paph help, please - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 08-22-2008, 05:58 PM

Ok, I know this is the 2nd time I have asked you about this same little paph, but I'm concerned about the poor lil guy. He doesn't have but 3 roots, and they don't look really healthy....but ok, I guess. I've been watering him with a very small amount of KLN approx. each week..... hoping it would promote more growth. Anyway, last time, I asked you if paphs were generally slow growers, and you gave me your answers.....thanks. This time I am wondering about it's leaf color. Maybe I don't have anything to worry about....maybe I'm just being "over-protective" ?? I decided to move him from the window that he's been sitting in front of (an east-facing window) to a south-facing window- after I found out he liked a lil more light than I thought (I started to move him outside, but he's in such a tiny lil plastic pot, I was afraid he would blow over or something). My question this time is: Do you think the leaf color looks ok, or is it a lil bit more thansparent than it should be? If so, what can I do about it? I know that many other plants are lacking in chlorophyll if the leaves are this "clear", but I've not had any experience with mottled (sp?) leaf orchids. If you don't mind, I would appreciate your help.
Vicki

Ross · #2 08-22-2008, 06:22 PM

I think it looks fine. I also think you worry too much

As for KLN, you probably aren't gonna get new growth from the existing roots like you would from a Dendro. However, it won't hurt anything either. The new Paph roots form from the new fans.

VickiC · #3 08-22-2008, 06:49 PM

Me...worry?! Ya think?! Surely ye jest!! lol (ok, it runs in the family...my Mom's side lol)

Surely you care that I'm not a flop at growing orchids

Naaaah.

Thanks for more info!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross

I think it looks fine. I also think you worry too much

As for KLN, you probably aren't gonna get new growth from the existing roots like you would from a Dendro. However, it won't hurt anything either. The new Paph roots form from the new fans.

Lagoon · #4 08-22-2008, 09:23 PM

O'boy its me bummer again

(Jmho) but from the photo it looks over potted. To much sphag piled around the fan area and the leaves are wet looking. Do you fan? Vicki .
Don't forget you could always place the first pot into a second larger pot, like clay that has some weight to it. I do it all the time, works well for me.

VickiC · #5 08-22-2008, 10:08 PM

Hi,
I know I put too much sphag around the top, but I really don't know why I did it. I've got almost 50 other orchids, and I have never potted one that high, so I guess I just wasn't thinking. Thanks...I'll take some off.

What do you mean when you say "Do you fan?" Do you mean "Do you HAVE a fan?" (Don't laugh....I'm serious. I really don't know what you mean....I'm sorry).

You have a good point.....putting the lil plastic pot inside a larger clay one. I thought I might keep it inside the house, but I should do that.....let the plant get some fresh air outside.

Thanks again for your help, Gloria.
Vicki

(By the way, the wetness on the leaves is because I just misted the plant and my "mister" didn't spray fine enough. Are wet leaves on that orchid bad?)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagoon

O'boy its me bummer again

(Jmho) but from the photo it looks over potted. To much sphag piled around the fan area and the leaves are wet looking. Do you fan? Vicki .
Don't forget you could always place the first pot into a second larger pot, like clay that has some weight to it. I do it all the time, works well for me.

Vanessa · #6 08-23-2008, 09:29 AM

As long as the leaves are firm and 'perky' as they look in your pic I would not worry about the roots. Looks pretty healthy to me. Good advice about taking away some of that sphag.

VickiC · #7 08-23-2008, 10:50 AM

The leaves seem pretty ok.....as far as firm and perky, but they're not as much so as most of my other plants....Phals, Catts and Dens, of course, or actually even my Miltonias, Oncidiums, etc. Since this is my first paph, I guess I'm just not used to seeing "floppier and more transparent" leaves. So, you don't think the roots are an issue? That's good to know. With only 3 and not looking so gr8, I was a lil concern, so thanks. As for the excessive sphag, I remember now why I piled it on so high.....it was because the plant was so small and fragile and wouldn't "take hold" firmly. I didn't like it somewhat wobbly in the pot. I should have thought that I couldn't leave that much sphag around the top until there were more roots to "firm it up" duh.

Thanks for your advice, Vanessa
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanessa

As long as the leaves are firm and 'perky' as they look in your pic I would not worry about the roots. Looks pretty healthy to me. Good advice about taking away some of that sphag.

cloudswinger · #8 08-24-2008, 09:05 PM

It seems like those styrofoam bits are blocking the air vents.

VickiC · #9 08-24-2008, 09:28 PM

I just checked, and you're right.....about 2/3 of the styofoam pieces are blocking the vents. I haven't noticed that, so I'll be sure and repot it in the morn.
Thanks,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloudswinger

It seems like those styrofoam bits are blocking the air vents.

quiltergal · #10 08-25-2008, 12:47 AM

The leaf color looks just fine. I have a Paph. sukhakulii that looks just like that. Paphs generally don't care too much about being misted. Misting doesn't do much IMO for any orchids. With Paphs and Phals you run the risk of crown rot if you mist. If you feel you have to then I'd be sure to blot up any excess from the crown and the leaves with a paper towel. I agree with Gloria that quite a bit of that Sphag needs to go or you'll rot it from the bottom up.