Paphiopedilum Maudiae (Flower Spike)

[Susie11]

The pictures aren't too clear but generally if the last leaf out is shorter than the other leaves and now something is growing from that short leaf that is usually a spike sheaf!!

[Orquiadicto]

Great. I hope you're right. I'll see if I can shoot better pictures.

[NYCorchidman]

I love these plants!!!

By the way, flower spike can grow with or without a sheath. Also, the last leaf to grow before the spike development is usually smaller than usual, but not always the case.

This is not a plant specific, but just a random thing that happens. For example, I had one plant with three spikes. One grew out with no sheath. Another grew with a sheath at its base(not a leaf), yet the other grew from a small leaf.
Funny but interesting!

I hope you have a beautiful bloom! (although a long time away from now! )

[Susie11]

Hmm, in my experience I have always had a short leaf followed by the spike sheaf and then bud. I guess it just depends on what type you have maybe but I have always been told by the experts that that is the case and I have read paph culture sheets that state that too. Orchids, they always keep us guessing.

[Orquiadicto]

I'll be watching it carefully. The thing is, when you look at least twice a day at your orchids, everything seems to go so slow.

[Susie11]

I find that when I watch them constantly they don't grow but when you forget to look at them closely for a few weeks then they 'do things'

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by Susie11

Hmm, in my experience I have always had a short leaf followed by the spike sheaf and then bud. I guess it just depends on what type you have maybe but I have always been told by the experts that that is the case and I have read paph culture sheets that state that too. Orchids, they always keep us guessing.

No, many of the literature has incorrect information. lol
Only experiences will tell.

It is not according to certain type. It is just random. I have had many different types of paphs. They all do their thing at random. sheath, no sheath, leaf, no leaf...

I guess it adds to the fun!

By the way, I try not to look at them because I get frustrated. It is a nice surprise when you see there's something growing in the center though!

All my paphs are making new leaves, fans, or spikes. Some already in bloom. I'm thinking of getting rid of some large orchids to make more room for more paphs!

[Susie11]

I am trying to find some that I don't have yet but as I only have albums the choice is rather linited. I guess I should move on to coloured but I just like the albums better :/

[Orquiadicto]

Originally Posted by Susie11

I find that when I watch them constantly they don't grow but when you forget to look at them closely for a few weeks then they 'do things'

I agree with that, but how can you not look for a couple of weeks. I just can't. Next Monday I'm leaving on holiday, so I'll be 10 to 12 days without watching them twice or three times per day. I guess when I get back they'll all have surprises for me (when they survive the cares of my sister in law).

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by Orquiadicto

I agree with that, but how can you not look for a couple of weeks. I just can't. Next Monday I'm leaving on holiday, so I'll be 10 to 12 days without watching them twice or three times per day. I guess when I get back they'll all have surprises for me (when they survive the cares of my sister in law).

I hope you will~