Paphiopedilum volonteanum

[BrucherT]

I want to but nope, I can’t wait anymore after over 4 months of spiking, Paphiopedilum volonteanum has opened. I know I “should have” staked it and now I have. But I enjoyed every day of anticipating the colors and they do not disappoint. Guessing the dorsal will lift some in the coming days. This plant is from Sam Tsui last summer. I could not resist the leaves and he thought it was two years away from flowering, so I am still very surprised by this flower, especially since I was picking mealies off it two days ago (thought I had vanquished them but not quite). Always wanted to see this species in flower and am so happy to share it here.

 

[Ozpaph]

its growing and flowering, so that good.

 

[KateL]

Sweet

 

[DrLeslieEe]

Hehe jumping the gun early eh? You got a great plant and a beautiful flower. Like Ozpaph says, needs to open still.

I find that staking to present a paph flower is an art.

For long spikes like this types, I usually don't stake until I see the bud as it pretty much goes straight up. Important tip is never move the plant or else you will get the curve halfway up as the bud searches the light.

If a move is necessary because you need to adjust height, move it when about a foot high (or less) is best to a permanent position with bud facing the light source (important not to let bud burn close to window or bulbs).

Then stop fussing with it!!

Stake when you see bud, at mid-level of spike. Only when the flower is fully open (about 3 up to 5 days), should you stake flower to 'look up'. Sometimes the clip may be on the flower ovary at the back, so be careful not to accidentally break flower from the stalk.

The trick with this staking is to find a stake high enough! It should be about 6 inches longer than the spike (3 inch inside pot, 3 inch to hold flower up).

 

[BrucherT]

Aw thank you, I’m excited to be watching it. I put no art whatsoever into my staking, I just used a skewer and a clip and it’s more or less uptight. The flower was open/opening when I did it. It still leans forward toward the light. Have been surprised by the length of that stem! Especially since I had to start picking mealies off when it was still in sheath. But now I don’t see any so, fingers crossed. I’m enjoying the bright colors and it’s not a small flower either. Maybe the dorsal would have opened more with better staking? Sigh. I’ll keep in mind for next time (fingers crossed). Thank you!!

 

[GuRu]

Staked or not staked - the flower looks beautiful not to talk of the foliage, its colouration and its patterns are great. Congrats

 

[Guldal]

Bruch, I wholeheartedly agree with Rudolf (GuRu)!

Hmm, I think, I ought to take a look at Sam's new online store to see, if he has more left?!

 

[Don I]

Very nice.
Don

 

[SlipperKing]

Do you have the clonal names of the parents on this plant?

 

[BrucherT]

Do you have the clonal names of the parents on this plant?

Hey there, I should have posted with the original post but here’s an update on the flower and a photo of the tag, which says “Purple Wings x Self.”

 

[BrucherT]

Bruch, I wholeheartedly agree with Rudolf (GuRu)!

Hmm, I think, I ought to take a look at Sam's new online store to see, if he has more left?!

Aww I’m honored to have a plant you would like, I don’t know what Sam has now, I didn’t even look at his store but had the thrill of visiting his stunning greenhouses. It made me dizzy, what he has in there.

 

[BrucherT]

Staked or not staked - the flower looks beautiful not to talk of the foliage, its colouration and its patterns are great. Congrats

Aw thank you!

 

[BrucherT]

Bruch, I wholeheartedly agree with Rudolf (GuRu)!

Hmm, I think, I ought to take a look at Sam's new online store to see, if he has more left?!

I posted the tag and update photos below. This was a total impulse buy, I have only failed with hookerae in the past and Could not resist the leaves here. Sam said it was at least two years from blooming but I guess it’s an early bloomer? No one could have been more surprised than I when I saw the bud. And then it took nearly 5 months to open, during which I’ve been combatting fierce mealybug. So happy to share this thriller! Thank you!

 

[BrucherT]

Hehe jumping the gun early eh? You got a great plant and a beautiful flower. Like Ozpaph says, needs to open still.

I find that staking to present a paph flower is an art.

For long spikes like this types, I usually don't stake until I see the bud as it pretty much goes straight up. Important tip is never move the plant or else you will get the curve halfway up as the bud searches the light.

If a move is necessary because you need to adjust height, move it when about a foot high (or less) is best to a permanent position with bud facing the light source (important not to let bud burn close to window or bulbs).

Then stop fussing with it!!

Stake when you see bud, at mid-level of spike. Only when the flower is fully open (about 3 up to 5 days), should you stake flower to 'look up'. Sometimes the clip may be on the flower ovary at the back, so be careful not to accidentally break flower from the stalk.

The trick with this staking is to find a stake high enough! It should be about 6 inches longer than the spike (3 inch inside pot, 3 inch to hold flower up).

I definitely didn’t stake it “right” but I’m ok with it this time; I didn’t stake until the bud was nearly fully open...and then used what I had, a training skewer for my Neofinetia! The pot of small and bamboo would have injured the roots. I think there are two separate plants in there, which is why I couldn’t resist it. I mostly don’t stake, I like to let the flowers do what they do. But next time () I will try to stake as instructed. Had no idea the stem would be so crazy long. I think it’s 20 inches. Thank you for your help, I will take it next time I get a chance. I do have Tom’s armeniacum seedling bud coming along....

 

[SlipperKing]

What about the underside of the leaves? Maroon specks, a pattern?

 

[DrLeslieEe]

I definitely didn’t stake it “right” but I’m ok with it this time; I didn’t stake until the bud was nearly fully open...and then used what I had, a training skewer for my Neofinetia! The pot of small and bamboo would have injured the roots. I think there are two separate plants in there, which is why I couldn’t resist it. I mostly don’t stake, I like to let the flowers do what they do. But next time () I will try to stake as instructed. Had no idea the stem would be so crazy long. I think it’s 20 inches. Thank you for your help, I will take it next time I get a chance. I do have Tom’s armeniacum seedling bud coming along....

Hehe my staking advice was for FYI only if you want to present it in a show or judging. I included it in your post because people always ask me how its done for long spikes (or paphs in general). In nature they stand fine the way they are. No one but mother nature holds it up.

I stake mine because I always get my plants ready for shows/judging, and any last minute attempt will only damage the flower or disorient it.

 

[BrucherT]

Hehe my staking advice was for FYI only if you want to present it in a show or judging. I included it in your post because people always ask me how its done for long spikes (or paphs in general). In nature they stand fine the way they are. No one but mother nature holds it up.

I stake mine because I always get my plants ready for shows/judging, and any last minute attempt will only damage the flower or disorient it.

Well I appreciate it! I can’t say I fully understand. I would need a photo tutorial. Have never taken a plant for judging and the ability to do it now is low to none...