Media for Paphs

[Ross]

Originally Posted by boytjie

I grow them under a four-bulb T5 fixture, about 15" from the bulbs. It looks really bright under there,

Looks can be deceiving. The best measure I've gotten with a 4 tube fixture is 1800 foot candles 8" from the tubes. At twice that, I'd estimate less than 1000 foot candles. Mine are at nearly 3000 foot candles for the peak of the day, supplemented by a large CF t5 fixture for the ends of the day. If you care to, feel free to lower the light or raise the plants. They can handle it.

[greg sytch]

I grow all my orchids outdoors here in Tampa Bay under shadecloth (60%) in an open-type yard with only a few trees. We have had well over 2 FEET of rain this summer (since June 9th) so they are always getting wet, and they stay wet all night if it rains in the evening. Other than a little spotting, and a few phals that rotted (perhaps mix too old) they all do well. Paphs require moisture so I make sure I have spaghnum peat moss included in with a free-draining mix and fertilize with a sprayer - weakly, weekly...Greg (who received a GUST of 16mph from Fay...watchout. and barerly any rain...lol)

[William]

O.K. More info. I can never get enough. My plants seem to grow well as far as the leaves go and they even bloomed once. I worry about the roots though. Do Paphs normally have a puny root structure? Mine don't have a robust root system as do my Phals. for instance.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by William

O.K. More info. I can never get enough. My plants seem to grow well as far as the leaves go and they even bloomed once. I worry about the roots though. Do Paphs normally have a puny root structure? Mine don't have a robust root system as do my Phals. for instance.

Yep! Not only "puny" but you need to protect every root they have. Thus, all the discussion about mix and watering. Paph roots are totally different structure from Phals in that they are hairy and the hairs perform a similar function to the velamen with Phals. Has to do with how they grow naturally. So if the root goes bad with a Paph its a big deal. With a Phal, not so much as it can (and does) grow lots of new roots. Both tend to grow new roots along with either new leaves (Phals) or new fans (Paphs.) Hope this helps.

[William]

Thanks for the help. I now have an idea about my Paphs and how to care for them. Hope I can send some flower pix soon. I will if I have success.