| Q I
have a plant of Paphiopedilum rothschildianum listed as an F2
line-bred ‘Charles E’ x ‘Borneo’. It had two mature growths when I
purchased it nine years ago and now it has nine growths. The plant is
fairly large, 24 inches across, and in a 7-inch pot with a vigorous root
system. It is grown in the same greenhouse as other plants of the species
and Paph. rothschildianum primary hybrids, all of which have
flowered. What could be pre venting this plant flowering? A I’ve grown plants of this strain and they can be shy bloomers, which was also a characteristic of the clone ‘Charles E’. A tip I was given years ago that has worked well for me in the past is to grow the plant hot and fairly bright (3,000 foot-candles) from spring through early autumn. Then, from November through March, place the plant in a bright cool position as close to the greenhouse roof as practicable and water sparingly. In April, bring the plant down and put it in warm, humid conditions and you should see an inflorescence by early summer. -- Andy Easton. |
Reprinted, with permission, from "Orchids" - The Magazine of the American Orchid Society, Oct. 2001.