I've heard paphiopedilum bellatulum is challenging. Are there easier "cuppy" paphs?

[astrid]

Hey everyone!

I am sure you are all as enchanted as I am by paph bellatulum's adorable cuppy shape, it's sweet little freckles, the short infloresence, and the precious mottled leaves!

I have heard, however, that this paph is a tough cookie to care for and to get to rebloom. I have also routinely heard that it is one of those orchids that seems to do well for a while, then slowly dies over a period of a couple years, which would be pure misery for me!

I am wondering what you guys think about this particular orchid.
1- Is it as hard to grow and rebloom as people say?

2- Are there similar paphs, hybrids, and so on that are just as cute, but less challenging?

3- If you have successfully grown one of these, how do you personally care for it?

4- Continuing the care question, is this an orchid I should refrain from buying without a greenhouse, a humidifier, and other relevant more advanced growing tools?

Thanks, everyone! Happy growing!

[Fairorchids]

Bellatulum can be a little challenging, but it is not that difficult. Main thing is to let it dry out (just) between waterings, and to repot every 12-18 months (do NOT let the medium go stale). If you can, give it slightly warmer conditions, and slightly lower light, than the strapleaved types.

The other Brachys tend to be a little easier, except for leucochilum/goodefroyae, which can decide to go downhill for no apparent reason.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by astrid

Hey everyone!

I am sure you are all as enchanted as I am by paph bellatulum's adorable cuppy shape, it's sweet little freckles, the short infloresence, and the precious mottled leaves!

I have heard, however, that this paph is a tough cookie to care for and to get to rebloom. I have also routinely heard that it is one of those orchids that seems to do well for a while, then slowly dies over a period of a couple years, which would be pure misery for me!

I am wondering what you guys think about this particular orchid.
1- Is it as hard to grow and rebloom as people say?

2- Are there similar paphs, hybrids, and so on that are just as cute, but less challenging?

3- If you have successfully grown one of these, how do you personally care for it?

4- Continuing the care question, is this an orchid I should refrain from buying without a greenhouse, a humidifier, and other relevant more advanced growing tools?

Thanks, everyone! Happy growing!

Great questions, all the stuff I have always wanted to know but was too lazy to find out. Thanks, eagerly awaiting answers!

[801229001]

Easy Peasy! i grow lots of slippers and this one takes similar culture as most other paphs. It has been in my collection for 4 years and in the past three years, has bloomed at least once a year.

I give at least 70% humidity, warm temps (more than 24 degrees Celsius) and keep it on the dryer side compared to other paphs (but never completely dry). In the summer i usually water more and light levels are medium (think miltoniopsis). I don't have a greenhouse and my setup is not too advanced (some fans, foggers, and t5 bulbs) so i dont think that stuff is necessary.