Would Paph Hsinying Alien be ok for a newbie?

[NewBloom]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a gift alternative to a Phal for a new orchid grower. I did some research and thought a paph would be lovely but I know little about them.

If I understand correct they like low light, moisture, are easy to grow and can have long lasting blooms throughout the year. Can Paph Hsinying Alien be grown and bloom indoors year round with zero special equipment?

I would love input from you paph growers if this plant would be an appropriate gift or if you have better recommendations.

With thanks,

NB

[RJSquirrel]

a hsinying hybrid paph wont bloom all year long. they will bloom for 4 to 6 weeks. a new growth starts if you have been good and 6 months to a year later, depending on your culture you might have another bloom.

Paphs are pretty easy to grow with no special equipment indeed. If you want a paph that blooms longer go with a sequential bloomer like a paph pinocchio, (cheap and easy). I have had one blooming for almost a year from one spike and then started to bloom again from the second plant .

Good luck and any orchid lover will enjoy a paph

The sequential-blooming Paphs include such species as Paph moquettianum, Paph liemianum, Paph glaucophylum, Paph primulinum, and Paph victoria-regina.

[Ray]

To answer your question specifically, yes, Hsinying Alien would be a good choice. it is a highly complex mottled-leaf hybrid, and should do well for a beginner - assuming they learn that orchids and terrestrial plants have different needs.

[tuvoc]

I have two plants of this cross, and they both grow very well with little effort. I'd say go for it.

Kim

[NewBloom]

RJSquirrel,

Thanks for the tip about the sequential blooming paphs. I wrongly assumed that all paphs bloomed throughout the year. One for the group you mentioned would make a great my-first-paph gift.

Kim and Ray,

Thanks for giving the Alien a thumbs up. I'm keeping it on the list as a follow up gift...to myself.


NB

[PaphMadMan]

Hsinying Alien and similar Paphs (there are hundreds of similar hybrids) can bloom at any time of year, and sometimes 2-3 times a year if they are growing very vigorously, whenever they mature a new growth. Usually just one spike at a time except on a large plant, usually just one flower per spike, each flower lasting several weeks to a couple months. It is an ideal choice for a beginner.

If you can grow any houseplant you can grow this type of hybrid. Low light (for an orchid), even moisture but never soggy, any indoor temperature you are comfortable with is fine. Go light on the fertilizer and repot every year.

The same care works for sequential flowering Paphs too, perhaps a bit brighter light. They will bloom for several months to a couple years from one spike, with one flower open at a time on a spike that keeps growing, sometimes with a gap between flowers. A large plant can have more than one spike at a time.

If you prefer a sequential species start with primulinum or glaucophyllum, but the hybrid between them is even easier and more vigorous. It is called Pinocchio. Also look for Pine Glow, Pineapple, Avalon Mist or Nike's Sunny Delight. Those are back crosses or line breeding from Pinocchio, all very similar. They are usually the easiest sequentials to find too.