New Paph - new discovery

[Vivienne]

Okay, I am a relative newbie, and this may be a stupid question, but as I've never seen anything like this before, can someone explain what the odd growth is? Is it a new bud coming up? It's not like any other budding I've seen before (not that I've seen a lot). The leaves seem to be fused.

kmarch - this is the same new paph that we properly named yesterday.

[Anton]

Good photos there Vivienne.

To me it just looks like a malformed leaf, I don't think there is much to worry about.

I have found over time that orchids will always throw up something out of convention just to keep you on your toes.

[Vivienne]

Thanks Anton. I was worried and very curious. It seems like a malformed leave would be the best explanation. It does have a bit of substance to it and seems to be 'breaking' open at the top. Very strange. I'll keep an eye on it and report if anything changes.

[kmarch]

Hi Vivienne, I agree wiht Anton, it's nothing to worry about. Acutally deformities in leaves and flowers are not uncommonin these complex hybrids. Years and years of breeding has the genes pretty jumbled up and sometimes odd deformities can surface in leaves or flowers. It's nothing to worry about: sometimes one flower can be a jumbled mess and the next blooming it can be perfect, same with leaves.

[Anton]

Kevin, I was reading in that screed you sent with my Paphs and there was mention that when they first flower to cut the flower off to help promote better flower growth in future, is this coorect?

If so, how long would you leave the flower prior to removal ?

Long enough to photograph it, or a bit longer.

[kmarch]

I think maybe it was another Paph sheet Anton. The culture sheet I wrote does not recommend cutting off your first flowerings.

I suppose there is a kind of logic to it but if one really wanted their plant to save its energy for more vigorous plant growth, wouldn't they cut the inflorescence off as soon as it was visible thus saving the plant from expending th energy to grow any bud or flower at all?

Personally I don't think I'd do it.

[Anton]

Sorry, I thought it was the one you sent.

I have so many culture sheets which I have collected and put into my Orchid Culture Folder, must have got one of the others mixed up. I'll have a look tonight and let you know the source.

Personally I found it strange, hence this post, thanks for clearing it up. I am glad that I can ENJOY the fruits of my labours now.

What do you think, 12 to 18 months, or a bit longer before they bloom?