Baby Paphiopedilum 'Angel Hair' not growing ... normal, or ?

[AdeleDS]

A month ago I got a tiny little Paphiopedilum 'Angel Hair' (St. Swithin x Sanderiana). It is a new plant, with only 4 leaves and the top two are are just under 4 cm (1.5 in) long. I got it about 5 weeks ago and it has not grown at all. I read that this is a slow-growing plant, but how slow do they mean? I am trying to figure out whether I am doing something wrong.

It sits in an east-facing window, but shaded from direct sun. I'm keeping it moist but not wet. It's potted in a mix of tiny bark chips, perlite, sand, and a bit of sphagnum moss on the top. Should I just keep on keeping on, or do I need to do something different?

[Roberta]

Five weeks is nothing in the life of an orchid, even a more mature one. Nearly all orchids are very slow growing... noticeable progress is measured in months, not weeks. Paphs are among the slowest, and this one is slow even as Paphs go. (Spectacular when it DOES eventually bloom, though) With this tiny seedling, it could be 5 to 10 years (or even more) to get big enough to bloom. So, orchids teach patience. And your baby will teach you LOTS of patience. Your care sounds about right... there are other Board contributors who are more knowledgeable about Paphs (and especially multi-floral Paphs) than I am, I am sure that some will weigh in. Just be sure that it never dries out.

[Fairorchids]

Small Paphs grow VERY VERY SLOWLY. With that parentage, you are looking at 8-12 years to grow it to blooming size.

A seedling that small should be in low light, in slightly higher temperature than you would give an adult plant, and kept moist.

Once you get it up to 8-10" (25-30 cm) total leaf span, you can give it the light level where you have it now.

[Paphluvr]

I'm surprised that a reputable seller would sell a plant that small. Even if I buy a compot of Paphs. I expect the plants to be bigger than that.

[AdeleDS]

Not to worry. Think less "reputable seller" and more "lady at the community sale who propagated it herself and sold it for less than a cup of coffee".