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?
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!
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.
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!
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
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?
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
