Paphiopedilum, center leaf on new fan has become brown. Crown rot? Or something else?

[Roberta]

If your watering regimen is keyed to Phalaenopsis (which does want to dry out a little more between waterings... where the "weight" approach is very good) then you're underwatering the Paph which wants to have consistent moisture and never dry out. If the medium is in good shape, it's pretty hard to overwater a Paph.

[Dalachin]

I am not a paph expert, but a I have a few. Also I live in the cold north-- central NY, not quite as far north as you.

If it is potted in bark, which drains well unless it is old and decomposed, and you live in a dry climate, you can probably water a paphiopedilum pretty frequently without overwatering.

For mine that are potted in bark, I leave a little water in the saucer (less than 1/4 inch) and I re-water when that is gone. On windowsills in dry winter conditions, I have to water every 3-4 days or so. I also have a some in semi-hydro-- they are potted in expanded clay pellets and have a constant reservoir of water. Unlike Cattleyas or Phals, the Paphs never dry out (unless by mistake!).

I've tried humidifiers, but I haven't had good luck with them-- it is fussy to keep them full and at the right settings, and they only really help plants that are in the immediate vicinity, unless you have a tent. I've had better luck humidifying the roots by keeping them moist, using pots without holes, or using liner pots.

[estación seca]

I might add that, due to constant wetness, medium for Paphs. breaks down rapidly. The best growers repot every 1-2 years.