I Think My Paph is Scented!

[Rowangreen]

If a tree falls in a forest with nobody there does it make a sound? *G*

[silken]

My Paph. spicerianum has been open for a few days now but I don't think I smell a scent. Doesn't mean a bug wouldn't tho. Of course I just finished baking chocolate chip cookies too so my nose could be fooled

I will post a photo in a separate thread.

[Rowangreen]

Are you calling me a bug? LOL I find to get the best scent I have to literally position my nose on top of the pouch, so my nostrils are on the opening!

Interesting post by Jmoney here: Are any of these Paph species fragrant? - Page 2 Seems I'm not the only one who smells stuff where most people don't!

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

If a tree falls in a forest with nobody there does it make a sound? *G*

I don't think this is comparable to what is being discussed here though. We are talking about someone (you) present, actually, right in front of the flower.
So, there!

[NYCorchidman]

I think the best way to settle on this is that you invite a few friends over and have them smell your flower to see if they detect the scent.

You might be gifted with a special olfactory sense.

[Rowangreen]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

I don't think this is comparable to what is being discussed here though. We are talking about someone (you) present, actually, right in front of the flower.
So, there!

Nope, I was referring to your definition of 'scented' as requiring (weak) human scent organs to be involved. I'm sure the plants would not see that as a good definition.

Re getting others to sniff it: unfortunately I've been going out more than in recently! Maybe this weekend... but I think the flower may be fading, and I'm not getting so much scent from it. I actually really want to smell other people's plants now! I'm quite sure not everyone would be able to smell this one (I do know I have a good sense of smell), so personally it's more interesting now to know if this plant is unusual or if I can smell all spicys. Something that would be good to know if the selfing does work!

[NYCorchidman]

How long have you had this plant? have you always been able to sense the scent from its flowers??

Spicerianum is not known to have fragrance. So if yours truly does, then, you must have a very well developed nose.

[Rowangreen]

Must be getting on for a month now, but I didn't notice at first. I don't know if that's because the scent increased or I simply didn't notice. The second is likely.

[NYCorchidman]

Usually, the scented orchids do give off any scent for the first few days after flowers open.

[Rowangreen]

Totally agree, but in this case the flower may have been open some time before I got it. I've had it a month, I've read they last 2-3 months, and mine is now showing distinct signs of fading.

I nearly asked a neighbour to sniff it the other day, but I admit to chickening out! Same goes for organising a 'sniffing party' for friends! It is a request that could potentially come off as wierd! I think it's too late now: I can still detect a little scent sometimes, but it's definitely fainter and not all the time.