Paph Questions

[WhiteysTA]

Hello,
I'm still kinda new to this site, and wanted to check in on something. So far i've had alot of good luck out of my collection of Paphs, but wanted to ask about a few things i've noticed. First, almost all of my Paphs end up with another small bloom that forms just below the original flower on the same spike, its always way behind the other and will eventually bloom out, but always smaller than the first. Its usually right underneath the original, sometimes forced at an odd angle due to being so close. When I got these plants in bloom, they only had a single flower, which makes me think somebody trimmed off the second so the first might have more energy. Should I be doing this, or just consider the second a blessing? Next, I have a few that have real flimsy leaves, and often when a new leaf is set, it never actually opens up, just remains in a tight V-shape. Because of this, you cannot see the patterning on the inside of the leaves. I've tried to open them and make them stay open, but they usually just close up and flop over. Is there possibly something wrong with this plant, or is it just the variety? They see to be healthy with alot of leaves. Thanks for any help you can give me! I'm sure i'll have tons more questions!

[Bud]

The genus Paphiopedilum is typically divided into two groups: the multi-florals and the unifloral. As the names describe, the multifloral paphs produce multiple blooms on a single spike that may be open at the same time. These can range from 2 or 3 per spike, up to 13 or more blooms at a time. The rest of the paphs carry only one bloom per spike, but the blooms are usually very long lasting.
Perhaps a third division should be named, though. Some paphs are sequential blooming. These plants produce only one bloom at a time per spike, but as that bloom begins to wilt, another bloom grows to replace it. Typically, then, these paphs will have one flower open at a time, but may bloom for a year or two on a single spike. In some instances, the second bloom may begin to open before the first is completely finished, but that should be considered the exception rather than the rule.

[Zoi2]

Can you post a picture or two of your plant?
Joann

[dounoharm]

the leaf not opening completely and flopping over sounds like a light issure...i suggest a bit more light...experiment with it to find the optimum light level for your environment....gl

[Ray]

Following-up on Bud's comments, there are, indeed, single-, multifloral, and sequential bloomers. Even at that, it is not uncommon for a single-bloomer to have a second, smaller bud. If we consider the hybridization of the three groups, anything is possible.

I also have to agree with dounoharm that the "clamped" leaves are likely a cultural issue. I'm not so sure about light, but it might be, possible that and/or humidity issues, although that's less likely.

[PaphMadMan]

Don't take the terms 'multifloral' and 'single flowered' too literally in Paphs. There are 7 or so distinct subgenera or sections of the genus Paphiopedilum. Two of them are considered 'multifloral', meaning that they typically have 3 or more flowers that open in fairly rapid succession and maintain several open flowers at once. But a couple species in this group may have just 1 or 2 flowers and they are still considered 'multifloral'.

One section is sequential flowering, with spikes that may persist for many months or even years, with a new flower forming every month or 2, and usually just one flower open at a time. A young small plant may have just 1 or 2 flowers though.

All the other subgenera/sections are lumped together as 'single flowered', but most of the species can have a second flower as you described. A few species can even have 3 or 4 or 5 flowers sometimes, but they are still considered 'single flowered'.

Hybrids between subgenera or sections are even less predictable, and hybrid vigor often promotes that extra flower even if only 'single flowered' species are involved.

What your plant is doing is absolutely normal, and there is no wrong way to handle it. If you prefer a single flower it will probably be larger and better presented, but clip that little bud off as soon as you can see it to get the best effect. Or if you'd rather have as many flowers as the plant can produce and enjoy them over a longer period of time just let it be.

If you are sure there isn't some insect pest involved the folded leaf problem is either environmental, low light, low humidity, etc., or cultural, not enough water, weak root system from over-watering, etc. No matter what it may be I'd check the health of the roots and plan on repotting in fresh medium. Paphs LIKE to be repotted, at least once a year. Then correct whichever of those other factors seems most likely.