My Paphs. and a Phrag in bud/bloom

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by The Mutant

About wardii, their buds develop super slow (made to torment us Paph newbies I think), and they are also prone to blast... My wardii is in low bud again, so I'm soon going to chew my nails off in anticipation. Last year, the bud was about to open when it blasted.

Having had a Phrag (Green Hornet) for a year now, I can tell you this: YOU CAN NOT WATER IT TOO MUCH (it's not true for all Phrags, but according to those more knowledgeable it seems yours is one of these thirsty things). I was really worried about having mine standing in a saucer with water at first, so I didn't, which cost mine one of its growths... So keep the saucer, just remember to change the water at least once a week.

My wardii did exactly the same thing...... just yesterday. Oh well. I'm guessing I didn't water it enough, actually.

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

My wardii did exactly the same thing...... just yesterday. Oh well. I'm guessing I didn't water it enough, actually.

It's really frustrating when they do that, right? And wardii seems prone to do it too. I really hope mine will be able to make it all the way this time, but it'll take its sweet time... Paphs are not for those of impatient nature, and if you are, you'll have to learn patience real quick.

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by The Mutant

It's really frustrating when they do that, right? And wardii seems prone to do it too. I really hope mine will be able to make it all the way this time, bit it'll take its sweet time... Paphs are not for those of impatient nature, and if you are, you'll have to learn patience real quick.

I got this plant from a grower this year who was either keeping their plants too wet or too dry. And I didn't re-pot it as soon as I got it. Was hard to tell what was inside, and perhaps I knew better, but it was starting to spike so I left it alone. Hopefully it will do better next year - there is enough growth on it I'm sure it will be fine, and perhaps I learned something this time around! It actually blasted really slowly, which was interesting to watch, at least.

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by jeremyinsf

I got this plant from a grower this year who was either keeping their plants too wet or too dry. And I didn't re-pot it as soon as I got it. Was hard to tell what was inside, and perhaps I knew better, but it was starting to spike so I left it alone. Hopefully it will do better next year - there is enough growth on it I'm sure it will be fine, and perhaps I learned something this time around! It actually blasted really slowly, which was interesting to watch, at least.

I'm so new to Paphs that I don't know whether I should increase the watering when they're spiking, or if I should treat them as usual... And now with the temperatures dropping, I'm even more uncertain. Oh well, hopefully I'll learn eventually.

[Carpe Diem]

WHAT??? My wardii could blast even at this late stage? But it is already showing color at the bottom! I think Paph. wardii is the wrongly named, it should be Paph. worry!
Thanks everyone for the compliments, but I can't take credit for the white Paph., it was in bud when it arrived. However, Paph. wardii and Paph. Pinocchio are my accomplishments (patting self on back). Still have to take a picture of Pinocchio.
Mutant and all Phrag. growers, with your Phrag. sitting in water, do you still water it from the top, how often, or doesn't it need watering at all? I change the water in the saucer every other day.
When I got into this hobby about two years ago, the plan was for about four or five Phals. Now look at me - 27 orchids, worrying about bugs, bud blast, watering, yellowing leaves etc. etc. I'm sure glad I found the OB, couldn't have done it without you all. Thank you!

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by Carpe Diem

WHAT??? My wardii could blast even at this late stage? But it is already showing color at the bottom! I think Paph. wardii is the wrongly named, it should be Paph. worry!
Thanks everyone for the compliments, but I can't take credit for the white Paph., it was in bud when it arrived. However, Paph. wardii and Paph. Pinocchio are my accomplishments (patting self on back). Still have to take a picture of Pinocchio.
Mutant and all Phrag. growers, with your Phrag. sitting in water, do you still water it from the top, how often, or doesn't it need watering at all? I change the water in the saucer every other day.
When I got into this hobby about two years ago, the plan was for about four or five Phals. Now look at me - 27 orchids, worrying about bugs, bud blast, watering, yellowing leaves etc. etc. I'm sure glad I found the OB, couldn't have done it without you all. Thank you!

Sorry we 'distracted' you... don't worry, just let it do it's thing and hope for the best! Like I said, I think I didn't water mine enough, but for most orchid growers that is not a typical "problem". Keep us posted!

For phrags - it does depend on the kind, how much water they want. THAT ONE probably wants a lot. So you can water it from the top, and if you change the saucer water, that's fine too. They like to be fed very, very weakly, but they -do- need to be fed. I have some I water every day, and some only a few days, depending on how fast it drys out and where it's located and how big the plant is etc etc. It still needs to be watered - the saucer water is a reserve in case it get's thirsty between watering... and if it's out, then you KNOW it's time to do it again! Good luck, and don't forget to have fun and enjoy it.

[james mickelso]

Who can resist freckles?! Nice flower and buds.