Paphiopedilum Maudiae (Flower Spike)
 

I cannot begin to describe how happy I was when I realized my Paph Maudiae was shooting a new flower spike. I began my orchid hobby this year so I'm an amateur when it comes to taking care of them. That said, all of the flowers I had in my small collection so far, came from the store. This is the first time an orchid puts out a flower spike because of me! :) I just want to know if you guys have any tips on how not to screw this up before the flower blooms... I promise I'll include a picture of it when it finally arrives... for now, here are some pictures of the spike.

Congrats on your first bloom! It is really exciting to get any to bloom but your first bloom is the best!

I don't grow Paphs much (I only have one and it has never bloomed) so I can't help you much. I would just keep doing what you have been doing and don't move the plant to a new place until the flower opens all the way.

Can't wait to see the pics!

Congrats! Plant blooming under your care is always great news! I'd say, keep doing exactly what you've been doing, and it'll be fine. It's obviously happy with the treatment it's getting :)

Awesome! :wtg:

That's great! Like the others said just keep on doing what you are doing. Are you sure it's a maudiae? I thought they had variegated leaves.

Bill

I have a maudiae alba that is coming into low sheaf right now too. Mine looks a little different to yours though

http://i1216.photobucket.com/albums/...9-23124709.jpg

I have a little sheaf just beginning to emerge and I am as happy as you are as this is the first blooming for this paph which I have had for almost a year now. Other paphs that I have since bought have flowered for me but not this one but now she is also going to bloom soon. Just keep on doing what you are doing and it should be fine. I can't wait to see your bloom.

Could someone please explain the Paph. flower spike to me. I always thought the flower spike was like the stick that's broke off in the second picture. What you call a new spike looks like a new leaf. I've never had one bloom from scratch though, so that's why I'm asking. Every paph or phrag for that matter flower on a tall stem like growth. Thanks

The leaf comes first then attached to the leaf follows behind the stem.

Hi Newbud, Paphs flower from the center of the leaf fan. When the bud first starts to emerge it will sometimes look like another leaf. After the flower finishes it's bloom the stalk will start to dry out and kind of looks like a stick.

Bill

I've got two NoId paphs and a phragmipedium calurum that I bought im bloom in October 2011. Since then, they have set out new fans but no spikes. Hope yours blooms soon.