3 pouched Paph

[RJSquirrel]

Yes please help me.
I saw a paph hybrid offered somewhere that had the 2 lower sepals morphed into pouches a "3 pouched paph".

I cant find it again and its driving me bonkers. Someone else has seen this plant?

[Louis_W]

Normally, that kind of thing is a one time mutation. In the case of the Paph. I would not buy it as a "special" plant. Chances are that it will bloom with perfectly normal flowers next time.

There are some permanent mutations as in peloric flowers (where all three petals have a similar form as the lip), but I have never seen a peloric Paph. I could be wrong but be cautious of anyone selling you things advertised like that, especially at elevated prices.

[RJSquirrel]

I like mutant plants.. and Sam Tsui at orchid inn has a 3 poucher .the 3 pouched bernice it strange looking!!

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

Yes please help me.
I saw a paph hybrid offered somewhere that had the 2 lower sepals morphed into pouches a "3 pouched paph".

I cant find it again and its driving me bonkers. Someone else has seen this plant?

A small anatomical correction. In Paphs the paired lower sepals that most orchids have are merged into the single synsepal behind the pouch. It is usually the petals that would develop into extra pouches.

Pictures of a few peloric Paphs have popped up on forums specializing in slipper orchids, searching there should find a few pics.

Stable forms do exist. They usually aren't kindly regarded by most slipper growers. Sorry I can't suggest where you might see them offered for sale. It is rare to find them offered for sale since Paphs can't be cloned, and the few plants that can be produced by division may be spoken for before they are produced.