Anacamptis papilionacea subsp. expansa

[JPMC]

Not as many flowers as last year, but there is an extra growth. I didn't know that these orchids were clumpers.

[IMG][/IMG]

[SteveC]

I assume that you did not repot this plant last year? There must have been two tubers. They are not clumpers as such, if by that you mean multiple growths on one plant, but can produce two tubers if grown well. Many people cut off the first new tuber when it is a decent size, then try to keep the plant growing in the hope that it will produce a second tuber, albeit smaller.
Once again your flowering is very early, it is like a preview of what I have to look forward to.

[JPMC]

Originally Posted by SteveC

I assume that you did not repot this plant last year? There must have been two tubers. They are not clumpers as such, if by that you mean multiple growths on one plant, but can produce two tubers if grown well. Many people cut off the first new tuber when it is a decent size, then try to keep the plant growing in the hope that it will produce a second tuber, albeit smaller.
Once again your flowering is very early, it is like a preview of what I have to look forward to.

That's correct, I did not repot it. When I planted it there was just one very small tuber. Is is recommended to repot yearly and divide?

[SteveC]

It all depends on the compost. Because they are left totally dry whilst the plant is dormant some are not suitable for reuse. I use about 25% loam (soil) which turns to dust when totally dried out and so I repot annually. If you are using something like seramis or another inorganic compost it is probably not necessary.
But my curiosity would always get the better of me and I would always check for new tubers, to see how many have been produced and then spread them out even if I was re-using the same compost. It must be better to give them space?

[WhiteRabbit]

Beautiful!

[Tindomul]

Wow, I have never heard of this one. Where did you get it? The flowers are gorgeous!
Also, how do you care for it while its not dormant?

[JPMC]

Originally Posted by Tindomul

Wow, I have never heard of this one. Where did you get it? The flowers are gorgeous!
Also, how do you care for it while its not dormant?

I bought it through a group order with other members of this forum from myorchids.de. I simply water it starting in mid-October to keep moist and fertilize with 125-150 ppm of a urea-free fertilizer weekly. I also keep it next to the window to keep it cool and grow in full sun. After the leaves die, no water.

[Tindomul]

Sounds easy enough, congrats again.

[RosieC]

Gorgeous flower!