Paphiopedilum Dark Surprise

[Orchidzrule]

Hi all,
Ron-NY & JoeW were kind enough to encourage me to post a few of my photos. I guess I can only hope they don't regret their kindness!

I recently (October 2008) purchased my first Paph. I'd sort of resisted trying them because I knew once I had one, I would likely crave more (it is an addiction, n'est ce pas?) and it looks as though my fears were correct. This is my second Paph, purchased in November 2008, Paphiopedilum Dark Surprise 'Top Pick' X Paphiopedilum Dark Surprise 'Devil's Knock'. (Two clones of the same grex.) It had a tiny spike initiated when I bought it, so can not claiming credit for it, but I'm relieved it didn't abort along the way!

I really like the colors, and I really like Paphs with warts & hairs so this flower was guaranteed to appeal to me. It'll never win any awards, as it lacks symmetry, and the dorsal sepal is disappointingly non-erect. Fortunately, I'm not really interested in entering into competition and can enjoy it.

The first photo captures the dorsal color the best, while the second represents the pouch color. Both are misleading as I had to get right underneath to display the dorsal! The third photo shows how I lied with the first two, with respect to the dorsal form! All the photos are at least a week old. I held off posting because I was hoping the dorsal might yet perk up a bit more, but this is as good as it's likely to get. I'm told first blooms by Paphs are often not as good as subsequent ones. Any hope later ones might be better?

Thanks for looking, as Gin, Cin & others have said.

Cheers,
Rob

[zainal abidin]

The hairs and the warts very unique, nice.

[ischel1]

The color is fantastic. Congrats!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Wow, what rich color! I am glad you decided to share these! Nice!

Cheers,
BD

[smartie2000]

I think the shape might improve on its second blooming

[JoeW]

Way to grow, Rob!!! Thanks for posting a picture of your paph. Joe

[Gin]

Glad you posted the pictures . I really like the color . Also the warts and hairs makes the bloom unique . Gin

[salvador1970]

Thats a very nice one. I really love the dark color ot the flower; Great gowing

[Bikerdoc5968]

Now, that wasn't so hard, Rob, was it! And now you have beautiful pics of a beautiful flower of your own that you can use for your local society's news letter and you won't have to ask me if you can use one of mine....but you already know you are welcome to any I've ever posted.

[sadie]

I'm glad you took the leap and posted some photos! They are great--the photos and the orchids. And your paphs probably will stand up more--I'm not a paph expert by ANY stretch of the imaginiation, but they just seem to take their dear sweet time with everything, spike development, bloom opening, etc etc.

Keep posting pics--you've got great orchids to share and we'd love to see them.