Thinking about Paphs.......any suggestions? - Orchid Board

Austinerd · #1 03-15-2009, 10:19 PM

Hello All,
I'm going to the Alamo Orchid Society show & sale in San Antonio in two weeks and have been thinking about getting my first Paph. I do pretty well with Phals, and can provide a bit more light for a Paph. I was wondering if anybody could suggest a good one for a beginner....I understand some are more difficult than others. I especially would be interested in a relatively compact-grower. But also love the pictures I've seen of the tall elegant multi-flowered ones. Any I should keep my eye open for at the show?
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions or input.
Dan in Austin

Ray · #2 03-16-2009, 07:12 PM

A "Maudiae-type" hybrid would be a good first choice.

Austinerd · #3 03-16-2009, 07:15 PM

Ray....thank you so much for responding! I will keep an eye open for that type at the show.
Thanks a bunch,
Dan

camille1585 · #4 03-16-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

A "Maudiae-type" hybrid would be a good first choice.

What makes the maudiae types such a good first choice? Sorry, I don't know much about paphs, but I'm interesting in knowing more!

kavanaru · #5 03-16-2009, 07:29 PM

Camille, Maudie type paphs are very easy to grow, and to bloom... That's also one of the reason (together with fast growth, reaching blooming size very quick after deflasked

) why Dutch nurseries produce them in masses for the "super market customers" the same way as Phalaenopsis... If you check the Dutch and French supermarkets, you will hardly see Paphs other than Maudiae type...

P.S.: Note that "very easy" is always relative!

Austinerd · #6 03-16-2009, 07:42 PM

Thanks Ramon....I am going to write this information down (as well as what you added to the other current paph thread) so I am well-prepared when I go to the AOS show & sale. I'm going to stick to phals and (possibly) paphs until I get a better light-setup.
Thanks!
Dan

Jorch · #7 03-16-2009, 08:44 PM

I agree.. most "Maudiae" type crosses are relatively easy to grow (which also reads relatively hard to kill). comes in a variety of color (green/white combo, coloratum, dark purple vini type, etc), have attractive mottled leaves, flowers can last up to 3 months in household condition, and some crosses have 2 flowers (or rarely 3) per spike!