Sphag-n-bag really works!

[soobie]

I just wanted to give a cheer for a poor pitiful Paph. (Pulsar x Black Cherry) ‘#1’ x fairrieanum ‘Super Red’ (now named Paph. RVO Blushing Dancer, I think) that I've been nursing along for a year or so. I bought this in bud in 2005 and enjoyed the two blooms. Then in 2007 life interfered, I moved twice, the plant was left for several months in the care of a person with a black thumb, and got horribly dehydrated. I got it back from the plantsitter and tried to keep it going, but it gradually declined until this winter all that was left was one small wilty leaf fan and no roots. I didn't want to lose the plant, so in late January I bundled the base of the remaining leaf fan in sphagnum and sealed it in a plastic bag, and hung it in a window that gets indirect morning sun.

I checked it this morning, and look! Three roots growing! Yay! I know I left the treatment until very late, but it seems to be working. (knock wood) I wish I did it earlier.

The first picture was taken today, the second is from its first and only bloom in 2005. It's such a pretty flower, I hope it pulls through.