When Lady Slipper finishes blooming

Discussion in 'Orchidaceae (orchids)' started by gallina, Jun 5, 2009.

  1. gallina

    gallina Active Member

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    I noticed that the flower started to wilt. I bought it in early April, and it was already blooming. Is it about time to wilt? Oterwise, it looks healthy.
    Anyway, what am I supposed to do with the stem once the slipper finishes blooming?
     
  2. togata57

    togata57 Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Clip it off when it gets yellow-brown and shriveled-up-looking.
    What variety is it, if you know?
    And yes, I'd say that it's probably just the normal life span of the blossom---plus it was already blooming when you got it, so it could have been in flower for a while.
    Post a photo if you can! I love slipper orchids. I was out at my local nursery this aft. and could not resist visiting their tropical room...where I have found many an orchid now living with me! Saw a GORGEOUS phragmipedium...arrgh! Wish I had a wad o'cash. Beautiful!
     
  3. gallina

    gallina Active Member

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    Hi togata57.

    Thank you for your advise. Should I cut off the whole stem or just the wilted blossom?
    It is Maudiae variety. I bought it at the Toronto Orchid show, in early april. It comes from Hamilton Greenhouse.
     

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  4. togata57

    togata57 Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Lovely!
    I have a Maudiae (green and white) that I got several years ago at the aforementioned nursery. It is a great plant---healthy and a good bloomer. Plus, I found it on the markdown rack for $10! ---Another thing I like about slipper orchids is their pretty patterned foliage. Some fabric designer should print cloth that looks like it. Wallpaper would be good too.

    With paphs I clip the whole stem, leaving about an inch or 2 just so I don't accidentally nick a leaf. One stem=one flower, so when the flower is done so is the stem. With my phalaenopsis orchids I clip the flowers as they wither and leave the stem until it's obviously done---sometimes the plant will decide send out a new stalk from the old!

    Paphs can do with pretty low light: if your photo shows it in its usual home, make sure that the light isn't too direct.

    Good health to both you and your orchid!
     
  5. gallina

    gallina Active Member

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    Thanks again!
     
  6. arcticshaun

    arcticshaun Active Member

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    As an added hint, I generally move my Paphiopedilum blooms to shadier conditions to prolong the life of the bloom. I have had them last 14 weeks. Hopefully your plant will produce multiple growths as a clump forms the floral display with multiple flowers is spectacular. Be careful Ladyslippers are the most addictive of all orchids :)

    Shaun
     
  7. gallina

    gallina Active Member

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    Like what? Mine is on the east window. The sun is only in the early morning.
    Once the blooming period is over, should I reduce watering?
     
  8. arcticshaun

    arcticshaun Active Member

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    East window should be perfect. I don't usually adjust my watering regimen for Maud-type Paphs other than by season (less in winter when sun is weaker, more in summer to reduce temp stress). I keep these type of Paphiopedilums slightly damp and never soggy.

    Shaun
     
  9. gallina

    gallina Active Member

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    Thank you Shaun.
     

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