Mexipedium xerophyticum

[Achamore]

Have had this plant for at least 12 years, and it only bloomed once before, about 10 years back. I was growing it moderately dry, in line with the advice I had seen. Then a year ago someone on this forum mentioned that in fact it might be best keeping the roots moist, that some places in their native habitat there is sphagnum moss covering the roots. So I began watering it a bit every day, and it has responded well, putting on new growths after years of slow decline. Here is the new bloom.

 

[SlipperKing]

Very nice . This one has more pink then most.

 

[adiaphane]

Wish I can find one of these! Just lovely.

 

[tnyr5]

So cute! Just curious, what's the diameter of the pot?

 

[Paph_LdyMacBeth]

Its lovely! I just purchased one of these yesterday so I was happy to come across your photos and cultural advice

 

[Achamore]

So cute! Just curious, what's the diameter of the pot?

I think its a 6" pot. I'll check tomorrow.

 

[eaborne]

I love these close-ups! I need to get a lens that can zoom like that!

 

[SlipperFan]

Good for you! Plant is doing well.

 

[Markhamite]

Beautiful! Congrats on you patience and success.

 

[Achamore]

I love these close-ups! I need to get a lens that can zoom like that!

I used a fairly normal Nikon 80mm Macro lens, but as the camera (Nikon D800) has pretty high res, I was able to crop the resulting photos closely.

 

[dodidoki]

Very nice and great shots, too. I have one for 4 years, and never bloomed yet, too.

 

[Achamore]

So cute! Just curious, what's the diameter of the pot?

It is a 6" pot.

 

[trdyl]

Very nice! The more I see of these the more I want to give it a shot.

 

[JeanLux]

Lovely flower, and interesting, compact growing :drool:!!!!

Mine has 10cm + of 'cabling' between the different growths !

Jean

 

[Achamore]

Lovely flower, and interesting, compact growing :drool:!!!!

Mine has 10cm + of 'cabling' between the different growths !

Jean

Good point..! Yes, this one has pretty short 'cabling'. You make me appreciate it all the more..!

 

[Hamlet]

It's beautiful. 10 years... you are very patient!

 

[NYEric]

Lots of growths in a very small space! Thanks for sharing.

 

[trdyl]

Don,

Would you happen to remember where you got it from?

 

[Achamore]

Don,

Would you happen to remember where you got it from?

I'll see if I have anything in my records to remind me. (I used to be better at recording where each plant came from...)

 

[Achamore]

It's beautiful. 10 years... you are very patient!

I just kept feeling I wasn't giving it what it wanted. Last year's comments here were a huge help. It simply wanted more water..!