Paph care! New to paphs!!

[Tim P.]

Ok. So I am going to be getting my first paph soon. I understand they need about the same temps and light as a phal, BUT I need to know when to water and how to tall if the thing needs water! Also can I plant it in the phal bark mix from repotme.com? I know they make a special mix for paphs but I am getting a phal and they both will come in sphagnum, and I don't want to spend all thar much

[fishmommy]

I use the same bark mix for my phals and paphs with no problems.
The paph will tolerate moist conditions and will prefer never to dry out. Use a clear pot with loose medium, keep constant moisture, and avoid direct light. good luck!

[Tim P.]

So do they get root rot like phals? Can I keep the growing medium wet without having to worry about root rot? How often should I water in the house?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

It might be in your best interest to mention what kind of Paph you intend on getting in order to obtain the answers you need.

[Tim P.]

Here is the link.

Paphiopedilum Vini Color Type (special): Orchids By Hausermann

[Tim P.]

And will it have mottled foliage. (two toned)

[quiltergal]

Those are pretty bomb proof. I find Paphs to be far less fussy than Phals. They like to stay evenly moist all the time, but not sopping wet either. Even if you do let them dry out too much they are pretty forgiving for the most part and bounce right back. The only one I've ever had issues with is a complex Paph (aka bulldog paph). It seems to be a little pickier about growing condtions that some of my other hybrids and species. I also grow mine pretty bright. They sit right behind the Catts next to the window under my lights.

[pedidiva]

This is what I do. Note, I live in a semi-arid climate & the house humidity is low. The sunroom humidity is higher. I put the pot in a plastic reservoir & keep that filled with water. Much like one would use when watering a violet. I have done that with both bark & with LECA. I am transitioning all to LECA after the bloom fades.

You picked a pretty one.

Pedi

[PaphMadMan]

There are a thousand ways to give similar advice, but here's how I would put it.

The Phal bark mix will be fine for your Paph, but you might consider adding in a little of the sphagnum that it comes in to make the mix hold a little more moisture. Then if the Phal and the Paph are in similar size pots you can probably water them at the same time.

Unless you are planning to use semi-hydro culture as Pedi seems to be, never let the Paph sit in water for more than a few hours, and as soon as it is dry at the surface you can water again. Most Paphs are fine growing a little shadier than Phals. It is possible to grow them brighter but be cautious and increase the light level gradually and watch for leaf burn.

[silken]

I've developed the habit of putting a thin bamboo stick (kabob skewer) in each pot and leaving them there. To tell how wet or dry it is, pull it out and check the stick, then put it back. I think I am killing less plants since I started this method. It gives you a good idea of moisture conditions deep in the pot.