Paphiopedilum helenae 'Pieces of Eight' CCM/AOS

[Phred]

I went to judging again this last Saturday while I still had several Paphiopedilum helenae in bloom. I got CCM/AOS on this one... 7 flowers.

 

[Linus_Cello]

But there are 9 pieces of 8?

 

[hkunberger]

Congratulations!
Looks like a pretty little troupe of dancers.

 

[Tom-DE]

impressive!

 

[Morja]

Amazing! One of my favorites. Congratulations as well!

 

[BrucherT]

I went to judging again this last Saturday while I still had several Paphiopedilum helenae in bloom. I got CCM/AOS on this one... 7 flowers.
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I have one imported helenae from Wenqing Perner. It’s adorable but 5 years on it’s just a very slow grower with flower off one growth at a time, every two years. Do you have a secret or am I just stuck with a slomo?

 

[Phred]

I have one imported helenae from Wenqing Perner. It’s adorable but 5 years on it’s just a very slow grower with flower off one growth at a time, every two years. Do you have a secret or am I just stuck with a slomo?

I don't know that it's a secret but I let them dry out and then water well. helenae do best for me if I don't water until the pot is 'light' then water real well. Keeping them "Evenly Moist" does not wok for me.

 

[BrucherT]

I don't know that it's a secret but I let them dry out and then water well. helenae do best for me if I don't water until the pot is 'light' then water real well. Keeping them "Evenly Moist" does not wok for me.

Wow. Thank you! I’ll try that. This is one that I’ve always heard must not dry out.