Paph. delenatii ready to bloom?

[The Orchid Boy]

The Paph. delenatii spike grew quite a bit!

I think I might see 2 buds in there... Can anyone tell if there are 2 buds?

[Bud]

That is very exciting. I remember my first Paph bud...I had to restrain myself from doting on it or I might smother it to death...

[quiltergal]

I think there are 2 buds!

[The Orchid Boy]

Wow! A first blooming, single growth delenatii and it has two buds!

[Paphluvr]

Yes, Orchid Boy, it is developing two buds. Good growing!

[The Orchid Boy]

I can definitely see two buds now... Do I need to stake it at all? The stem is pretty thick and strong compared to some other paph spikes I've seen. I read an older thread started by quiltergal about staking delenatii spikes and most reccomended to leave it alone. It is about 3 1/2 inches tall now and is leaning the tiniest bit. So should I stake it or leave it be?

[The Orchid Boy]

On Friday night I measured it and it was 4 inches. This morning (Sunday) I measured it and it was 5 inches! Does this seem fast to you guys? When do you think it'll bloom? This is so exciting!

[Paphluvr]

Orchidboy,

It's not necessary to stake a delenatii, especially if you're growing under lights. The spike should stay straight as long as you don't move it around too much under the lights. The only time I stake mine is if I'm transporting a long stemmed variety or a multifloral with a lot of weight on the end of the spike.

By the way, for many years I grew my Paphs the same way you are (under lights) but my main bench was a bit larger. A 8' x 36" bench with four 8' high output flourescent tubes (two Grow-lux wide spectrum and two cool whites, total 440w). The lights and fan were on a timer and I had a room humidifier that kept the humidity about 60-65%. This produced many show ribbons, the best being a "Best of Show" with a Paph parishii, so this set-up can produce great Paphs.

Keep up the good growing!

[The Orchid Boy]

Bad news, the buds came off. My fault.

Good news, a noID phal started a spike.