Pap. Ho Chi Minh's leaves feel like plastic
 

Hello.

I recently bought a Pap. Ho Chi Minh at a local orchid auction and its leaves feel very different from another Paphiopedilum that I have (though not a Ho Chi Minh)...Its leaves feel a lot stiffer, and almost like plastic...I was just wondering if this is normal or if its too dry. It felt rather dry when i bought it, so I watered it just once, and have left it alone since. It has a bloom, but the blooms dont last for very long and is going into its last phases...just wondering if anyone else has any input on their Pap. Ho Chi Minh's....

Thank you.

That is normal. HCM is a cross of the Parvisepalum section of the paphs. These paphs have leathery leaves with beautiful tesselations. They have much thicker epidermis so the are stiff, if you look really closely you can see nice patterns on the cuticle.

I'd water it just like your other paphs. They tend to like a more calcareous mix, maybe add limestone. The limestones are often found in their natural habitat. I've read people with hard water tend to grow these well because of the extra minerals. I have hard water where i am.

Fren,

Thank you for the response. Yeah the leaves dont really feel "leathery" but are definitely harder than my other Paps...since you seem to know a lot about the Ho Chi Minh series, do you mind giving me any more information about them. I am new to this breed (newish to orchids in general) and want to make sure i do everything right. I found a link to the species and what it suggests, but i always love hearing peoples feedback.

The plant itself has blossomed three times, as i can tell from two cut back stalks...and is on its third blossom (though fading)...I will try to include pics in the next couple of days...Its in bark material...and you suggested some limestone mix...which i will take into consideration...do you always use this mix when you go to water it, or only once in awhile...or do you put the limestone mix directly in the soil. I dont want to repot it as it seems to be doing fine in its current home.

Also. Do they like the same amount of light as other Paps? The light, almost velvety flower, makes it almost seem like an albino orchid, so I have to ask.

also how often does your seem to blossom? I have heard they can blossom twice a year but the blossoms themselves only last at most six weeks, and that is a pretty good run...

Any other unique tidbits i should know about this breed?

Thank you for your time, much appreciated!!!