Help with Paph Stoned Susan

[Barbara]

I just got a new paph and can't find any info on it. Stoned Susan is refered to as a large seedling with one growth. No sign of new buds yet. I was wondering if it is as slow growing as other multiflorals. I'm really hoping that it will flower in the next 3-4 years. Are my hopes in vain?
Thanks.

[Tony]

Stoned Susan is (stonei x Susan Booth), and Susan Booth is (rothschildianum x glanduliferum). What is the leafspan on your seedling? With the roths and stonei parents, I would expect blooming size to be somewhere between 25- 30 inches. Having glanduliferum in the background may bring the size down a bit, but unfortunately none of the parents are fast growers.

[Barbara]

Thanks Tony. It has 16 inch leaf span with a new leaf just emerging from the centre. Probably needs 2 or 3 fans before it flowers, right?

[Heather]

I would say it would at least need another start before flowering. Maybe 2 years? That's totally a guess, but probably about right for a multi with those species in its' background.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by Heather

I would say it would at least need another start before flowering. Maybe 2 years? That's totally a guess, but probably about right for a multi with those species in its' background.

There is no hard fast rule for paphs that each matured fan must carry an infloresence. Like phalaenopsis paphs have five to six leaves to make full fan growth. For me P. niveum, P. bellatulum and P. concolor invariably flowered on each matured growth, others like Paph. spicerianum, P. insigne skipped blooms on several matured growths. I understand for paphs to flower a good root system is an essential factor.

[Heather]

That's true, but generally speaking, at least with regards to the multiflorals, I have found that if I have a large mature fan, and a new growth starts, the large fan is usually getting close and throws a spike shortly thereafter.

[Barbara]

Thanks for the help. I do have another question about the same orchid. I noticed that the growing media has a unique ordor with white web-like 'fungus' growing through it. Could this be the mycorrhizal fungus? I have seen this growing through wood chips/mulch in certain areas outdoors. Is it at all possible that this is introduced to certain paph species to stimuale development. Or am I completely off the wall here?

[Tony]

Is it in a bark mix? When was the last time it was repotted? Bark mixes often develop a white fungus at the end of their useful life.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by Barbara

Thanks for the help. I do have another question about the same orchid. I noticed that the growing media has a unique ordor with white web-like 'fungus' growing through it. Could this be the mycorrhizal fungus? I have seen this growing through wood chips/mulch in certain areas outdoors. Is it at all possible that this is introduced to certain paph species to stimuale development. Or am I completely off the wall here?

This normally happens when spores of wild mushrooms lodge in the growing medium containing organic matters like moss, bark pieces , leaf mould and manure. The white thread like matter is infact is a spawn and under ideal condition form groups of white nodes from where mushrooms emerge. If you leave them undisturbed, fresh spores from the mushrooms will keep the cycle on. I suggest just throw away the medium and wash/soak your plant thoroughly with Benlate . and replant in new medium. Paphs are quite tolerant of repotting. Do drench your paph medium with a good fungicide to prevent such occurences in future.

[Barbara]

You people are right on mark. Indeed it was last repotted Feb. 2004! I have near left an orchid this long without repotting, and its getting repotted very soon since I do this with every new plant that comes in the house(like to see just who is living in there). I will treat with a fungicide, I just wanted to be sure it wasn't beneifcial in some way. Thank you everyone for all your help.