Paph 'Diane-thum'

[bench72]

I bought this plant at an auction in November... at 90 bucks, it was a steal considering the size of the plant...



late December, I noticed a couple of spikes on the plant!

and a whole month later, this is what the flower looks like.

Paph dianthum 'Diane-thum'


There are a total of seven spikes, currently with 8 flowers open and 17 more buds to go..


Paph dianthum is a species discovered in 1940 growing in the south of China as well as Vietnam. Interestingly, this is one of the few slipper orchids which have been found to also grow as an epiphyte (most slipper orchids grow as a humus terrestrial). Generally though, it is found growing as a lithopyte on limestone rock outcrops.

The Royal Hort. Society which is the ruling body for registration of hybrids consider this as a variety of the species Paph parishii. But there are many taxonomists and obviously horticulturists who consider this as a separate species.

[Mehera]

Wow Tim--that is a monster! Seven spikes! Obviously your plant likes you a lot and is trying to impress you. Wonderful success!

[ischel1]

Spectaculat Tim. How old is the plant?

[smartie2000]

I love those twists. I would want that one!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

That is incredible! WOW!!

Cheers,
BD

[jfrizz743]

That is one impressive plant. Nice choice...

[Elena]

Wow, super Paph!

[Hoa Tony Nguyen]

Amazing specimen and pretty bloooms too!!! Great catch! Time to take it for judging!!!
Cheers. Hoa.

[Jmoney]

great find and excellent blooms! wish this and parishii were more readily available here in the US.

[bench72]

Thanks for the kind words everyone... I am pretty stoked about it!

Ischel, there is a tag with the year 1985 on it! I am not sure if that is when it was deflasked, or purchased by the owner before me or the last time it was repotted... but I would say the deflasking... the media is still pretty good, so not likely the last time it was repotted.

Hoa, I don't think I can take it for judging... here in Oz we have to have owned the plant longer than six months to take it in for judging... so maybe next year!

cheers
tim