Paphiopedilum purpuratum

[wolverine329]

Hi all

not the best of photography + colour and form. but this is the first flowering for me I am quite pleased with how it turns out. it has budded last year but blasted in sheath.


the stem is way too short, anyone has any idea what causes short stem? the plant itself should be OK as it is putting out new growth at the back.

 

[likespaphs]

one of mine blasted this year

good growing!
was it particularly bright or hot?

 

[wolverine329]

i think the last few months temp ranges around 20-28 C.

I grow it under T5 light, about 20cm away from the light tube. and where the plant is it gets occasionally morning sun.

mine blasted last year on an immature growth, is it the same in your case?

 

[likespaphs]

mine blasted because i accidentally unpotted it while watering and forgot to repot if for about a month
at least, i think that's why....

 

[wolverine329]

I always tell myself if the plant didn't flower then the energy should have been reserved somewhere in the plant so I wish you a sturdy growth next season.

I prefer short stemmed flower actually ,nice and compact. as long as it doesn't indication a serious problem to the plant's health

 

[paphioboy]

Nice one.. BTW, I would remove the brown old growth if I were you...

 

[SlipperFan]

I agree with paphioboy.

The flower looks quite nice. I don't think I'd worry about the short inflorescence. It doesn't look abnormal.

 

[Mocchaccino]

Nice purpuratum. Mine was dead 2 months ago

 

[Rick]

I've gone through a bunch of these over the years.

I'm breaking longevity records with this newest batch. I think I'm up to 3 years now, and getting lots of new growth. Leaf color and substance much better too.

I think the biggest thing I can relate to the success is reducing the K in fertilizer and increasing Ca and Mg.

Initially I'd loose them when humidity dropped too, but even after increasing humidity to stay above 70% longevity was 2 years max.

The Mg initially made fast improvements and the complete reduced K/ high Ca fertilizing is really looking good at this time.

 

[W. Beetus]

Beautiful coloration!

 

[SlipperKing]

Really nice overall shape and color on this one

 

[biothanasis]

Great!!! I am thinking of getting one of these too...