Paphiopedilum (Macabre Fantasy) bloom questions

[little_miss_hattie]

Hi everyone, I’m totally new to orchid ownership so please bear with me. I purchased a paphiopedilum orchid for $10 at a local florist. It had previously bloomed and it was, as told to me, “a good place to start”. I read a ton about Octavio (his formal name), and was patient and kind to him, watering him only after he dried out and signing to him while I went about my housework. Despite my novice bumbling, he popped his first bud about two weeks ago. I’ve been ever so patiently waiting for the bud to open and for him to show me all of his orchid glory (I bought him based on name and have no idea what the flower will even look like). My question is, how long does it typically take a bud to change into a bloom? The anticipation is killing me! Any help, guidance is greatly appreciated!

[WaterWitchin]

Patiently wait. It will be awhile. Nothing in the orchid world happens quickly. Good for you to have it forming a bloom, and Welcome!

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

[Fairorchids]

Welcome to the Orchid Board. You are doing well getting to that first bud.

However, Paphiopedilum do not like to go dry, so to keep the plant even happier (and perhaps growing faster), increase the watering a little.

[realoldbeachbum]

It took mine a month to bloom out after the bud formed. Patience patience patience!

Welcome to the OB. You will love it here. I am new to orchids as well, and have found these fine folks to be extremely helpful and KNOWLEDGEABLE!

[little_miss_hattie]

Thank you everyone. Despite being born without a patience gene, I will do my best to wait for the bloom. I’m excited to be here and appreciate the feedback and learning more!