Paphiopedilum multifloral / multispike

[jeremyinsf]

Hello all,

This is my first post on this board, so please be patient with me, I'm still figuring it out.

I got new complex Paphiopedilum yesterday that is apparently a very late bloomer. It has two spikes coming from the same fan AND it has two flowers forming on one of the spikes. (Yes, I have triple checked this). The other spike has a single flower, the one that is shown already opened. I attached an image.

So my question - how does this happen? I have heard of multi-floral, and the occasional time two spikes came from the same fan... but at the same time? Are there conditions that might help re-create this next blooming season? I purchased a few complex paph's yesterday, and each are different, but all have multiple flowers and/or spikes from the same fans. I guess I'm wondering how much is the flower, and if them blooming late has anything to do with it?

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[WhiteRabbit]

Wow - that's really interesting - I haven't heard of two spikes on one fan, but I only have a couple Paphs myself. Hopefully some others will chime in!

[quiltergal]

Hey Jeremy. Do any of your new plants have names? That would help us figure out what species are in your complexes, which will help us answer your question.

It is not normal for a fan to put out more than one spike at a time, and I can only see one in the picture you posted. Multiple buds are not unusual. Lots of Paphs do that. Multi-florals have many flowers per spike. The key to being a multi is that the flowers open sequentially but stay on the spike rather than drop when the next flower opens. Having multiple flowers does not necessarily make a plant a multi-floral. Paph. Pinocchio is a good example. It can bloom indefinitely, but usually will only hold 1 flower at a time. These are called sequential bloomers.

[jeremyinsf]

Thanks Terri, appreciate your reply.

I attached another photo that shows there are two spikes coming from the same fan. And the 'lower' spike that is still developing definitely has two flowers on it. While it's a different color and all, the spike looks the same as another multi-flower one that I have, which surprised me. I attached a picture of that one for reference too... this one's spikes come from different fans though, which I understand for this flower, is totally normal. (I'm proud to stay I grew that - only had one tiny start of a single spike when I got it!)

And like I said earlier, I got several new plants yesterday - four - and of the four, three of them have two spikes coming out of the same fan. I can post pictures of them too if that helps. *The flowers on the others look different*, and only one has a name tag. "Paph Primulinum x Magic Mood".

So that's why I'm so surprised... this doesn't seem to be a one-off, and I'm curious why.

[quiltergal]

Hmmm, very curious. Can't wait to see what those blooms look like. Makes me wonder what they've been feeding them.

Your primulinum x Magic Mood is an unregistered cross. I can tell you that primulinum is a species that blooms sequentially just like Pinocchio. Magic Mood is a very complex Paph that primarily consists of insigne, villosum, and spicerianum. It is not a sequential bloomer, and typically puts up one huge round flower per growth. It will be interesting to see what roll primulinum will play in this cross.

Your flowers in picture 2 are lovely! Well done! I love the soft colors. I'd guess there is some primulinum in those as well with that soft pink color.

[jeremyinsf]

I attached a photo of the one with the name, so you could see that too. It's with a flash and there is no good angle right now, but at least you can get an idea. As you can see, the flower looks quite different than the other plant I originally posted about.

The flower that is open is on a spike by itself, and does not have another bud growing.

Out of the same fan is the second spike, (growing behind the open flower) with two flowers developing.

Anyway thanks for your information and insight. If I can find out what they are feeding them, I will post it here.

[NYCorchidman]

Maybe they were exposed to radiation at some point. Just kidding. lol

I haven't heard of paphs sending up two spikes from the same fan either, and you have a few of them that do that. I'm jealous!

I think it's mostly the genetic rather than growing conditions.

[quiltergal]

If they glow in the dark you might want to put them outside.

[jeremyinsf]

I guess the answer in part will come in the future. All these plants are big and healthy, with several new growths on them - so if I can get them to spike again, hopefully that will yield some clues. If anyone has tricks they want to share other than colder night temps with big day/night temp changes to get a paph to spike, I'd love to hear!

I'm also going back to the store tomorrow to ask more questions. They may not know much, but there were other similar plants I didn't buy and I at least want a closer look if any are still there.

[NYCorchidman]

Usually flower shop store people do not know much about growing orchids, but some may give false (without ill intention) information.

I have quite a few complex hybrids, but yours is probably considered novelty with Primulinum in it.

With Primulinum in it, it maybe flower just fine without cooling, but then again, each plant can be quite different.

Regular complex (from what I read) flower best (size and color) with cool temperature.
Low night temperature of around 62F yielded best results although many can withstand lower temperature but not necessary.

I have one with Henryanum (warm growing) and Stone Lovely, and this plant makes single large green flower. It flowers twice a year with no "cooling".

I have one green complex and spotted complex that has skipped blooming this year. They are both large multiple growths plants. A person from Orchid Zone recommended sticking them in the fridge at night for about two weeks and I did.
Well, it didn't do anything.

I'm keeping these for another year and see what happens as some of my paphs flower every other year.