Paph Valwin x In-Charm White

[Dorsetman]

Of course I was hoping for a white, but I knew the chances were about 1 in 500, and anyway I am pleased with this first flowering of this seedling I bought last year, or maybe the year before.
Natural spread about 4 inches.
Such a neat little pouch - paph lovers will recognise P.niveum here , but of course that is the starting point for all whites ; the problem is that it is ( the species) such a small flower, ofetn less than 2 inches across, and by the time it is bred up to the sort of size we like, the white is getting pretty remote in the ancestry.
Another point to notice for the budding ( not yet fully developed) paph enthusiast is the ventral sepal - the one at the bottom behind the pouch. Often so small as to disappear behind the pouch, this one is a nice size, helping to fill out and round up the flower shape. Not perhaps quite RHS/AM standard ( maybe HCC/AOS ? ) , although I'll ask for an opinion from one of the RHScommittee members I shall see on Friday at my own Society meeting.

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[mauraec]

I think it's gorgeous, Geoff! One year since it was a seedling? What's your secret? I have a Lynleigh Koopowitz with three as yet unflowered growths and no sign of a bloom in sight. In know - not quite the same species, but still.

I think this is definitely an award-winner - at least it would be in the less-strict quality control AOS system - but you Brits have a far, far, higher bar to surmount, alas. Seriously, as one whose Maudiae types have the disappearing synsepal (that's what I've always heard it called), I appreciate the appearance of yours - indeed it does lend to the roundness.

Maura (budding paph enthusiast)

[deeann]

Beautiful !
D

[panam]

What an excellent photograph of a magnificent orchid!

[Cjcorner]

I don't buy many of these as they suffer under my care...badly. But I appreciate the nicer flowers. I like the symmetry of this flower. The color and shape overall are very "eye pleasing" to me. IMH...and uneducated opinion.

[Clivedude]

Wow this is one beautiful bloom ...what perfect photography to

[pavel]

Hmm, yes. Had that been an all white it would have been quite stunning. Still I agree with you ... very attractive form and pleasing colouration.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Geoff, that is such a pretty slipper orchid. Only a couple of years from seedling to bloom is really fantastic! Nice Growing.


Cheers,
BD

[orchidsal]

A fantastic bloom that I would be pleased to own. AL

[Abrielle107]

*wistfully gazing at your bloom* OOOOOH -- it's lovely!