Paphiopedilum questions

[josterha]

Hello,

I have a couple of basic questions about my paphs. I had several plants that, until recently, were growing in a very low light environment. I have had two or even three new growths with no blooming (I assume due to the insufficient light). The plants appear generally healthy otherwise. I now have much more light. The question is: can these growths which have never bloomed now bloom even if the new growth has begun?

In some of my older plants (one's that I have had only a maximum of three years), I have not noticed any new growth for a while. The plants, again, look otherwise healthy (maybe a little droopy). Does this mean that it is time to divide the plant, or do these plants have dormant periods in which no new growth is evident, or maybe is the plant root system damaged and it refuses to put out new growth.

I can't read their minds so it is all guessing for me. Is there anyone with more experience with paphs who can give some guidance?

Thanks!
John

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Well...first of all Paphs can grow pretty slow.

Second, if your plant hasn't bloomed yet for whatever reason, it sure can bloom.

Third, the only way to know if there's root damage is to disturb the plant and dig it out to take a look see.

Orchids in general do better when in larger clumps. I would only remove any that can be easily removed without force or cutting. If you give the plant a gentle tug and the growths stay put, I'd leave them alone.

Some Paphs grow in weird places. You have to give out which type they are. Unfortunately if you have a hybrid I can't really help you. If it's a species, I can tell you as much as I know. Beyond that, my expertise with Paphs is somewhat limited.

Although, if you google Dr. Tanaka and Paphs, there's a website you can check out as a resource.

[josterha]

Thanks, King.

All, or nearly all, of my paphs. are inter-species hybrids. Since I provided a better light environment, nearly all are showing a real improvement. I have recently repotted most, but I have a plain-leaf hybrid that I feel that I should repot now since it seems to be not doing much of anything. It just sits there. I definitely will check out the website that you mention above.

Thanks,
John