Paph Question

fxman · #1 02-19-2008, 09:33 PM

Today I talked my local grocery store clerk into letting me have a nice litte Paph for $8.00. However, it has a little water damage on one of the leafs. I dont think the bloom will last for much longer (could be wrong) so I was wondering if it would be smart to cut this spike and try to induce another in time for spring? If so should I just use a bloom fert.?
Thanks

Brutal_Dreamer · #2 02-19-2008, 11:38 PM

Nope. It will not happen. Paphs only bloom on the new growth. The growth would have to be mature before it will bloom. Enjoy the bloom while it lasts and take good care of the plant so it will grow a new growth for next season's blooming.

Cheers,
BD

ischel1 · #3 02-20-2008, 08:26 AM

BD is so right, enjoy it while it lasts

fxman · #4 02-20-2008, 10:15 AM

Thanks Bruce,
For some reason I thought these would continualy bloom if they had the right conditions. Well guess I will enjoy this bloom until it drops. Will the spike fall off or do you have to cut it? Also while I have your ear I wanted to ask a few more questions. I have a couple of plants that have crown rot should they go or should I keep them. One looks like a spike is coming from it. Both are still producing healty roots. I've also included a few pics of my growing areas, both are west facing windows. With the house next door they only get a hour or two of sun coming directly in and the windows have screens, is that ok or should I move them back some? They seem to be doing ok I have four spiking right now. Last question, the purple phal you see was bought about a month ago and blew most of it's flowers, some lasted but droped last week. As you can see it is producing about 8-10 new flowers that are very strong and healthy but they are on the very tips of the spike, should I let them bloom out or should I go on and cut it back? It also has a small spilke coming from a place directly on the main spike. If I cut it back to there will it conserve more energy by only having to push that spike. I love the blooms but hate the way they are so far up the spike. Thanks in advance for your time and knowledge. I will also be posting a question in the SH fourm if you want to take a shot at that too.

Brutal_Dreamer · #5 02-20-2008, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxman

Thanks Bruce,....Will the spike fall off or do you have to cut it?

You will have to cut it off when it is dry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxman

Also while I have your ear I wanted to ask a few more questions. I have a couple of plants that have crown rot should they go or should I keep them. One looks like a spike is coming from it. Both are still producing healty roots.

If they have healthy roots, you could keep them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxman

I've also included a few pics of my growing areas, both are west facing windows. With the house next door they only get a hour or two of sun coming directly in and the windows have screens, is that ok or should I move them back some? They seem to be doing ok I have four spiking right now.

It looks like you are getting spikes, so they must be getting the right conditions to bloom. I say leave well enough alone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxman

Last question, the purple phal you see was bought about a month ago and blew most of it's flowers, some lasted but droped last week. As you can see it is producing about 8-10 new flowers that are very strong and healthy but they are on the very tips of the spike, should I let them bloom out or should I go on and cut it back?

Let them bloom. You probably lost the others due to temp or shipping damage. They sometimes just abort because of a different location. Enjoy the blooms you have for now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxman

It also has a small spike coming from a place directly on the main spike. If I cut it back to there will it conserve more energy by only having to push that spike. I love the blooms but hate the way they are so far up the spike. Thanks in advance for your time and knowledge. I will also be posting a question in the SH forum if you want to take a shot at that too.

The blooms that are already open probably do not add much stress, but if you have another spike coming lower, cut the flowers off and put them in a vase to enjoy. The other spike should continue to grow.

Good luck!

Cheers,
BD

fxman · #6 02-21-2008, 07:26 AM

Bruce, thanks for your time. Will the ones with crown rot continue to produce growth from somewhere else, or will it stay the same size and just produce a great root show?

Brutal_Dreamer · #7 02-21-2008, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fxman

Bruce, thanks for your time. Will the ones with crown rot continue to produce growth from somewhere else, or will it stay the same size and just produce a great root show?

I am not certain. I would expect new growth if they have good roots.

Cheers,
BD

smartie2000 · #8 02-21-2008, 12:50 PM

I like your window space. I think they will thrive there. Nice bonsai too

fxman · #9 02-21-2008, 06:48 PM

Thanks it's doing well considering it's been in the house since November. I really want many more but they are a lot of work.