Paph With Something Extra

[jrodpad]

This one's been in bloom for a while, but I noticed that there's what looks like a second paph trying to grow out of the side of the main plant. What do you think? Is this a new plant?

Thanks,

-J

[ronaldhanko]

It's a new growth - when a growth is finished flowering it doesn't flower again, but the plant sends up a whole new set of leaves which eventually will flower.

[jrodpad]

How cool is that?! I had no idea.

What happens to the old growth? Does it die away or does it continue to live on and support the new growth.

- J

[ronaldhanko]

Originally Posted by jrodpad

How cool is that?! I had no idea.

What happens to the old growth? Does it die away or does it continue to live on and support the new growth.

- J

Eventually it dies off, but don't remove it until it's dead - it's needed to support the new growth.

[quiltergal]

J, how often are you watering this guy? The reason I ask is the new growth shouldn't be all pleated up like that. It also looks like the plant was a bit underwatered when the flower was developing. The pouch should be nice and round. You might want to consider bumping up your watering schedule a bit. Great looking flower!

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

J, how often are you watering this guy? The reason I ask is the new growth shouldn't be all pleated up like that. It also looks like the plant was a bit underwatered when the flower was developing. The pouch should be nice and round. You might want to consider bumping up your watering schedule a bit. Great looking flower!

I agree that the flower and new growth both look like the plant is slightly dehydrated, but before blindly increasing water you might want to check the potting media and the roots. If the media is breaking down or the roots are in poor condition plan on repotting with fresh media as soon as the flower fades.

[jrodpad]

Thanks for the advice. It's my first pahp so Im still feeling out its watering needs.

I water the paph about twice a week, but given the comments, I'll step it up to 3 times and see how things go.

The leaves were all pleated up even when I bought the pahp - the two new leaves burst through the lowest established leaf; right through! I always thought that was why they were a bit smooshed up. I wouldn't have guessed that it could have been a watering issue.

Once the bloom dies off I'll be sure to investigate the potting medium and see if it needs a change.

Thanks again for the tips - this is why I love the OB.

- J

[quiltergal]

Ah! If it's a relatively new acquisition then it most likely got too dry before you got it. I'd do as PaphMadMan advises and wait and check the roots. Twice a week should be plenty unless you live in a very warm climate.