Paph. flower?

[pikevi]

While watering the Paphs. this morning, I noticed this growth in this Paph. [Paph.chamberlianum 'Mt. View' X Paph. haynaldianum 'Long Life'].

Could this be a flower bud (first of my own )? It is growing along the mid-vein.

Thanks.

[kmarch]

Well it's definitely a spike albeit it is a bit odd in it's habit.

By the way, this cross has been registered and named. It is Paph Myra.

[Vivienne]

Congratulations pikevi - it's a bud!! I agree Kevin - it's growing in an odd direction.

[kmarch]

Here's a link to what the flower will be similar too: http://www.slipperorchid.com/other_o...yra_Free_1.jpg

[Vivienne]

ooooh - now that is really unique. Love it!

[prisana]

Yeah!!! Congrats on your fist paph spike, Pikevi...can't wait to see the flowers..( looks like there's gonna be more than one anyways ).

[pikevi]

Thank you kmarch, Vivienne and prisana.

You are all bearers of good news. The photo on the link is very pretty. I hope I'd not lose this bud prematurely.

I hope your prediction becomes true,prisana!... more than one flower?

[pikevi]

Just an update.

The bud refused to grow upwards. Nature needed some assistance

[Anton]

A bit of Viagra in the potting mix maybe ????

[pikevi]

LOL, Anton.

I wonder if orchids have PDE5. If not viagra would not help

BTW, how is your 'flu?

[tom499]

Looks like its going to be a stunner when it flowers

Good growing pikevi

[Tobi]

Great little hookup Pikevi. Keep us posted on its blooming activity.

[pikevi]

Thank you Tobi.

The stalk is fairly supple but I did not want to over-extend it for fear of hurting it or even breaking it. I will keep pulling it up little by little by pulling the prop backwards. The felt should help in not causing any abrasion on the stalk.

If not, I will sit on the floor and look up to enjoy the flower

[Vivienne]

Seems like a perfect solution you've devised pikevi. Can't wait to see it bloom!

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by pikevi

....but I did not want to over-extend it for fear of hurting it or even breaking it. I will keep pulling it up little by little by pulling the prop backwards.

Very clever little aparatus pikevi, especially with the felt bit. If you pull the prop backwards to train the inflorescence, you'll want to carefully watch the base of the inflorescence as it may crimp there where it connects to the plant. That is where the stem will likely be at it least flexible.

We don't see many pics of this cross so I want you to do well with it so you can post a pic of the flower to the forum's picture archive.

I'm quite excited about this flowering!

[pikevi]

Thank you, kmarch.

The way I have set up the contraption will probably NOT affect the base of the stalk, or so I believe. I set it up in such a way that I can incrementally extend it every day, perhaps over a week or so.

I will post a photo tomorrow rather than explain it in many words

I hope I will get it to bloom , at least for the rarity of the cross.

I usually run on luck than skill

[pikevi]

Here are the pix.

In order to extend the flower more and more I keep adjusting the wire over the slat of the basket , where it is just 'hooked'. Not too fancy

It has reached roughly 20 degrees to the vertical. I will push for another 10 or so.

[Lucinda Brown]

Good going,Pikevi,Sometimes it the light situatioon that causes this,the plants bloooms will oftentimes be reaching around towards the light.Where is the light for this one cooming from? Get it in a spot w/more direct overhead light and it may grow more upright.