paph and catt potting media

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I chose a large plastic vanda basket for my seedling C. dowiana aurea and used a handful of large red lava rocks to add a little stability. The roots are nearly completely exposed. I water about twice a week. I have it against the south-facing window (was worried it might get too cold but it is fine). Here are two links I found useful or interesting:

Cattleya dowiana | Chadwick and Son Orchids
Cattleya orchid species

Is this the kind of basket you have yours in?

https://www.firstrays.com/cgi/cart/c...=572&keywords=

[SlipperGirl]

Also when you pot yours in a basket do you put any soil in it?

[Leafmite]

I use 'imported plastic baskets', the last item on this page:
Home INDEX
They are square like vanda baskets but plastic. I have seen these sold elsewhere...they are very nice. I only used a handful of lava rock so the basket is quite empty. The C. dowiana and C. schroederae both seem to be from the tree tops where they are dryer and dry more quickly. Hope this helps. You will notice that even if you water this just once a week, the roots green and look nice. Wish all my cattleyas (and other orchids) did this.

[SlipperGirl]

So this is what you are talking about. sorry to ask so many questions I just want to make sure I get my orchid what it needs

[Leafmite]

That is what I use. I tend to shy away from the wood baskets as they decompose and fall apart. I will try to post a picture of my set up for you. It is fine to ask questions...I asked quite a few on another forum. I received this one in error. You could even start a thread to ask advice as these are rather known for being difficult. It would be interesting to see how many have kept it alive for more than seven years.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

That is what I use. I tend to shy away from the wood baskets as they decompose and fall apart. I will try to post a picture of my set up for you. It is fine to ask questions...I asked quite a few on another forum. I received this one in error. You could even start a thread to ask advice as these are rather known for being difficult. It would be interesting to see how many have kept it alive for more than seven years.

Thanks for all your help

[Leafmite]

Hi! Finally posting pictures of my dowiana. I'm pretty bad at taking pictures so let us hope these are helpful. I put eggshell in with all of my cattleyas for extra calcium but don't know how very useful it is...looks kind of wacky. You will note how dry the roots appear...they turn green as soon as they are watered. The little plant came with a bit of leaf damage but it hasn't caused any trouble in these past months. There was a post on RV orchid talk forum just yesterday about how to care for the dowiana if you want to check that out.

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Hi! Finally posting pictures of my dowiana. I'm pretty bad at taking pictures so let us hope these are helpful. I put eggshell in with all of my cattleyas for extra calcium but don't know how very useful it is...looks kind of wacky. You will note how dry the roots appear...they turn green as soon as they are watered. The little plant came with a bit of leaf damage but it hasn't caused any trouble in these past months. There was a post on RV orchid talk forum just yesterday about how to care for the dowiana if you want to check that out.

Looks great

Do you know where I can bye some the place you gave me is out of the size I need and the other places I have looked don't have them

[Leafmite]

I googled 'plastic vanda baskets' and a bunch of sites came up. I have heard of Tindara in a positive light:
Tindara's Teak, Cedar, Plastic, Vanda, Orchid Baskets & Wire Hangers
but there are also others, many from reliable vendors. I'm sure a wooden one would work if you can find that locally, I just like the plastic as I know it won't decompose.

[zynah]

I think charcoal is best for paphs. put some pebbles uder the pot and fill it with charcoal.Onthe top fill a thin layer of moss.