Can I still save my paph?

[Girl_With_An_Orchid]

My baby paphiopedilum is in REALLY bad shape. I’ve attached a picture. I got him from my neighbor because I’ve had really great luck saving some phals but I have no idea what I’m doing with this guy. He’s not actually a baby, he’s just very small. She had had him for several years before giving him to me last year. I know I was getting some leaf growth (this has stopped) but the roots just kept getting worse. He’s at a point where I think it’s past saving but I’m really hoping somebody knows some magic that will help me save this guy.

[Roberta]

The roots still have a good chance to develop. With Paphs, they tend to do things in stages... grow leaves, then grow roots. When they have those things going well, then flower can develop. So I'd pot it back up (small bark or sphagnum depending on your watering practice) and be patient. Keep damp (these need to never dry out) Fresh medium will give it the air that it needs. Also remember, Paph roots tend to be fuzzy and brown (totally unlike Phal roots) Don't cut roots, what might look bad really may be quite normal. So just gently rinse before repotting, continue to let it grow. Paphs also tend to be slowowwww compare to Phals. So again, patience!

[Girl_With_An_Orchid]

Well I repotted him and he hasn't died yet so that's good! Is there anything I should doing in particular for this little guy?

[Roberta]

Just keep damp (but not sopping wet), grow under Phalaenopsis conditions (warm, low light) and be patient.

[estación seca]

Paph. roots are normally different from roots of other orchids. They are brown and fuzzy. The ones in the first photo looked OK.

I agree, don't cut off roots. It can be very difficult to distinguish living roots from dead roots.

Because Paphs. need to stay moist without drying out, medium decomposes faster than that used for orchids kept dryer. Most people repot Paphs. every 1-2 years.

You can fertilize with any balanced fertilizer, like MSU blend or 20-20-20, with micronutrients. One eighth teaspoon per gallon once a week is enough. Be sure they get calcium from either your tap water, the fertilizer or a calcium-magnesium supplement. I have plenty of calcium in my tap water, and most MSU mixes have calcium.

[Jmoney]

low light, warm temps, and high humidity. no need for fertilizer anytime soon. even moisture.

[shek]

I know a person who waters her plants with rice water.
Every single one Orchids and all are always beautiful.
I'm going to try this. 😎