Paphiopedilum venustum

Bolero · Sep 25, 2009

First flowering seedling, it's a selfing of a really good parent. I am really really disappointed with the size. Does anyone know why this one would be about 1/3 the size of other flowers I see on the show bench. Will the flowers get bigger in future? What does it need?

Also the staminode is off kilter but I'm not worried about that so much as it will correct itself hopefully. But the tiny flower size is a worry. The plant is in a two inch pot and I also think the colour is good.

NYEric · Sep 26, 2009

Mutation!

Jim Toomey · Sep 26, 2009

Give it a second chance!

emydura · Sep 26, 2009

Looks OK although it is hard to tell from your photo (shoot from a lower angle). Nice colour. I've never found venustum to be a particularly big species to begin with. My first flowerings always seem to have a deformed staminode.

David

John M · Sep 26, 2009

It's just a baby. Be patient and it will improve. The colour is good; but, it's hard to see the true flower shape from that odd angle. If it were mine, now that I've seen it and photographed it, I'd cut the stem and let it conserve it's strength as well as help it to speed up the development of the next growth. We used to say "Never judge a Paph until you've seen it's third bloom". I still think that holds true. The quality seems to really improve with multiple fans, each with a good, working root system supporting the third blooming.

Bolero · Sep 26, 2009

Thanks guys, I will cut the flower now I have photos. Odd angle? I took the photo from right in front of the flower but I should have shot it slightly lower.

Thanks again, will post again when it finally flowers for the second time, I didn't realise it took time with this species to get better flowers.

;-)