Paphiopedilum trouble perhaps? - Orchid Board

lore_tex · #1 05-29-2007, 08:45 PM

I do not think this is scale because it does not appear to be an insect, but now I worry after looking over Leimia's pictures of scale in another thread. These "bumps" or seed like "things" are only on the sheath. There are none under the leaves or in any other place. I am still new to paphs and not completely familiar with their growth cycle or even how new stems look. When I first saw these bumps start to form, I thought it was possibly new stems? But I didn't think paphs have more than one stem grow at a time. Sorry for this blurry picture. It's the best I could do.

western orchid · #2 05-29-2007, 09:45 PM

hey there,

It is kinda hard to tell from the pic, but I think it may just be undeveloped roots. This happens on occasion. A root may start to form and if they do not have rather immediate access to the media and moisture, they just cease to form. Not to worry. Does the rest of the plant look healthy? If it were scale you would be able to pick them off with your fingernail and also you would see them on other parts of your plant, like under the leaves.

Paphs are wonderful creatures. Happy growing!!

Charlotte

Lagoon · #3 05-29-2007, 10:43 PM

I agree with, Char. It does look like roots are trying to form. I would give them a quick daily misting each morning - You just may see them begin to grow.

Good luck , let us know how you get along

Mahon · #4 05-30-2007, 01:56 AM

Agreed... they're developing roots. This is common to see in species or hybrids of Section Barbata.

My only suggestion is to repot the plant, with the developing roots just below the top of the medium. Perhaps loosely packed sphagnum moss or another moisture-retaining medium alternative... or even re-using the medium you already have

-Pat

smartie2000 · #5 05-30-2007, 03:16 PM

roots!
those roots are quite high on the plant, eh?

lore_tex · #6 05-30-2007, 07:24 PM

Thanks for the replies! The plant is indeed very healthy and I have the new medium soaking to repot. It's outgrowing that old one. I wanted to wait until after I heard some of your opinions here on this growth. Roots. Hm. As I said, I am new to paphs and wasn't aware that they even have aerial roots if that's what they are. I do mist my orchids, but didn't pay special attention to misting these growths. I will and then see what happens. Long sigh of relief that it wasn't scale! I pretty much knew it wasn't, but wanted to be 100% sure. For two days, each time I passed the plant, I would look really close, touch the growths, and say, "That's not scale. Or is it? Can't be! Or can it?" lol

smartie2000 · #7 06-01-2007, 03:04 PM

They don't really have aerial roots unless humidity is super high. Well some of paph and phrags started growing roots outside the the pot since they were right next to the humidifier with a fogger.

Perhaps it was the misting that stimulated some roots that high on the plant

lore_tex · #8 06-02-2007, 06:43 PM