Paphinia cristata bloom! + question

[Dima]

OK, I've finally got my Paphinia cristata to bloom! (As opposed to blasting the buds due to low humidity...). Pics attached. Bought it as a small plant about two years ago. And, before you ask, yes, it's growing happily in a pot made of a sour-cream container, LOL. Actually it's just the right size and not too deep. Washed it well and made some drainage holes with a boxcutter, and voila. Now, I have a question here, as well. It's middle of July right now, which is not quite the right time for Paphinia cristata to bloom. It's supposed to bloom in autumn/winter, and to go semi-dormant after that. Now mine shows no intention of going dormant. Should I keep watering as usual, or should I water less after it's done blooming?

[sii]

Can't help with your question. Just wanted to say this one is so intersting. Nice growing!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by sii

Can't help with your question. Just wanted to say this one is so intersting. Nice growing!

hehe me too - can't answer your question - but wanted to say the bloom is beautiful!

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by Dima

OK, I've finally got my Paphinia cristata to bloom! (As opposed to blasting the buds due to low humidity...). Pics attached. Bought it as a small plant about two years ago. And, before you ask, yes, it's growing happily in a pot made of a sour-cream container, LOL. Actually it's just the right size and not too deep. Washed it well and made some drainage holes with a boxcutter, and voila. Now, I have a question here, as well. It's middle of July right now, which is not quite the right time for Paphinia cristata to bloom. It's supposed to bloom in autumn/winter, and to go semi-dormant after that. Now mine shows no intention of going dormant. Should I keep watering as usual, or should I water less after it's done blooming?

They need to be watered year round, they want less water after flowering and until new growth starts, which is also when they bloom, they don't ever want to dry completely.. So there really isn't a true dormancy where you stop watering completely. Hope that makes sense to you.

[Dima]

Sure, glengary54, this makes sense, thanks! I never intended to stop watering altogether, I was just wondering if I should water with the same frequency or a bit less often. BTW the bloom's still there; I'm surprised it lasts that long - my Gongora flaveola blooms last about a week, and I know Stanhopea and Sievekingia blooms last even less than that; are Paphinia blooms more long-lived than its relatives' blooms?

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by Dima

Sure, glengary54, this makes sense, thanks! I never intended to stop watering altogether, I was just wondering if I should water with the same frequency or a bit less often. BTW the bloom's still there; I'm surprised it lasts that long - my Gongora flaveola blooms last about a week, and I know Stanhopea and Sievekingia blooms last even less than that; are Paphinia blooms more long-lived than its relatives' blooms?

Paphinia blooms for me last somewhere between 7 - 10 days sometimes longer. As your plant matures you will find that you will get sequential blooms on the same spike and you will have more that one spike at a time. Love this genus!! You should also check out Acinetas, way cool.

[Dima]

Thanks for the quick reply! Acineta species are awesome, but they're said to prefer cool-to-intermediate growing conditions; what's the top daytime temperature they can safely take? Mine may be too hot for them.

[glengary54]

Originally Posted by Dima

Thanks for the quick reply! Acineta species are awesome, but they're said to prefer cool-to-intermediate growing conditions; what's the top daytime temperature they can safely take? Mine may be too hot for them.

I have no problem growing them here in Central Florida where the summers get and stay pretty hot. I move them into more shade, keep them moist and make sure that they have good air movement.

I forgot that I had a photo of my Paphinia Majestic posted on the Board, you will see what I mean about multiple flowers and spikes.

[Dima]

Beautiful!