Paph S. Gratrix (bellatulum x leucochilum)

[Leo Schordje]

Image 1 & 2 from this May, 3rd image is from 2 years ago. The 2009 blooming opened scrunched up against another plant without being noticed, but it is interesting how the flowers in 2009 look radically different than the 2007 blooming. The color shift is partly due to the 2007 photo being taken with a flash. What is most different is the shape of the flowers. First bloom was nice flat and bell shaped, the 2009 bloom is curled. The 3 flowers on one stem is a pleasant surprise. Enjoy

and the 2007 bloom

 

[SlipperKing]

WOW Leo! this is sweet. How long have you had this clone? I bloomed a single fan from Nic T with single flower.

 

[Bob in Albany N.Y.]

Leo, Could the less then ideal shape this year possible be due to lack of moisture at some point? That first flowering was really nice.

 

[goldenrose]

:drool: OMG!!! What a difference! I wonder if the shape is different due to the fact there are 3 flowers? It's a keeper either way! :clap::clap:

 

[Leo Schordje]

Had this plant since May of 2005, bought it from Sam Tsui. The plant is now about 5 growths. I love seeing how flowers change as the plant becomes a multigrowth specimen. The only down side of waiting for plants to mature is how much older I have become.
Though I am a firm believer in that "Old age and treachery will beat youth and strength every time. :evil:

 

[KyushuCalanthe]

It has that, "hey, gimme some room!" look. I don't think you could get a rounder, more perfect looking flower. I know what you mean about waiting for plants to grow/ flower. I always tell my slow pokes, "listen, I ain't gettin' no younger, hurry up!"

 

[Leo Schordje]

Leo, Could the less then ideal shape this year possible be due to lack of moisture at some point? That first flowering was really nice.

Definitely possible, while I try, my growing often is less than ideal. I had dried the collection hard a few times this last year.

 

[Bob in Albany N.Y.]

I'd be willing to bet thats why the flowers weren't quit up to par.

 

[Ross]

Now, if you can combine the shape of 2007 with the count of 2009............

 

[Barbara]

I like both versions actually, and the photography is very nice.

 

[SlipperFan]

I was thinking that maybe the plant was putting so much energy into making 3 flowers, that it didn't quite have enough to make perfect flowers. What gives a plant energy? Water? Fertilizer? Light?

 

[JeanLux]

The 2007 flower having been an absolute beauty, this year's offer a great display nonetheless!!! And a super cool pot Leo !!! Jean

 

[Leo Schordje]

The 2007 flower having been an absolute beauty, this year's offer a great display nonetheless!!! And a super cool pot Leo !!! Jean

Thanks everyone. The pot is a YiXing pot from China. Bought it through Purple Clay Imports. Thanks to Dot's coaching, my photos have improved a lot. And I do try to grow my "keepers for display" in attractive pots.