the waiting game

is almost killing me.  Remember how I've been watching the bud on my unknown Paph (Lady Slipper) Orchid?  I first noticed it waaaayyy back in Aug or September:

Sort of non-descript looking in this stage, right?  A month or so later, it had developed a longer, curved stalk but only minor changes to the bud:

Since I just ventured into the world of growing orchids last year, I had absolutely no idea how long it took to go from bud to bloom stage.  Apparently, they have almost the gestation period of a human baby.  Who knew?  By November, there was STILL a long way to go before bloom time:

But things were looking up in December:

Finally, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I've never twiddled my thumbs or sat on my hands as much as I have with this orchid.  Having no idea what color it would be, etc. (remember it was on the clearance rack because it was done blooming) I was beside myself with anticipation.  However, the wait continued.  The New Year was rung in and our orchid greeted it like this:

 

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can ~ make it to bloom time, that is.  I even bought a fancy pink crystal stake hoping to coax it into speeding up the process. 

Nope.  Nothing doing.  It's on it's own time table.  There's nothing to do but wait it out.  How much longer can it possibly be tho ~ look where we are this morning:

OH MY STARS.  It looks like it's going to have a burgundy slipper with a striped hood (??) and spotted petals???  All I know, is I really can hardly stand it now.  Please, please, please, I'm begging you, open today ~ before I do something rash like fold back the petals myself...

Comments

[Marnie]

That beautiful crystal stake will surely convince it to bloom:)

It really looks like the end result will be worth the wait.
Marnie

[Frances]

Oh I love your stake Kathleen! It looks like a beauty with that dark slipper too. Of course I have yet to see any Paph that was not knock your socks off gorgeous. A hint, warmer temps speed up the opening once it reaches that stage. If you have a warmer room, that would help it open. :-)
Frances

[RainGardener]

Ohhhhhhh I can hardly wait. Love your stake now that is really fancy!

[jodi (bloomingwriter)]

Isn't she a tease! But it'll all be worth it when she finally makes the big reveal.

[Kathleen]

Thanks for the tip Frances. Unfortunately, she's been in the warmest spot in my house this whole time. :-(
But we have to be close now!!

[Helen]

Well it was worth the wait thats for sure

[Peggy organicgrowinpains]

Hi Kathleen, I am visiting all of the Gardening by letter participants to say Hi and a big Thank you for all of the lovely gifts and cards I received.I was holding my breath while reading down your post! I will definitely be back again to see the finally revealed bloom!

[Sweet Bay]

Wow, I had no idea that an orchid bud could take so long to open!! However, it looks like it's going to be worth the wait. :)

[RobinL]

Now, now Kathleen, don't be hasty. It will bloom on it's own time, and it looks like it won't be long now. My orchids buds are very slow too. Argh! I've never grown cyclamen before either, so try it! My teapot planter really is a planter, I found it at Marshall's on clearance for $5!

[Catherine]

It's going to be so pretty! I had no idea they could take so long to open. Can't wait to see it all the way open!

[Janet]

Oh you tease!! I can't wait..this is pretty exciting.

[Grace]

It does look to be a winner, Kathleen. I'm not patient either. I had a Gardenia bud that formed last summer and still hasn't bloomed. My guess is that it's waiting for warm weather and longer days. Gee, that sounds familiar.

[tina]

The wait is half the fun! It looks like it will really be worth the wait too.