Some questions about the sizes of new plants... - Orchid Board

JKeys · #1 12-22-2013, 05:00 PM

I got some plants from Piping Rock recently. They usually have awesome plants in awesome condition, but the only thing that concerns me a little is the size. These plants were all listed as blooming size, and I'm just wondering if they are too small. Here are some pictures:

Paph Fairrieanum

Paph Micranthum

Paph Delenatii dunkel

Thanks for the input!

jeremyinsf · #2 12-22-2013, 06:15 PM

I think it probably depends on what you were expecting, which is one of the things I have the hardest time with when I order online.

All those plants look like they are size-capable of blooming. So, they are "blooming size".

Having said that, I think that term is WAY over used. I've had small seedlings that bloomed at a very young age, as small plants, because they were strong and 'wanted to'. So, they were "blooming size". Others, might take an additional year or even two.

To me, "blooming size" *should mean* that the growth is mature enough that another growth has started. That means the main growth is fully mature and it's ready to bloom on the next cycle, as long as the plant is cared for correctly. That is -just my take- and is not a rule and I have no doubt most nurseries would disagree with me. Doesn't change my opinion though.

I have not ordered from Piping Rock myself, but I have talked to Glen before and from what I have heard, he is an upfront guy who produces quality plants.

You probably got what you paid for. Treat them well and they will likely produce great flowers and grow well.

WhiteRabbit · #3 12-22-2013, 08:14 PM

My delanatii was pretty small and in spike when I got it ...

MrHappyRotter · #4 12-22-2013, 09:07 PM

I'm not sure about the fairrieanum, but the micranthum and the delenatii probably are. It is hard to gauge from the photo without knowing actual sizes, though.

Paph. micranthum is a small grower. They mostly won't bloom until they have several growths, so while the plant you have may be blooming sized, it doesn't mean it will absolutely bloom sometime soon.

Delenatii is fairly variable in size. I've seen some quite small. They also are quite capable of blooming the first time on a single growth plant that's smaller than the full potential size. Subsequent growths may be larger.

I will also add, I bought a malipoense from Piping Rock. It was far smaller than one I had (but killed) years ago. I kind of had the same reservation that you have ... this doesn't look blooming size. For the price, it was still a good deal, so I was actually still happy with it. Then sure enough, the thing started a spike, so it was blooming size after all.

JKeys · #5 12-23-2013, 08:08 AM

Thanks all.

RNCollins · #6 12-24-2013, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKeys

I got some plants from Piping Rock recently. They usually have awesome plants in awesome condition, but the only thing that concerns me a little is the size. These plants were all listed as blooming size, and I'm just wondering if they are too small.

This is my Paph Pedro's Moon that I got from Piping Rock:

thom · #7 12-24-2013, 07:11 AM

these are my 'blooming size" paphs from Carter & Holmes from monday and I expect to have them blooming next season.

terracotta7 · #8 12-24-2013, 07:43 AM

I had bought a paph. delenatii alba last year from Orchid Garden Centre (Oak Hill Gardens) that was blooming and the plant was even smaller than yours, I think. But not by much. I have since repotted it and it grew another fan and continues to do well. Let me say it is only my 2nd paph so I am by no means an expert.

The Orchid Boy · #9 12-29-2013, 04:03 PM

Those three are all very compact growers. I'd say for sure the micranthum is blooming sized. Be sure not to overwater during the winter.

Fairorchids · #10 01-07-2014, 03:51 PM

Disclosure: I have worked for Glen at a couple of shows.

Even the fairrieanum is probably large enough to bloom. This species is quite variable in size; I have some with fans that are about 8" across, and one that is is blooming on 3.1/2" fans. Having said that, some growers use 'BS' very liberally, and many interpret this as 'capable of blooming within a year'.

The flip side is, if you wait for a plant that is a growth and a half, odds are it has bloomed before you get it. And, in that case if it happens to a high quality flower, the grower is likely to keep the plant (or raise the price).