Paph leaves - Orchid Board

kindrag23 · #1 09-12-2013, 10:05 PM

I have just a random question here. But I noticed my paph's leaves seem to be growing from the top and from the bottom. Is this normal? This is my first paph and I am just curious. My phals( I know different breed(?)) grow from the top and then the lower leaves die off....this is just something new I noticed today.....thanks

WhiteRabbit · #2 09-12-2013, 10:13 PM

As new fans grow, foliage comes from the center of the fan - but, new fans start from the base of mature fans. Paphs are sympodial, like Oncidiums, Catts, Dens, etc.

kindrag23 · #3 09-12-2013, 10:18 PM

Ahhh okay. I was just wondering new chid new things to learn.

jeremyinsf · #4 09-12-2013, 10:29 PM

Also note that each 'fan' gives you one shot for a spike - and then it's done it's job. Well, mostly, to us at least. It will stick around for a while and continue to provide for the plant as a whole. But it will not send another spike from that fan again. As as new ones grow, the old ones will fade away.

Both of these pages are probably well worth your time to read through:

Quick Start - Buying and Growing Your First Paph.

PAPHIOPEDILUM: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

They are older pages, no longer updated - but are an excellent starting point.