Paph. liemianum Spike Droopy

[quiltergal]

I bought a Paph. liemianum in spike (among others) last weekend. The spike is curled over and the buds are facing the media. It's still very short. It's not limp, seems to be getting enough water. It's directly under a T5 Fluoro, and facing a south window with blinds. Is this normal, or will the spike begin to straigten up as it grows? Thanks guys

[tuvoc]

That's pretty much how all paph spikes start, Terri. The bud will stay facing down as the spike grows, until it opens. As long as the stem is firm and fairly straight, not to worry.

Kim

[quiltergal]

Thanks Kim. Here's a pic of what I'm trying to describe. The stem is not straight at all. It looks like a horseshoe!

[tuvoc]

Looks good to me, Terri. Nice and firm, and the color is good. Keep us posted.

Kim

[quiltergal]

Thank you! I'm so relieved! My delenatii held it's head up much more than this guy. I'm not all that well versed in Paphs but learning more every day.

[Lagoon]

heehee! Yeah it's sorta sad looking, poor little bud. Its a habit of many paphs, Terri. I agree not to worry
When my lil charlesworthii comes up, It lays right across the entire leaf like its dying - within a few days of that it comes up nicely.
Slippers are cool

[BikerDoc5968]

Sometimes a picture really is worth many words... so for my , Terri, here are 2 paphs with new buds that will open...well, hopefully soon. So as all the people above have said what your plant is showing is what is the norm for paphs.

[quiltergal]

Thank you everyone for your input. I really appreciate it. I'm pretty new to Paphs and Phrags. My experience is limited to Paph. delenatii, and it's bud emerged quite differently than this one. Glad to hear nothing is wrong with it.

[tbaenziger]

Terri, one thing to add to the discussion. The stem will straighten up and the flower should develop normally, if the light is mostly from above, and if you do not move the plant from its position. If the plant is in a window and it only gets slanted light, the stem will go in that direction. If you move it the stem will develop kinks and odd twists. Another suggestion that has helped me: by tipping the plant towards the light just a bit (at say a 10 degree angle), when it blooms you can set it back straight and the flower will be better presented for 'viewing the blooming'.

[quiltergal]

Thanks for the tip Ted. It is directly under the T5, so I think it should grow pretty straight. It's right next to the delenatii and it has a nice straight stem. I might be able to tip them a little. That's a great idea though. Beats having to bend over to look up into the flower.