Every Challenge Has a Reward

Paph bellatulum, pictured here, is one of the more challenging Paph species to grow. It is from subgenus Brachypetalum, which is well-known as a difficult group of plants. It's worth the effort though, to see such unique beauty. The whimsical spotted flowers of this plant droop over the edge of the pot or rest on the leaves, unlike most Paph flowers, which are borne on erect stems. The key to growing Brachys is good quality water, strong light, good air movement, and careful watering techniques as they are prone to crown rot. They should be potted in a coarser medium than most Paphs and should dry out a bit more between waterings. Some sources suggest calcium supplements as well, though I have yet to use one.