Recently Purchased Paphiopedilium

[DEC]

I recently purchase this Eric Meng x Macabre Pie from a local grower. This is my first Paph and I am curious about holw long it takes to bloom. I have had it in my possesion for 10 days. I thought it would open by now but again this is my first expopsureto paphs.
How does it look and what do you feel about it, will it bloom soon?

[jrfehon]

Dave, the best advise is to be patient. I grow a lot of paphiopedilums and they seem to take their time blooming. Although some are quicker than others, for the most part it can take over two to three months from the emerging spike to grow to full size and bloom. Your paph looks like it's in good shape and should open within the next week or so. Make sure it gets diffused light and doesn't dry out for a long period of time. Paphs are pretty easy to grow and are pretty reliable bloomers. You'll be happy with your new orchid, just give it some time! Oh, and post another photo when it does open. We'd all love to see it!

-Jason

[Brutal_Dreamer]

This is going to be a nice dark paph orchid Dave. Lucky you! Jason is correct about patience and orchids. This one will not be long now.

Cheers,
BD

[PBaez]

But the up side of this is that the bloom lasts so long. The Paph which opened for me on 4/15 is still going strong.

[rich63]

Dave, I also have a Eric Meng cross that I purchased in bud last week. Mine is about 50% open now. I would say that within two weeks your bloom should be fully open. Paph. Eric Meng must be a very strong light colored paph. My cross is with Paph. Black Buddaha. Mine bloom looks much lighter color than I was expecting ? My looks more like a Paph. Supersuk Eureka X Paph. Raisin Pie Hsinying in the coloration. I should be able to post some photos by mid week I hope. Have Fun, Rich

[Dorsetman]

Paula said it - they last a long time. In my experience, orchids which drive you mad, taking a month to get the flowers properly open, eventually stay on so long that you get tired of dusting them, and cut them off ... well I do exaggerate, but maybe you get the idea.

[DEC]

Sad, sad news. The bud died! I contacted my grower and he doesn't know why other than perhaps bud blast. He is sending me a replacemet. I have attempted to post a picture and you can see how the stem is shriveled. The plant still looks healthy so perhaps we will get a flower next time

[Raver]

a change in growing condition can make the bud blast. it happens all the time, hopefully the next one will be better off

[panam]

Oh, no - what a shame. Pretty good of the grower to replace it, though! That grower is definitely nurturing a relationship.

Hopefully your next one will do better - keep us in the loop so we can celebrate with you!