Paph villosum - Orchid Board

Fairorchids · #1 10-25-2014, 05:55 PM

This plant bloomed first time last year. This year the flower is a bit larger (3.5/8" NS), but not as large as the wild collected plants I saw some 45 years ago. It is interesting though, as it does not have a solid bar of brown on the dorsal, but rather a somewhat striped pattern.

Plant is growing nicely though, it has two large new growths, each with new starts, so it is quite vigorous.

tryingtoflower · #2 10-25-2014, 06:10 PM

I love this plant. I almost bought one from Andy's earlier this month. I was hoping you'd share any culture tips. How big is it? I live in California where it's been dry and warm.

Fairorchids · #3 10-25-2014, 06:29 PM

It is ina 4" pot, in bark/charcoal/perlite mix. Low light, full watering twice a week most of the year (once a week in Dec & Jan. I also have a sprinkler, which goes on for 2 min every morning (just changed it to 3 min every other day, and might reduce further next couple of months).

We fertilize every two weeks, except only once a month in Dec & Jan. Thermostat is set at 55F, and vent comes on at abt 80F.

Main point: Do not let Paphs dry out (except for Brachys).

MattWoelfsen · #4 10-25-2014, 06:38 PM

Lovely orchid!

WhiteRabbit · #5 10-25-2014, 07:52 PM

Wonderful!

tryingtoflower · #6 10-25-2014, 11:58 PM

Thank you for all the information. It's next on my list. Yours is beautiful.

Fairorchids · #7 10-26-2014, 01:41 AM

I have 2 or 3 more unbloomed seedlings from Piping Rock (Candor x Marriott breeding), plus a group of seedlings from Jungle Mist. The latter arrived w label saying:
Paph villosum 'spotted' x self. That might mean var boxallii (I hope).

lotis146 · #8 10-28-2014, 03:38 AM

That is really beautiful! Any speculation as to what made the flower bigger?

Thanks for sharing!

Fairorchids · #9 10-29-2014, 08:08 AM

First bloom was 2 flowers on a 2 growth seedling.

This year it has the two old growths, new mature growth in bloom and two new almost mature growths. With a lot more plant to support a single flower, it is blooming closer to it's potential.

Most Paphs need to reach the 4-6 growth size to perform well. At that point they also grow much faster than 1-3 growth plants.

NYCorchidman · #10 10-31-2014, 03:06 PM

There are quite a bit of variability in this species.
I don't like the copper colored one with dark bark along the center of the dorsal, which is probably the most commonly cultivated variety.

Yours is more towards my taste.
I like the one with yellowish dorsal with lots of dark colorations, but not boxallii. To me, the dorsal pattern on boxallii is "messy". lol

I found the name.
Vilosum var. anamense is the type I like.
There is a picture online of this variety with AM. It is just gorgeous!