I Think My Paph is Scented!

[Rowangreen]

Bit of a surprise, but I think I can detect a slight scent from my spiceraneum. I have to put my nose right in it, but I get honey and maybe a bit of cheap talcum powder! I've had it two weeks, don't know how long it was in flower before I got it.

So has anyone else got scented Paphs? Which one's are supposed to be, and any surprises?

[RJSquirrel]

never got much scent out of the ones I have that are supposed to be refreshingly odoriferous. My spicy was no scented. I could smell that bark and root scent that orchids have. But no scenting.

[Rowangreen]

I think there's a possibility that I'm picking up something from the bark it's in, but I'll need a few more sniffing sessions to be sure. The particular scent seems to be strongest with my nose right in the flower!

I have a feeling many, if not most or all, orchids have scent: just our human noses are too pathetic to pick it up!

So what Paphs are definitely scented, and has anybody else come across a borderline case?

[Leafmite]

Some paph Lynnleigh Koopowitz are but I didn't detect any odor in mine (a different cross than the ones that claim to be scented). My paph delentalii is too young to bloom but I am not holding out much hope. I am very happy to hear of your good fortune! Much depends on the cross you get.

[silken]

My spicerianum is getting ready to open so I will wait a few days after it does and let you know if I smell something. I had a Lynleigh Koopowitz in bloom this summer but I don't think there was scent. My Phrag. Hanne Popow has a wonderful scent although it is a Phrag. not a Paph. but still a slipper orchid.

By the way, what does cheap talcum powder smell like?

[Rowangreen]

Like I said, I've had this plant, in bloom, for two weeks now, and I've only noticed the scent the last few days. So maybe it will take a week or two to develop? Apologies in advance if you now spend several weeks with your nose in a flower with no result! LOL

It is very faint, but I'm now fairly sure I'm not imagining it. In fact I reckon it's coming from inside the pouch, which makes sense.

Re cheap talcum. Trust me to assume people would know what I meant if I used 'shorthand'. I guess the smell is sort of sweet/candy/maybe rose. Sort of scent that might be too sweet if it were strong, but it isn't. There's maybe a hint of spice like ginger too, but since it's a really faint scent I am definitely pushing it to try and make it out! LOL

[NYCorchidman]

Very interesting, never heard of this before. could be a lucky mutation?

Paph. Malipoence is probably the best known for scented paph. Sometimes the scent is lost in the hybrids.
Also, some delenatii are reported to have some scent.

[The Orchid Boy]

The only paph I've heard of having a scent is Paph. delenatii. I knocked the buds of last winter/spring so I'll sniff it this winter/spring when it blooms and see.

[Rowangreen]

Well, further thoughts...

I think it's possible it's picking up some scent chemicals from the bark it's in and letting it out through the pouch? I still think there's a hint of sweetness there too.

I'm still holding the theory that many 'unscented' orchids are scented, just too faintly for humans to smell.

If that's the case, there's two explanations for this: a) I have a very good sense of smell. b) This is a smellier than usual example.

Maybe both are true... I know I do have a good sense of smell. If b is true though... I have just made an attempt at selfing the flower! I think the chances of it working are pretty remote. It's my first ever pollination, the flower is showing signs of age, I did it 'blind' as I didn't want to destroy the flower to get to the 'bits', and paphs are apparently difficult anyway! But I guess there's no harm in trying!

[NYCorchidman]

Well, if scent is not detectable to the sensory organs of human, then, it cannot be considered "scented" in the true sense of the word.

With that said, yes, a could be the possibility. What some people cannot detect, others can! It may sound crazy, but true!