Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum
 

I am having trouble getting this plant to bloom. It gets almost cattleya light and temps and is growing semi-hydroponically. Anyone have any suggestions on how to get this one to bloom for me?

Thanks,

Kev

Hi Kev,
I'm no paph expert but why are you giving this cattelya lighting?

Paphs like full shade where Catt's like bright light. I grow my Paphs near my Phals and have had great success getting them to bloom. Not that I have many (5) which does not make me an expert by any means....just my 2 cents worth.

Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum should have a cool down period to induce blooming.

Thanks for the information. Ken, how cool? My apartment isn't exactly warm; it's mostly intermediate. The plant sets in a tank, open top near the door wall. So, it should have been sufficiently cool, but I could be wrong.

Kev

I have many of my paphs under catteya indoor lighting, these are multi bloomers.
Kev , if you haven't been able to get this one to bloom under warmer conditions, then as already mentioned try a cool down period (lower 60's).
How many fans do you have??

I hear they need a cool down to help bud. This species is an intermediate temp orchid

You may be stressing the plant too much. Forget "cattleya" lighting...keep it shady. No direct sun, except maybe in the depths of winter. I'd give up on SH also...I have very poor luck with paphs in SH. It also should be relatively dry in winter. No fertilizer between Oct and Feb, and cool...I find that it is not as cold tolerant as parvi's or insigne...but it should be cool- low 50's, high 40's. Its slow as **** to bloom...forms a sheath in the fall, but won't actually bloom until spring. Take care, Eric