Repotting a Paphiopedilum - Orchid Board

JackiBlu · #1 11-24-2009, 10:29 PM

I was going to fake it until I got it right, but not on a paph.. I have never seen the roots of the two paphs I have or anyone elses. I have searched youtube until my eyes have crossed, to watch someone repot a paph - still nada, repotting is usually shown using a Phal or Catts, once in a while an Onc is divided. I searched in here for the last couple weeks when I have a minute or two, I've stumbled on quite a range of info but nothing solid.

The one I've had for 2 years next month. The medium it is in seems to consist more of a dirt type mix, almost near potting soil but no perlite in it, but I really can't tell what it is.

So, the paph I need to repot soon is Hhinying Ruby Cherry. Which medium would you suggest? Are the roots fine or like a Phal or Catt? Do I treat the repotting as I would say a Phal, and trim the roots, removing bad ones, cutting some back to encourage it to grow? Any and all info or direction if its here already would be much appreciated

**Edit: I also need to tell you it was a gift and its in a large 8" pot. It doesn't come close to filling up that clay pot at all.

TIA

Connie Star · #2 11-24-2009, 10:43 PM

Hi Jacki,
I have a book called "Four Seasons of Orchids" by Greg Allikas & Ned Nash that has a nice 2 page spread on how to repot a paph. I've repotted 2 now, both into bark/perlite.
What's interesting is that the roots are really woody. I took the first one out of the square pot, and they stayed square and I could stand it up on it's bare roots. It took me awhile to separate out the remaining media. I just did the first one 2 weeks ago, so I can't say if I've been successful or not.
I'm a newbie by the way. I'm really drawn to the paphs and phrags.

musicloveranthony · #3 11-24-2009, 11:27 PM

YouTube - OrchidWeb - Repotting Tutorial # 1 (Paphs and Phrags)

orchidman77 · #4 11-25-2009, 12:19 AM

that video was extremely helpful! Thank you so much!

David

crzyorchids · #5 11-25-2009, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Star

Hi Jacki,
I have a book called "Four Seasons of Orchids" by Greg Allikas & Ned Nash

That book is amazing!

musicloveranthony · #6 11-25-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crzyorchids

That book is amazing!

Yeah, that book is gorgeous even if only used as a coffee table photo book!

slipperfreak · #7 11-25-2009, 01:16 AM

First of all, unless it is a huge specimen sized plant, it should NOT be in an 8" pot. I would guess a 4" pot is needed for your plant. The pot should be just big enough to hold the roots, which is usually small for the size of the top growth (leaves). Plastic pots work the best, and they must have drainage holes. I prefer the clear ones because you can see what's going on in there.

The mix your Paph is in is most likely dirt-like because it has decomposed over time. It was more than likely originally a bark mix. Paphs are best repotted every year, because after that the decomposing mix starts to strangle and rot the roots. As you probably saw in the video, Paph roots are actually quite thick and covered in brown hairs. They are firm, and therefore soft and mushy roots are dead and should be removed. Always flame-sterilize a blade before you cut any part of the plant with it. Failing to do so can transmit viruses amongst your plants.

There are many potential mixes that can be used to pot Paphs. The most common is a bark-based mix. Fine-grade barks are usually used unless you have a large plant. I use a mix of 9:3:3:3 fine bark, coarse perlite, medium charcoal, and peat. Chopped sphagnum also works well as an alternative to peat in the mix.

Once you've got your mix and new pot, it's just a matter of unpotting the plant, removing the old mix and dead roots, and repotting it. Place a little bit of mix in the bottom of your new pot, and form a little depression in the center. Then place the plant on top and work mix in around the roots. The plant should be potted such that the junction between roots and leaves is just below the surface of the mix. Pot too high, and the new roots will dry out before they reach the media. Pot too low, and you'll get crown rot.

You'll find that Paphs love to be repotted and they'll usually respond with a growth spurt.

Sandy4453 · #8 11-25-2009, 08:37 AM

Jacki, one thing to remember with Paphs. is they actually are one orchid that love repotting, it encourages new growth. They adapt beautifully to new, fresh medium. I repot my Paphs. twice a year. I would also suggest some sphagnum in the mix. You should water before the mix dries, kept slightly wetter and cooler than Phals.

Sammy · #9 11-25-2009, 04:40 PM

This infomations is just what i have been looking for recently.

I was wondering is it essential to use charcoal?

I was just going to re-pot my two paphs in some good orchid mix with some perlite and expanded clay pebbles? Will this be enough?

slipperfreak · #10 11-25-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy

This infomations is just what i have been looking for recently.

I was wondering is it essential to use charcoal?

I was just going to re-pot my two paphs in some good orchid mix with some perlite and expanded clay pebbles? Will this be enough?

Charcoal is used for extra drainage and to prevent the medium from souring. It is not essential, but very useful and very common in Paph mixes.

By expanded clay pebbles do you mean a LECA/diatomite type product? If so, you are looking at s/h culture right? This is something that works very well for some, but not so great for others. Success with it also seems to depend largely on the type of Paph involved (for example it would be harder to grow Brachys in s/h). It's really something that you have to experiment with to see if it works for you.