Which Paphiopedilums needs calcium?

[Austin Powers]

Hi All,
Just picked up 9 plants at the SOOS show on the weekend in Toronto, including 3 Paphs. Being new to Paphs I am curious how to determine which need calcium supplementation. I recall reading that some really benefit from this.
Thanks,
Stephen
P.S. if you are curious the Paphs are henryanum, Maudiae, and delenatii

[LinhT]

I found this website a few months ago while googling for the same information. I've found this to be very helpful.
Supplementing Calcicolous Paphs

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by Austin Powers

Hi All,
Just picked up 9 plants at the SOOS show on the weekend in Toronto, including 3 Paphs. Being new to Paphs I am curious how to determine which need calcium supplementation. I recall reading that some really benefit from this.
Thanks,
Stephen
P.S. if you are curious the Paphs are henryanum, Maudiae, and delenatii

None of those Paphs are calcicolous. Paph. delenatii actually likes an acidic medium and will do best if lots of moss is added to the mix. If your water is really hard, pure water is best too.

The other two like a pH around neutral. Any standard Paph mix will do fine.

Tracy's link is great and that website is packed with tons of info on Paphs - highly recommended info source. Unfortunately the link does not include info on the newer species. Generally it's the Parvis and Brachys that are calcicolous, but there are some oddballs (like delenatii).

[Austin Powers]

Thank you both for the great info.
Stephen

[Hedge]

Originally Posted by LinhT

I found this website a few months ago while googling for the same information. I've found this to be very helpful.
Supplementing Calcicolous Paphs

Thanks for the heads up, Lin. Great site. Maybe now I'll stop tormenting you all with really basic questions!!!!

[LinhT]

Originally Posted by Hedge

Thanks for the heads up, Lin. Great site. Maybe now I'll stop tormenting you all with really basic questions!!!!

Hi Hedge, actually, I don't remember ever talking to you before. There is another member with the username, Lin and I think still another who is LinT. Perhaps it was one of those 2 you asked questions to. I don't know that much about slippers so I never get tormented. I have tormented Joe (slipperfreak) with slipper questions before

He's right about that list not including some of the newer species. I've been looking for Lance Birk's more recent edition on Paphiopedilums but can't find one. I'm sure that would have much more info.

[Bolero]

A number of Paphs are recommended for calcium supplementation. It's interesting because I have a few of them and never use supplements as I believe that most fertilisers have enough calcium to satisfy the needs of the plants. I am not saying all do but my plants seem to be fine with what they get. I don't think they need as much as people think.

[Bolero]

Note: I grow henryanum and delenati species and hybrids and don't seem to have any problems without calcium.

[Ray]

I presume this means extra calcium? Pretty much all plants need calcium to one degree or another.

And, having magnesium available with the calcium is also important, but to a lesser degree.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by Ray

I presume this means extra calcium? Pretty much all plants need calcium to one degree or another.

And, having magnesium available with the calcium is also important, but to a lesser degree.

Good point Ray. To me, the term "calcicolous" refers to plants that grow on calcium-rich substrates and therefore require more calcium than the average plant to perform best.