Paphiopedilum wardii

[BrucherT]

First bloom. Tiny plant insistent upon climbing up Up UP away from the medium. You can see a stalled or aborted bud on the original growth. Foliage seems dull to me, not sure what’s going on there. Probably needs repotting but I always wait until bloom fades. I love the colors; the dorsal is definitely taking a deep bow over the lip, like the flower wants to see its own innards — which are spectacularly deep green and mahogany. From very inexpensive eBay compot, the other two seedlings are absurdly stunted but I grow what I get, so we’ll see someday. I like how small the plant is; wondering if I can teach it not to clamber?

 

[dodidoki]

Exeptional with its dark purple petals!!!

 

[Guldal]

Stunning colours, Bruch! The dorsal of my recently posted has the same foreward bend of the dorsal...I wonder, if they in their natural habitat have the need of protecting the pollination process from heavy rain. I will have to consult the two Bakers on precipitation in their (wardii's, not the Bakers, that is) habitat!

 

[Ozpaph]

i like the colour!

 

[DrLeslieEe]

Lovely brown petal form. I think the bruneum variety?

Wardiis grow in very wet areas high in mountabe areas with lots of monsoon rains in wet season. Similar habitat type as venustums but far away enough for no natural hybrids, separated by mountains.

 

[BrucherT]

Stunning colours, Bruch! The dorsal of my recently posted has the same foreward bend of the dorsal...I wonder, if they in their natural habitat have the need of protecting the pollination process from heavy rain. I will have to consult the two Bakers on precipitation in their (wardii's, not the Bakers, that is) habitat!

I hunted up your wardii and enjoyed comparing. What a brilliant strategy to keep water away from the sexy parts! I’m even happier now with mine which, thanks to you and Leslie, I now know is just doing what it would do in situ. I’m caught off guard by the solid mahogany laterals. But love the way they catch and reflect the light. This plant will soon graduate out of its yogurt cup!