What have I got myself into?

[shakkai]

I went to the Ratcliffe Orchids Open Day today. They specialise in Paphs mostly. I've not grown Paphs before, but was tempted by the Open Day Special - 5 seedlings for £12.50.

The crosses are:

P. primulinum x armeniacum var. markii 'album'

P. rothschildianun 'Whitethroat' x gardnerii

P. hirsutissimum var. esquirolei x hirsutissimum var. esquirolei

P. Raisin Jack 'Nice One' x argus 'Hilsea'

P. Saint Swithun

Having never grown Paphs, I have been looking around at the cultural information and it appears that this is not a homogenous group, but I assume that seedlings need basically the same cultural requirements, right? When do I need to start to differentiate? (Approximately is what I'm asking for - to know what to expect, as I know I will need to just watch the plants and respond accordingly for the most part...)

Any information on the crosses would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Shakkai
Winchester, UK

[Tony]

Expect to wait. and wait. and wait some more...

How big are your seedlings? Raisin Jack x argus should be your first to bloom, the others will take several years, depending on how big they are. Raisin jack x argus will do well under conditions similar to a Phal, the others will need more light, like a Brassia or Oncidium. The multiflorals (prim. x armeniacum, roths x gardineri, and St Swithin) are fairly slow growers, just keep them warm with plenty of light, and be patient. Your hirsutissimum should be a fast grower, but they usually don't flower until they have 6-8 mature growths, so once again be patient, and resist the urge to divide it prematurely. It will do well in conditions similar to the Raisin Jack x argus, but with a slightly cooler and drier winter.


Check out slipperorchids.info and SlipperTalk for more Paph information and advice.

[shakkai]

Thanks for the links, I've got some reading to do!

The seedlings are quite small. Here is a photo (sorry about the lighting - its the middle of the night here!):



I've got some Brassias that are doing well, so I get an idea about the light these will need, thanks!

Patience is a virtue I will learn.

Thanks for the advice!