Paphiopedilum micranthum - is it flowering?

[Sotetsu]

Hello everyone,

I’m an orchid newbie, and have a few now in my collection. This is the first and only Paphiopedilum I have so far, and I was wondering if it’s coming into flower possibly?

It’s a Paphiopedilum micranthum var. eburneum x sibling, which I bought at a recent RHS orchid show. They said some this size had flowered, and so when I saw this little growth in the middle I was hoping.

Another thing I love about this species is the amazing patterns on its leaves; they almost look like writing on lined paper, and they have a wonderful hard microscopic beaded surface, which reminds me of some reptiles’ skin, which is pretty cool too.

I know this species has a reputation to be difficult to flower, but I thought I’d post this picture and see what you all think. Is this a new leaf or maybe a flower coming, or is it too early to tell?

[orkie]

I can't tell from the photo, but if it is a bud and not a leaf, it will look and feel quite fat/bulbous. A leaf will not have any bulk to it and feel flat when squeezed gently.

[quiltergal]

It's too soon to tell visually, but as Orkie says if you feel down below the leaves and it's flat then you most likely have a new leaf coming. If there is swelling and it feels kind of round then it's probably a bud.

[EDDIE]

Im not an expert, but it kinda looks like a leaf to me...

Eddie

[WhiteRabbit]

I think it's a leaf too - but growing is good!





this one is developing buds - you can see the growth is flat, rather than curved or angled downwards, across the top, tho I'm not sure all Paphs exhibit the same - as well as the slight swelling the others mentioned.

I agree with you - the foliage is lovely! And your plant seems to be growing happily - so hopefully with time it will bloom for you

[slipperfreak]

It looks like a leaf to me.