Leaf browning on paphiopedilum

[kasincaptain]

Hello,

I'm not a total novice, but far from an expert. I've got two paphs that I've had for about a year. Don't know the exact variety as they were a gift. They have mottled leaves and deep maroon blooms. Over the last few months, the leaves have started browning at the tips and some have developed brown spots. The only possible cause I can find online for this is insufficient watering. But I keep them regularly watered and they never dry out. Just one of them has also developed a few yellowing leaves. They get good indirect light most of the day. They were/seem to be quite happy overall until recently and are still sprouting new leaves despite the browning and yellowing. I'm at a loss to understand it and would very much appreciate some guidance.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Paphs make a growth, called a fan, then flower from the center, if the plant is large and mature enough. They begin new fans from the base of the old fan. At some point the old fan's leaves begin dying, usually from the bottom leaf up. This starts at the tip and progresses to the base. Eventually that fan is gone, and the new fans take over the growth and flowering.

It sounds like your plant may be doing this. Is it making new growths near the base of the old growth?

Because the medium needs to stay moist, it doesn't last long. Most Paph growers growing in bark repot every year or two. If your plants are making new growth, now would be a great time to repot.

[kasincaptain]

Thank you! I didn't expect a response so quickly.

There are three new fans. But also some new growth sprouting from the established ones. The medium is in good condition. But I suspect it is already 2-3 years old as they were in bloom when I got them a year ago. So if I repot, should I be pruning off the older fans and leaving just the younger ones in the same size container. Or should I simply give the entire bunch more room?

[estación seca]

I try to keep everything together, because they flower more regularly when the clump is larger. Some people will gently pull out the old fan, or even separate them into multiple plants.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by kasincaptain

But also some new growth sprouting from the established ones.

Those might be flower spikes.

[kasincaptain]

Thank you both!