Paph. questions - I'm a newb

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by Hedge

I am also interested to see the alternate sided new growths - in my extremely limited experience I thought the plants grew slowly across the pot towards one side leaving the older parts behind......

Paphs do not always conform to this. Sometimes the rhizome will start to grow in multiple directions. When this happens the plant naturally divides itself into sections that are easy to separate.

[BikerDoc5968]

Here are 2 different angles of this plant. I know it is hard to see but there are 2 old growths and 2 new growths.

[Connie Star]

Originally Posted by BikerDoc5968

That is correct, Connie. This paph has multiple new growths at different stages of maturity. Why do you ask?

In the photos, it looks like the oldest is in the center, and the new ones are on either side of it. I would have thought they would progress along the same direction on the rhizome. Or maybe the rhizomes branch?

[Connie Star]

Originally Posted by slipperfreak

Paphs do not always conform to this. Sometimes the rhizome will start to grow in multiple directions. When this happens the plant naturally divides itself into sections that are easy to separate.

After studying the labeled pictures I think I understand. Now I'm less confused about the growths on my paphs, too. Thanks

[greenbean]

Most sympodial orchids have the capacity to form multiple leads (new growths) that can grow in different directions. It's just that usually the strongest wins out. Paphs are more likely to grow in this spreading fashion, rather than in one direction.

Joe, thanks for that little tidbit about new growths taking 1-2 years to mature. I've been wondering if my Paph will ever bloom, but I guess it must be one of the slower-growing ones. It's a Paph. 'Macabre' (all that was on the label) and the leaves look great, they just grow reeeaaallly slowly. Though less-than-ideal conditions are probably slowing its growth too.

[BikerDoc5968]

Connie, with this specific plant, there are 2 old growths in the center and a new growth from each...