Why is my first paph bloom doing this?

[PaphLover]

Ok, thanks. If it doesn't wither, then approx. how long does it take before it will open in bloom?

---------- Post added at 11:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:36 AM ----------

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

For next time, may I suggest floral wire or a wire hook?.

Sure, can you explain? Newbie here. Or post a photo of what you suggest I do?

Thanks!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

A wire hook is a wire fashioned into a hook. It is usually used to prop up delicate inflorescences that like to nod or arch. This form of support does not need for you to tie the orchid's inflorescence to anything. You just fashion the hook accordingly, and you gently place the straight end of the hook into the potting media, while the hook end supports the spike. You can change the diameter of the hook to avoid snagging and snapping the inflorescence.

Floral wire is more delicate work and is generally used to guide a growing spike into shape. You gently wrap wire around segments of the inflorescence as it grows. It is easier to work with if the spike is a bit thicker, such as the diameter of a Phal spike.

---------- Post added at 12:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:46 PM ----------

Some of these wire hooks look like so:

http://www.tindaraorchids.com/images...angle_loc1.jpg

Some of them have rounded hooks and are not angled.

[PaphLover]

Ahhh, makes sense. Thanks again.

[PaphMadMan]

I try to avoid staking any Paph spike until the flower has been fully open for a day or 2. Until then the bud/flower will almost always try to face downward. Always keep it in the same orientation toward the light too or it bends to grow into it. The more you move it or try to prop it up the more twists and bends the spike develops.

Paph malipoense is notoriously slow to develop at all stages from first hint of a bud to fully open. It can seem to stall at any stage and the more you fuss with it the more likely it is to blast. Its hybrids can have the same tendency. Patience.

[PaphLover]

Thanks PaphMadMan. Yes, I'd heard it takes a long time for some paph spikes to actually bloom. Just wasn't sure if it was weeks or months of patience I'd have to summon. Ohhhhhhmmmmmm.

[My Green Pets]

It looks gorgeous already, as a bud. Looking forward to seeing it open...in August, maybe?

[kdennis14]

Hello Everyone,
I am so glad that I found this website. I too am a newbie. I just love it here. I am reading everything from the beginning. I want to take the best possible care of my new Phals.
Thank you, Thank you all,

[NYCorchidman]

I also do not stake my paphs with some exceptions.
Certain complex (bulldog, man I hate that nickname) paphs can have large and heavy flower that the spike just cannot hold it up without some extra help.

Other than that, spikes on paphs grows straight up just fine as long as you do not rotate your pot while it is developing, which will then cause it to crook and twist but still pretty much straight up.

Whether you stake the spike or not, the bud will still point down until it is ready to open, and you do not want to mess with it, or you will damage or break it off.
It simply is how it is as I mentioned.

[RosieC]

I don't stake paph spikes either. As said above be careful not to turn them.

I find they usually develop with the back of the bud to the light, and I was once told that having the light behind until they are fully open helps the flower to stand upright when it opens.

It's quite usual for it to point down till after the bud has started opening though. Also note that it's quite normal for Paph buds to take a week or so from when they first show signs of opening to being fully open and upright.

[PaphLover]

I definitely made mistakes. I tried straightening the stalk as it twisted while it grew by turning it toward the light. It just had different ideas than I did where the light was coming from.

I don't want to jinx it, but I think my paph might have forgiven me for being a dummy. The bloom seems fatter than before. What do you think?