Paph Fanaticum

[slipperfreak]

This is my favorite Fanaticum, though you can't tell why by the photos below. I bought it this spring (March I think), in flower, and the spike was bent really bad at that time, so I cut it off and put it in a vase. That flower was HUGE, and I loved the color and form. I'll attach a photo of it (after the two current ones).

The flower on it today is cupped and has a dent in the pouch. It could be from the horribly dry air in my house right now, or it could be because the growth it's on is too small. I'm hoping it will open a bit more at least, but I'm losing hope. Anyway, I'm going to give it the best care possible over the next season and try again for a flower as good as the first one - it's got a new start.

Btw, this is an Orchid Inn cross (malipoense 'Green Horizon' x micranthum 'Joe's Red'). The cross has an AQ, 5 AMs and an HCC from the AOS.

The current flower:






And the original flower:

[Shirley]

Wow! What a stunning paph, Joe! Not surprising that it's your favorite. I've had very poor luck with malipoense but maybe a hybrid would be worth another try. I sure do like it!

[slipperfreak]

Thank you! This blooming is not so stunning IMO, but it has shown in the past what it can really do.

Parvisepalum hybrids are generally easier than the species, even if they are often slow growers. Fanaticum is one of the more widely available and stronger growing ones. I strongly recommend it.

[etex]

Does this hybrid usually bloom 2x a year? It sure had an eye candy gorgeous bloom in March!! I think this bloom may open a little more!

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by etex

Does this hybrid usually bloom 2x a year? It sure had an eye candy gorgeous bloom in March!! I think this bloom may open a little more!

To my knowledge this grex normally blooms once per year. I don't attribute this quick reblooming to good culture though - the supporting growth is not as big as it should be!

[Country Gramma]

That's really a nice flower. Maybe I should have more Paphs.

Karen