dividing paphiopedilum

[CTB]

I have a pot full of paphiopedilum, I have fallen in love with the flower on this Supersuk/EurekaXraisin pie, and would like more. How does this grow and what's the best way to divide it.

[PaphMadMan]

I think your tag should read in full: (Paph. Supersuk "Eureka" AM/AOS x Paph Raisin Pie "Hsinying") x Sib. There are a lot of these out there right now. If you prefer a shorter name, this cross is called Paph. Hsinying Alien.

This type of Paph is among the easiest to grow. Assuming you grow indoors an east or west window without much direct sunlight, keep it evenly moist but never standing in water, fertilize it with 1/4 strength fertlizer every week or 2, and it should tolerate any temps you find comfortable. If it is happy it will flower on each mature new fan of leaves, more often than once a year.

Personally, I would not divide it unless it has 10 or more mature growths, the flowers will be bigger and last longer on big mature plants. If you insist it can be pried or cut apart between growths, leaving at least 2 growths per division. After the flower fades and you see new growth just starting is the ideal time.

[CTB]

That what is says all right. I'll wait to divide, my paphs are in bloom right now, does the stock only bloom once and then becomes just pretty foliage. Do you collect mainly paphs.? Ref your name? Thanks for your help

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by CTB

That what is says all right. I'll wait to divide, my paphs are in bloom right now, does the stock only bloom once and then becomes just pretty foliage. Do you collect mainly paphs.? Ref your name? Thanks for your help

Yes, each fan of leaves blooms just once, but the leaves may last for years and contribute to the growth of the plant. You should get one or more new growths coming from near the base of the old one. These will mature and should bloom within a year or so if the plant is healthy. Most of my orchids are Paphs. The whole collection is maybe 50 plants now, but I used to have a couple hundred Paphs.