Paph Honey philippinense: cut spike?

[pchadwic]

I bought a paph honey philippinense #44 x primulinum alba back in Feb. It was in bloom with two flowers at the time and a third emerged as well. All of them have now dropped and the spike is still green. Should I cut the spike back to the base of the plant now? There is new growth emerging from the side of the main growth; is this what any new spike will emerge from or can a spike grow from the same leaves more than once.

Thanks!

[kmarch]

pchadwick,

To begin with, there are some name problems here. Paph Honey (note capitalization) is a hybrid between philippinense and primulinum, so did you mean to post Paph Honey (philippinense #44 x primulinum alba)?

If so then nothing to worry, your orchid is Paph Honey. If not, then it's hard to say for sure what your paph is. Is it (Paph Honey x philippinense) x primulinum?

Althoough Paph primulinum is a sequential bloomer, Paph philippinense is not and the hybrid Paph Honey is not. After flowering neither the inflorescence nor the growth will re-flower. The next flowering will come form the new growth which you mention has started. Paphs have the same growth and flowering habit as Cattleyas (sympodial) which means they grow a new growth which flowers then they grow another new growth which flowers with the old growths never reflowering. The exception to this are the sequentially blooming paphs like primulinum which will flower repeatedly off the same inflorescence.

To be on the safe side, I'd leave the spent inflorescence until it is dead and dried up, then cut it off.

[pchadwic]

Originally Posted by kmarch

pchadwick,

To begin with, there are some name problems here. Paph Honey (note capitalization) is a hybrid between philippinense and primulinum, so did you mean to post Paph Honey (philippinense #44 x primulinum alba)?

If so then nothing to worry, your orchid is Paph Honey.

I obviously made a mistake writing down what the tag said: It's Paph Honey. Thanks for the info: the spike has turned brown and I cut it. Do you happen to have any culture advice for this guy?

Thanks again!

[kmarch]

Typical Paph care will apply to your Paph. With the philippinense in there it could do with a little more light than other paphs.

[pchadwic]

Hi again: So I've had this plant since 2007, it has never spiked in that time. It's had two new growths and the leaves look great—but no spiking. I've had good luck with Odonts, Oncidiums, Phals, Brassias, Miltasia, Phal Dendros and even a Vanda (I'm in NYC)...but not this Paph.


Any ideas would be welcome.

[mayres]

Do you grow it in a windowsill as pictured?

[pchadwic]

yes: though not that particular sill with it's west light. it's on the south side and gets about 1-2 hrs of direct sun at this time of year. but lots of indirect light all day.

[pchadwic]

Originally Posted by pchadwic

Hi again: So I've had this plant since 2007, it has never spiked in that time. It's had two new growths and the leaves look great—but no spiking. I've had good luck with Odonts, Oncidiums, Phals, Brassias, Miltasia, Phal Dendros and even a Vanda (I'm in NYC)...but not this Paph.
Any ideas would be welcome.

So after 4 long years my Paph Honey (philippinense #44 x primulinum alba) finally bloomed!

It's got one spike with a bloom and three buds and a second spike that just started on a separate growth...it was worth the wait! This was also the year I began using humidity trays and fans...and I think I just have a better sense of cultural requirements since all of my orchids are doing better than ever before. Now if only my Coelogyne Cristata blooms this spring...oh yeah, and d. spectacle...ha ha.

I'm grateful to the help this community has given me! Thank you and a healthy 2012 to all (until until it all ends Dec 21st. LOL)

[keith briscoe]

It's beautiful -- you must be enjoying it immensely after that long wait.

[sunshine]

Gorgeous Well worth the wait Love the multiflorals

[1joyceh]

Great job, definitely worth the wait