Paphiopedilum Parvisepalum Species/Hybrids

I have already passed the level in paph growing where I need to try something new, and my target is Parvis. I have succeeded with Maudiae hybrids, novelties and complex, as well as the species P. insigne. I love parvis, but haven't been able to find any until now. I've finally joined my local orchid society, so my connections have greatly increased. I no longer have to rely on garden centers for orchids; now I can get them from the pros. At my first meeting (where many orchids are sold) I found a Paph. delenatii, a spectacular species with pink and white flowers and my favorite orchid. A previously bloomed plant for $15. As I was examining it and the vendor was ready to sell, a woman came up and said "No sales until one o'clock!". So, I figured I would sort of hang around until then; I walked away for 5 minutes and when I returned the delenatii was gone, and another woman was holding it! That bastard!!! Anyway, though I missed out on that, I still got a bloom-sized Joyce Hasegawa x chamberlainianum. A big multi growth plant for $30. It should bloom within 3 months, and apparently it has big, round flowers in pink or white (multifloral). Just what I like! The leaves are gorgeous - darkly mottled and peppered purple on the undersides. Exciting!

Phragmipedium Grande

Phrag. Grande (caudatum x longifolium) is the best caudatum-type hybrid in my opinion. Having been bred in the late 1800s, it's tried and true. It has very large, dramatic flowers with a rich mahogany lip, lighter sepals and long, spiralling, purple-pink petals up to a foot long. A mature plant reaches 2.5-3' tall in spike, and it produces 2-6 flowers on a spike which are open more or less at the same time. It will bloom for many weeks in this way. To bloom, it needs high light levels (like a west or south window). This type of phrag is best not grown in water like the besseae types but should be watered frequently. Also, they tolerate tap water better than the besseae types. I bought this plant very recently at a local orchid society meeting for $65.