be crooked and the
plant will not look as attractive in bloom. Do not subject them to sudden temperature
changes as this may cause buds to drop. Also make especially
sure plants do not dry out, as this may cause bud blast. If
flowers droop when fully open, insert a stake in the pot and
tie the bud to hold it up. Cut flowers last well in water, but
usually longer on
the plant. Snip off the stem at the base once all flowers
have faded.
The
exception to this are the sequential bloomers. These include
all species in the section Cochlopetalum, including Paph.
glauycophyllum, moquettianum, liemianum, chamberlianianum
and primulinum as well as hybrids made between these. All
are similar in shape to Paph chamberlainianum shown below
epseciallywith respect tothe short twisted petals. Paph
primulinum is yellow, but the others are in shades of moss
green and pink and soft green. Paphs in this section will
produce one flower after the next on the SAME flowering
stem. Do not cut the stem off unless it withers and dies on
its own. The flowering stems form a zig-zag shape with a
sheath to indicate where the previous flower was before it
dropped off, and a new one emerged. Well-grown plants can
have two or more stems blooming at any one
time.
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After
flowering, new vegetative growths will emerge at the base of the
plant (if they have not already done so) to flower when
mature. Once a growth has flowered it will not do so again,
but continues to nourish the younger developing growths. In
this way, plants can grow into clumps in a few years. They can
be divided when repotting, but ensure at least three growths
per division. Some paphs, especially multiflorals and standard
complex hybrids, may need several good growths behind them
before they will bloom.
If your paph won't bloom, here
are some possible reasons why orchids won't
flower.
(right)
Paph chamberlainianum is a sequential bloomer that
produces its distinctive flowers one at a time on
the same flowering stem over a long period-sometimes
these plants are always in bloom.
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| REPOTTING
Repot plants about every 12 months, or when the mix
decomposes. Use a mix of 2/3 fine fir bark with 1/3 perlite, or a mix
especially formulated for paphs. If the fresh bark is dry be
sure to soak it overnight before use. If plants are in pots
larger than 3.5", substitute some medium fir bark for some
of the fine fir bark in the mix. Continue to increase the ratio
of medium fir bark as the pots get larger. Be careful not to break the
brittle roots when you repot. Repot the plant in a slightly larger pot if
needed. Remember that most paphs like to be somewhat
pot-bound. Make sure the base of the plant is just at the
surface of the potting media, not buried, and that the plant
sits firmly in the pot. |
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After
repotting, keep plants more shaded than usual for a few weeks
while they adjust. The best time to repot paphs is after
blooming, or in the warmer months. While repotting be sure to
observe the roots. Healthy roots are firm with white growing
tips, and often covered in fine hairs. Dry, brittle roots
indicate underwatering. Soft, mushy, or decayed roots most
likely indicate overwatering. If the latter condition is
associated with a soggy broken-down mix, it may be a
combination of both-be sure to repot frequently.
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Paph Magic Lantern
"Maria' AM/AOS, a
Chinese parvisepalum hybrid that need slightly
cooler drier conditions to grow well
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PESTS
AND DISEASES Most
insect pests can be gently washed off, or swabbed with alcohol. Mealy
bugs are especially fond of paphs and like to hide in the leaf axis and
flower bud sheaths so examine these carefully.
If necessary, use an insecticidal soap or fine horticultural oil
formulated for orchids, after reading all directions and warnings
carefully. Paphs have few insect problems, but are susceptible to
bacterial and fungal infections which can result in brown spots or
rotted areas on leaves, which can quickly lead to the demise of plants.
Carefully cut out infected tissue at the earliest sign of infection with
a sterile blade, and spray plants with a fungicide/bactericide such as
Physan. Sprinkling the affected areas with cinnamon will also help. Good
culture will eliminate most problems.
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