What ratio of moss/bark is ideal for paphs?

[Orchid grower]

Hello! I've been out of the orchid game for a few years now and seems I've forgotten some of the most basic things. 🙃

Repotting my one and only paph today. I'll be using bark and sphagnum moss. I can't for the life of me remember if paphs like more moss than bark or what ratio to do. Do they like to be in a bit more of a wetter environment? I know they like more shade compared to phals, I think.

Any help would be appreciated!

Side note - what brand sphagnum moss are you all using? I'm almost out of my spagmoss and it's not easy to replace where I am. Anyone tried bettergrow? Thanks!

[estación seca]

It depends on your temperatures and ambient relative humidity. Paphs. shouldn't dry out completely.

[Dimples]

I’ve used the better-gro moss in the orange and yellow bag. I’ve had lots of success with it for plant propagation, but I only use it occasionally with my orchids. My zygopetalum loves its mix of mostly bark, with some moss around the edges and on the top of the pot. The moss started growing again and colonized the pot. It’s not super premium by any means, but it’s worth a try for the price.

[Ray]

When it comes to potting media, there is no universal answer that applies to all growers, as the growing environment and the watering habits/abilities of the grower play significant roles in the choice.

If you consider that many paphs live with their roots spreading in the interface between the ground and the leaf litter that accumulates on it, constantly moist and airy, never dry and never soppy is what you should shoot for.

Also, paphs should get a bit more light than phals.

[Orchid grower]

Thank you for all of the replies!

Ray - I had no idea paphs should get more light than phals, I always thought it was the other way around

[jiblylegs]

Originally Posted by Orchid grower

Thank you for all of the replies!

Ray - I had no idea paphs should get more light than phals, I always thought it was the other way around

I had the same experience. A lot of online sources would lump paphs with phals regarding light needs. I was growing under lights and still learning when I moved my paph to the same spot as the rest of my phals. The phals were all growing just fine but the paph did nothing after that. I have it now where my Neofinetia and related hybrids grow and it’s come back into active growth with a bloom a week or two away from maturing.