Paph. platyphyllum 'Franklin's Tower' FCC/AOS

[emydura]

Hmmm, the flowers have been open for more than a week now but I'll check out the "how to" videos and keep it in mind for the next flowering.

It is still possible for older flowers too pollinate successfully. Otherwise, the flowers wouldn't last for a couple of months as they do. But early pollination increases your success rate. But unless your flowers are really old there is still a good chance of success, especially if you use the higher flowers. No harm in trying.

 

[BrucherT]

I didn’t realize it was within a week! You could still do it. But it’s your plant and you should do whatever you want, of course!

 

[lori.b]

I didn’t realize it was within a week! You could still do it. But it’s your plant and you should do whatever you want, of course!

It might be worth a try with the last flower to open. If it's not too cold on Wednesday evening I plan to take it to my orchid club meeting so I can ask if any of the "pros" would like to give it a shot. Otherwise, I finally have a couple days off starting tomorrow so I'll check out some of the online tutorials. It's always good to keep learning!

 

[NYEric]

Congrats! Is it fragrant!?

 

[lori.b]

Congrats! Is it fragrant!?

Thank you! No, it's not fragrant.

 

[tnyr5]

How did pollination go?

 

[lori.b]

How did pollination go?

It didn’t. The consensus was that the flowers weren’t fresh enough but I was encouraged to give it a try the next time it blooms.The newest growth is already quite large so it’ll hopefully bloom early next year.

 

[tnyr5]

Well that's a bummer. Save the pollen at least.

 

[lori.b]

Yes it is. But at least I now know what to do. Fingers crossed for the next bloom

 

[DrLeslieEe]

Congrats on a well grown plant. I’ve seen a few of these and this one is a really good one, deserving the FCC. A behemoth at that.

 

[lori.b]

Congrats on a well grown plant. I’ve seen a few of these and this one is a really good one, deserving the FCC. A behemoth at that.

Thank you! It was a very exciting judging session for sure. Last year when it bloomed for the first time and I posted some pictures you suggested I take it for judging but by the time we had another session here the petals were beginning to dry out. I'm so glad the timing was better this time! I've enclosed a picture of me leaving the judging centre for size reference.