Just booked Paph. Ceranense and Paph. Rosy Dawn

[The Mutant]

I wonder how that happened...

Since I'm a complete and utter newbie when it comes to Paphiopedilum, I have never even seen one in real life, I have a question or maybe two:

Since I've been eying this genera for some time I've read a bit about it. To my limited understanding it seems as though they are very similar to Phals when it comes to their environment and their care. So far the only difference I've been able to find is that they are terrestrial and thus demand a bit different potting medium, also that they seem to like being re-potted more regularly than Phals (at least once a year). I was thinking to give them the same medium as my Phals (pine bark, sphagnum, and perlite), except that I'll change the bark to a fine-grade one. They also seem to prefer being watered more often, or maybe this is just my imagination.

So, is this a good start? I'll have them standing together with my Phals in one of my east-facing windows and provide some supporting light during the winter months.

Apparently the Ceramense is a bit tricky to get to bloom so we'll see if I'll have any luck with it (the foliage is gorgeous on it ).

So, um, this was a totally unexpected purchase... I mean, I knew a Paph would move into my flat one day, but not two at the same time and not as soon as this. Darn Swedish Orchid forum...

[Discus]

heh Your orchid collection expanding beyond phals was... inevitable.

Paphs are indeed pretty similar to phals - and yes, they do like more water and more frequent re-potting. They particularly like being in small pots; the smaller the pot is (within reason) the better!

Depending on the species in the ancestry, many quite like some limestone or something similar in the mix; you can omit this with occasional calcium and magnesium supplements; a good fertiliser with micronutrients should supply these anyway.

They're not mostly truly terrestrial; they often live in the very surface of leaf-litter which isn't quite the same. Your phal mix should be fine for them.

[Discus]

Wow, Rosy Dawn was registered way back in 1935! I couldn't find ceranense.
Is the latter perhaps Paph. bullenianum var. ceramensis ?

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by Discus

Wow, Rosy Dawn was registered way back in 1935! I couldn't find ceranense.
Is the latter perhaps Paph. bullenianum var. ceramensis ?

Whoops! Spelling error in the add led to me continuing spelling it wrong... It's supposed to be Paph. Ceramense and nothing else.

To be honest, I have no idea. According to a post on Slipper Talk where a picture of "my" plant (yup, it's the Paph in question apparently) it's a Paph bullenianum var celebrensis. I can't find it when I google on the name though. Here's a link to my pretty one: Paphiopedilum ceramense - Slippertalk Orchid Forum- The best slipper orchid forum for paph, phrag and other lady slipper orchid discussion!

Found the Rosy Dawn on Slippertalk as well: Rosy Dawn - Slippertalk Orchid Forum- The best slipper orchid forum for paph, phrag and other lady slipper orchid discussion! It's so darn cute!

[The Mutant]

After reading the thread on SlipperTalk and comparing the photos, I think that you're right Discus. It looks to my complete amateur eyes like it's probably a Paph. bullenianum var. ceramensis.

I haven't even paid for it yet and there's already something odd about it!


I don't care what it is honestly, as long as I get it home and can cuddle with it!

[quiltergal]

It looks a bit like appletonianum only darker and without spots on the petals.

[PaphMadMan]

There have been quite a few names applied in the Paph. appletonianum/bullenianum group with little consensus on what species or varieties are actually valid. Paph ceramense is one of these (note lower case, it is a species). It is the same plant that is sometimes called Paph. bullenianum var. ceramensis.

The generalization about Paphs being similar in care to Phals is accurate as a very broad generalization, and you can go with that, including the somehwat finer medium and more even moisture for Paph. ceramense. But there are several distinct cultural groups, and Rosy Dawn really needs brighter light (almost Cattleya level) and cooler (50F) somewhat dryer winter conditions.

Good luck with your new Paphs. Careful, they're addictive, like any other orchids.

[The Mutant]

Originally Posted by PaphMadMan

There have been quite a few names applied in the Paph. appletonianum/bullenianum group with little consensus on what species or varieties are actually valid. Paph ceramense is one of these (note lower case, it is a species). It is the same plant that is sometimes called Paph. bullenianum var. ceramensis.

The generalization about Paphs being similar in care to Phals is accurate as a very broad generalization, and you can go with that, including the somehwat finer medium and more even moisture for Paph. ceramense. But there are several distinct cultural groups, and Rosy Dawn really needs brighter light (almost Cattleya level) and cooler (50F) somewhat dryer winter conditions.

Thanks for clearing that up! It was like Discus suggested then.
Wow, a species Paph, I'm glad. Should I add limestone to the medium as Discus also suggested?

Okay, since I'm completely uninterested in Cattleyas I have no idea what type of light level they demand, but an east-facing window is not enough I assume. Unfortunately I can't provide such low temperatures indoors during winter, and putting it outside is completely out of the question. I'll have to ask the seller under what conditions he has kept it in. If it has been kept like this, then I have to cancel the purchase.

[quiltergal]

Catt light runs around 2500 to 3000 foot candles. I see lights in your future....

[Shirley]

I've attached a picture of my Rosy Dawn. I've had the plant for 10 years now, a faithful bloomer and still one of my very favourites. Good luck with your new babies!