I just got my first Paph.

[slipperfreak]

As OrchidSue mentioned, Paph Maudiae is the primary hybrid (callosum x lawrenceanum). There are "Maudiae type" hybrids and Paph Maudiae - these are two different things. Paph Maudiae sensu stricto is not a complex hybrid, but the thousands of grexes registered that look similar to it, with parentage from section Barbata, have long breeding lines. Also, don't confuse the term "complex hybrid" with the standard-complex Paphs, which are a separate horticultural group.

Your plant is the actual hybrid Paph Maudiae, not one of the many "Maudiae types". This is obvious since it has a cultivar name. It gets confusing sometimes because many Maudiae types are now sold as pot plants that are thrown away after flowering (like Phals), and often are not properly labelled.

Anyway, this is an ideal beginner's Paph and should give you years of pleasure. Definitely, as was mentioned before, it should be removed from the sphag and potted in something looser, like a bark mix (fine grade). Other media work too, like coir and even s/h media like LECA have worked for some. However, sphag will rot the roots. Typically what happens in sphag is the roots grow well at first, but quickly lose their vigor and eventually die. Since this is your first Paph I would recommend a bark mix, as other media have variable results, but bark always works.

The plant will do best in intermediate temperatures and low to moderate light, and will grow well with Phals. It likes consistent moisture, not too dry, but not wet either. Ideally the plant dries to dampness between waterings. However, the plants are most easily killed by overwatering so when in doubt, it is better to err on the dry side. Fertilizer is best applied as for most other orchids - "weekly, weakly". This type of Paph does not really have a rest period, so conditions should be maintained as described year-round. The plants set their buds in response to differences between day and night temps, much like Phals. Repotting is best done annually, in a plastic pot that is just big enough to hold the roots. Choosing too large a pot will make it difficult to keep the conditions at the roots from becoming stagnant - Paph roots will not absorb excess moisture in the pot so too large of a pot will generally rot the roots. A pot should be chosen based on the root system, not the size of the top growth. Likely your plant will need a 4" pot. I like the clear plastic ones with the cone in the bottom, because they have excellent air flow and you can see the roots. However, any plastic pot will work.

[jayman8117]

More on the name of this orchids, the plastic tag says:
'Paph. (Makult, Curtisii) - Maudiae
Paph. Mattias 'Napa Valley HCC''
whatever that means.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by jayman8117

More on the name of this orchids, the plastic tag says:
'Paph. (Makult, Curtisii) - Maudiae
Paph. Mattias 'Napa Valley HCC''
whatever that means.

What a strange way to write a tag! Likely, the first part should read "Paph. (Makuli x superbiens var. curtisii)". This is a Maudiae-type hybrid. The second part... well, I have no record of a hybrid called "Mattias". It could be Matiana, or a short form of Matias Zertuche or Matthias Fourman. The first two are standard-complex hybrids I believe, and the latter is (victoria-mariae x stonei). I would have to see the flower to make a good guess as to which one. The 'Nappa Valley HCC' means that the pollen parent was awarded, though it was written incorrectly and we don't know which society the award came from. Sounds like an interesting cross though, and it should still grow well under the conditions I described. This type of hybrid is pobably best described as a "novelty" hybrid - where plants from various sections are used. They are usually easy to grow but don't always have the nicest flowers, and can sometimes be difficult to bloom. It will be interesting to see what it does.

[zzz888]

Don't be fuzz about the naming of your Paph.
And don't repot right away, as this may shorten the life of flower.
As for potting mix, I think regular potting soil would be best.

[jaxorchidman]

Originally Posted by zzz888

As for potting mix, I think regular potting soil would be best.

You mean sphag. right??? I wouldn't use regular potting soil for this. Someone tell me if I'm wrong.

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by jaxorchidman

You mean sphag. right??? I wouldn't use regular potting soil for this. Someone tell me if I'm wrong.

You definitely wouldn't use potting soil. It holds too much moisture and doesn't breathe well - the roots will rot. Sphag is also generally too wet for Paphs, although it makes a great additive to improve moisture retention.

I have heard of humus being used in potting mixes, along with inert drainage material, in Asian countries and other tropical areas, where the plants are grown outside more naturally than we are required to grow them in temperate climates. But even humus is fluffier and more open than potting soil.

[jayman8117]

As I said before, I saw an orchid square pot, inside the more decorative pot, which was stuft with sphagnum.
I removed the original pot from the outside pot, and since the plant is in bloom, I will not repot until next spring.
does this Paph. need winter rest, which I assume is 1/2 regular watering, correct?

[slipperfreak]

Originally Posted by jayman8117

As I said before, I saw an orchid square pot, inside the more decorative pot, which was stuft with sphagnum.
I removed the original pot from the outside pot, and since the plant is in bloom, I will not repot until next spring.
does this Paph. need winter rest, which I assume is 1/2 regular watering, correct?

Nope, Paphs don't really rest in the winter, although some species require a cool down to flower.

Your plant should be given the same water and fertilizer in the winter as in the summer. Just make sure that if the temps cool down, the plant is not staying too wet, and if it's humid, give it good air movement.

Just fyi, a Paph can be repotted if it's in flower. You just don't want to repot it while the bud's developing. Once anthesis is complete, the flower won't be damaged by repotting. It is best to repot any plant as it starts new growth, but if you feel the mix has lost its consistency or doesn't fit your growing conditions, repotting is best done sooner than later.