Paph. St. Swithin

[slippery_biscuit]

This paph seems to be healthy to me, but I haven't observed any growth activity since procured late winter (Feb-March). I have it indoors, on a water tray in a west facing bay window. Two floodlights are overhead in the bay ceiling also. Following advice from this forum I've put it in a mix to simulate the humus (spl?) of a forest floor as best I could. Temps are low seventies during the day and high sixties at night.

Dpn't know the age, and I assume it has yet to bloom. I read where some of these exotic paphs need 10-12 years to bloom. That would be a good definition of patience.


Wingspan of about 24", three nice growths.

[tom499]

The surface roots dont look that good. When did you last repot it?

They do need to get quite big before flowering, but yours looks fairly big as it is.

They are species so will be slower and trickier than most. I'm sure the others will have some more useful info, but from looking at those top roots I wonder whats going on in the pot.

Tom499

[kmarch]

Paph St Swithin is a primary hybrid between P rothschildianum and P philippinense. Like most of the big multi-florals, it likes conditions slightly warmer and slightly brighter than what we typically think of for Paphs. Your plant is blooming size and looks to be in good health though I do agree with Tom about the exposed roots. Regarding the length of time (10-12 years) needed to bloom, this refers to the length of time from flask to bloom but for a hybrid like St Swithin it wouldn't be quite that long. Having said that they aren't the fastest growers, although I don't think I'd describe them as tricky. In April I bought a St Swithin about the same size as yours and it has not grown in the time i've had it. Because its a bigger plant it won't bloom every year like smaller Paphs but if you give it good culture and are patient it should eventually bloom.

[tom499]

Originally Posted by tom499

I'm sure the others will have some more useful info,

Tom499

At least I got that right?

[slippery_biscuit]

Regarding those roots... they have a woody or vine-like texture to them under closer observation. Perhaps to their being exposed? The plant was moved into the current pot this past spring, and I sort of remember those roots looking like they do when I obtained the orchid. Perhaps I should cover them a bit?

If I moved it to the greenhouse I could give it slightly warmer days (mid seventies) but the nights would be cooler also, around 60 deg. With winter coming maybe it would be best to leave it where it is.

thanks for the info! jjs

[WIB]

What's the adorable little plant behind the St. Swithin? -- Bill

[kmarch]

If you mean the red one with yellow centres, it looks to be a Guaritonia Why Not (formerly Cattletonia Why Not). They are really easy growers and bloomers (by that I mean they are tolerant of a wide range of conditions) and if you let them grow on to where they produce multiple growths, you get good numbers of flowers.

[slippery_biscuit]

Good job, kmarch. Of the orchids I have this one has maybe the greatest root growth/plant growth ratio. When I transplanted it a few months ago I used a larger pot just to get the roots in it. I'll let it grow and hopefully it will fill the pot up and put on quite the show in coming years.