How to grow and bloom mottled leaf paphs...

[The Orchid Boy]

This is a thread on how to bloom and grow the mottled leaf paphs. Different things work for different people. If you have something to add then add it. Also, I would love to see pictures of your paph blooms and plant.

Light: An unshaded east window works well; a partially shaded west window will also work. To bloom them under fluorescent lights, have the leaves no less than 4 inches from a standard 40W, two tube fixture. If you have a 4 tube fixture they can be a little farther away, around 6-8 inches away.

Temperature: Day temperatures- 80F-85F
Night temperatures- 55F-65F
These orchids can tolerate higher temperatures if more air movement and humidity is provided.

Humidity and air movement: Ideal humidity is 60% to 80% but these orchids can adapt to normal home humidity. Air movement needs to increase with higher temperatures as does humidity.

Watering: These orchid can 'usually' be watered with regular tap water, however, never use 'softened' water. It has salts that are bad for plants. Use distilled, RO, rain, melted snow, or dehumidifier water whenever possible. They should need watered once or twice a week if you use the potting mix mentioned below.

Repotting: All paphiopedilums should be repotted once a year. Repotting them gives them a growing boost. Paphs hate stale medium. My favorite paph medium is this: 7 parts fine orchid bark, 1 part sphagnum moss, and 1 part small volcanic rock. This retains some moisture but allows good drainage. Clay or plastic pots are fine. Don't use glazed ceramic pots. I tried it once and it poisoned and almost killed the orchid.

Fertilizing: During growth fertilize lightly (around 1/4 strength) every watering, flush with plain water every fourth watering.
Before and during blooming fertilize lightly every watering, flush with plain water every fourth watering. It is NOT necessary to use bloom booster.

Calcium supplements: Most mottled leaf paphiopedilums like some calcium supplementation. This can be achieved by putting some lime or crushed oyster shell in or on top of the mix. Usually I use 1/4 a teaspoon per 1 inch of pot. What has also worked for me is take an unrinsed milk jug fill it partially with water and water your plant(s). Some paphs are best without this calcium such as Paphiopedilum delenatii. Research an orchid BEFORE you buy it if possible.

Mottled leaf paphs are small and easy to bloom and are good beginer's orchids. They basically like phalaenopsis conditions with a few variations. I hope this has helped you! Happy growing and blooming!
(If this is useful to everyone, I hope it will get turned into a sticky...)