Multifloral Paph Hybrids

[JAB]

Piggy backing on the excellent conversation re: Paph sanderianum we were having in the pics section. I was wondering what folks' experiences were with various multifloral hybrids? There are some awesome crosses out there and I was hoping to spark a conversation about the various crosses and their strengths and weaknesses.
For instance I have read/heard that the species anitum is incredibly difficult to grow. Is this true in its hybrids? Are there others that are finicky / easier to grow when crossed with XYZ?
Another sub-subject... what are some of the more compact of the multifloral hybrids? For those of us in windowsill's or simply lacking TONS of space, what are your suggestions?

Thanks
Jake

 

[cattmad]

Interesting question, overall I would say most primary hybrids are easier to grow than most species, with phil being an exception.

The rest is up to personal taste but I am finding anitum primaries to be very rewarding to grow

 

[Ozpaph]

I love a good St Swithin, and anything with anitum!

 

[Linus_Cello]

Yup, anitum as a parent my plants are slower growers.
Sometimes it's just the plant. I had an angel hair that was a great grower that I gave away when I went to graduate school. I got another one 4 years ago that's a terrible grower. I'll get another one at the Paph Forum as a pre-order from orchid inn.
My intent on getting new plants is instead of Rothschild as a parent, get st Swithin or Gary Romanga as a parent for easier blooming. E.g. Instead of dolgoldi get st Armani

 

[tnyr5]

The best way to get compact multiflorals is to go to a nursery, see a population of blooming-size multis, and pick out the compact ones for yourself. There are indeed hybrids that are naturally compact, mostly involving wilhelminae, but why limit yourself?
For example, I have a Shin-Yi Pearl (Shin-Yi's Pride x sanderianum) spiking right now. It gets flowers to 45cm NSV from a leafspan no wider than a dinner plate.

 

[gego]

The best way to get compact multiflorals is to go to a nursery, see a population of blooming-size multis, and pick out the compact ones for yourself. There are indeed hybrids that are naturally compact, mostly involving wilhelminae, but why limit yourself?
For example, I have a Shin-Yi Pearl (Shin-Yi's Pride x sanderianum) spiking right now. It gets flowers to 45cm NSV from a leafspan no wider than a dinner plate.

Unless you are a friend of the owner, I doubt if you can go in and pick the plant for yourself. I wish it is as easy as going to a grocery and pick the prettiest apple.

 

[ehanes7612]

Anitum hybrids can vary as much as roth species on their growing time. Some grow fast , some slow. I have about 30 anitum hybrid large to adult and several flasks. One flask is slow as evolution and one is some of the fastest multi's I have ever grown. The other two are in the middle

 

[SlipperFan]

I love a good St Swithin, and anything with anitum!

Me, too!!!

 

[JAB]

Thanks guys! Good discussion.