Paph. henryanum (?) bud progression

[EquestrisFan]

I purchased this Paph as a henryanum, but there are some discrepancies that are causing me to doubt its tag.

Firstly, it's (according to the experts, I'm still pretty much a Paph newbie) very big for a henry. The leaf span is 40 cm - 43 cm (15.7" - 16.9") .
Secondly, the hair on the spike, but mostly on the bud, seems off. Henrys, as far as I know, aren't normally this shaggy, and the hair is more of a peah fuzz.

In theory, it could be a henry on steroids I guess (would explain the stubble ), or it's a hybrid.

Now, as the bud has progress a bit more since the last picture (I'll post the latest update tomorrow), I've started to distinguish some spots on the dorsal, so I think there's definitely henry in it.

[Katherine]

Might want to wait a few days to see the full flower

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Yes, so close to bloom now - just be patient and we'll see.

cheers,
BD

[EquestrisFan]

Hehehe, I'm a very impatient person, and shouldn't really grow Paphs, they're no good for my impatient nature.

I'm just so impressed with the speed this thing has been growing, after having spent approximately two months sulking in the crown, due to too high temperatures.

Here are the most recent photos, taken today. Oh, and I went to an orchid event at my local flower shop, and they had a true henry there. The entire plant was much smaller than mine, and it had a bud that was about to open. The bud on my henry, in comparison, is almost twice the size compared to the bud on the true henry . So, if mine is a true henry, it's a henry on steroids.

[Mararda]

Very impressive specimen! I have a seedling (purchased online several months ago) that is labelled as Paphiopedilum henryanum. It is a very sickly specimen though. I do not know what is up with it. I believe that this species likes to be shady, and evenly moist. I have given it just that; and I do not over water or over feed it. However its leaves progressively go from pale yellow to brown. The new leaf is healthy, but ALL of the older leaves are turning this unhealthy hue. I cut off the leaf matter that has the discoloration, but then a few days later it starts again. I flush the plant out with pure rainwater - encase of salt build up; but this also makes no difference. The only other factor that I can think of would be my artificial room lights that I have on in the evenings when I work - perhaps it is so sensitive to light that normal electric bulbs are making the leaves turn yellow.

The room is not overly warm - sort of intermediate.

If you have any tips I would be grateful?

And again, congratulations on your lovely healthy plant.

[Katherine]

Very impressive specimen! I have a seedling (purchased online several months ago) that is labelled as Paphiopedilum henryanum. It is a very sickly specimen though. I do not know what is up with it. I believe that this species likes to be shady, and evenly moist. I have given it just that; and I do not over water or over feed it. However its leaves progressively go from pale yellow to brown. The new leaf is healthy, but ALL of the older leaves are turning this unhealthy hue. I cut off the leaf matter that has the discoloration, but then a few days later it starts again. I flush the plant out with pure rainwater - encase of salt build up; but this also makes no difference. The only other factor that I can think of would be my artificial room lights that I have on in the evenings when I work - perhaps it is so sensitive to light that normal electric bulbs are making the leaves turn yellow.

The room is not overly warm - sort of intermediate.

If you have any tips I would be grateful?

And again, congratulations on your lovely healthy plant.

It is normal for old leaves to die. But if they are barely maturing and dying that may be something else.

[EquestrisFan]

Very impressive specimen! I have a seedling (purchased online several months ago) that is labelled as Paphiopedilum henryanum. It is a very sickly specimen though. I do not know what is up with it. I believe that this species likes to be shady, and evenly moist. I have given it just that; and I do not over water or over feed it. However its leaves progressively go from pale yellow to brown. The new leaf is healthy, but ALL of the older leaves are turning this unhealthy hue. I cut off the leaf matter that has the discoloration, but then a few days later it starts again. I flush the plant out with pure rainwater - encase of salt build up; but this also makes no difference. The only other factor that I can think of would be my artificial room lights that I have on in the evenings when I work - perhaps it is so sensitive to light that normal electric bulbs are making the leaves turn yellow.

The room is not overly warm - sort of intermediate.

If you have any tips I would be grateful?

And again, congratulations on your lovely healthy plant.

I agree with Katherine. The leaves shouldn't wilt that fast...

Have you checked the roots? It sounds like you're doing right, but I'm no expert. I have artificial lights, and give mine slightly more than Phal light, otherwise, it sounds like you're taking better care of your henry, than I do mine. I recommend checking the roots though, if something's off with the plant, there's probably a root issue.

[BigSteve]

Just measured my paph henryanum leaf span is about 15" , it has an 1/2 grown new growth so it should flower soon(fingers crossed) you are getting me thinking about if mine is a real henry.Must admit i ordered a paph David Ott at the same time & the henry is bigger but paph David Ott is single growth so should grow some more but i did think they had labels mixed.

[EquestrisFan]

Just measured my paph henryanum leaf span is about 15" , it has an 1/2 grown new growth so it should flower soon(fingers crossed) you are getting me thinking about if mine is a real henry.Must admit i ordered a paph David Ott at the same time & the henry is bigger but paph David Ott is single growth so should grow some more but i did think they had labels mixed.

It sounds big for a henry, how wide are the leaves? It could be a henry, albeit a big one, just as mine might be a big one (a tetraploid henry was suggested at another forum, and it could happen).

[BigSteve]

Largest leaves are just over 1" at the thickest.
Might be this big because it was grown in lower light with quite high temps but the fan & leaves are well shaped which tends to rule this out.