Hi Bette,

With Paph flowerings it is always best to judge
flower form over a number of years. Culture can
make a big difference to appearance. Generally
plants get better over the years as bigger growths
often make bigger flowers.

If your plant has done well this year you may get
a better flower than last year.
Do not move the flowering position while your
bloom is opening, over time it will expand for
you.

Re. flatness, that can have a genetic basis as
well. Seedlings vary and that is probably why the
illustrated clone was awarded. Simply some
seedlings show off better than others. With a
simple vini Maudiae cross such as yours you are
likely to have good seedlings.

Some people will only buy seedlings in flower, so
they see what they are getting.

Good flowers do not need to be bent back or
flattened to show off well.
Good flowering.
Regards
Alan L Winthrop
http://www.tissuequickplantlabs.com



"Bette Noir" wrote in
message
. 227.77...
Hello,

I'm wondering how one gets a paph to open up
very wide as in pictures one
sees. My Maude Raven X Black Buddha is in
spike. It bloomed last year,
and was gorgeous, but it didn't have that spread
open, erect look one sees
in pictures such as this one:


http://www.chadwickorchids.com/Photo...rciaorraca.htm

Is it manually spread out somehow, or is there
something else going on.

I can post a picture of last year's bloom in the
binaries group if anyone
thinks it would be useful.

Thanks!