Paphiopedilum Leaf Lacerations?

[unqualeNienaite]

I have a really healthy Paphiopedilum. No root rot, no rot/spots on the leaves, etc. It just finished blooming and the bloom fell a week ago. A month ago, it started to get these diagonal breaks in the leaves. They turned orange/tan and were see through; almost like they were lacerations. They didn't completely "split" though, the cells sunk where it was orange. During the 3 months that I have had it, I found I was doing two things wrong:

1. waiting until it got fairly dry to water (my other orchid requires that so I watered them at the same time) and then fully watering the mix.

2. I live with two stinky, grown guys who like to pass a lot of gas...so every other night I get the temperature in the house perfect...and then one of them opens up all the windows and doors in the house (when its raining outside!!)(and against my requests!!) to air out the house. So unfortunately, my orchids are exposed to a nice warm temp, and then a sudden jolt of cold air and methane



I am assuming it is a combo between the two that is causing this. I just wanted to double check to be sure. I apologize for the poor quality of the picture, my lack of a digital camera does not help.

I appreciate all of those who spend the time and respond!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

You can't do anything about the dudes. They aren't gonna listen. In fact, unless they somehow think highly of you and respect you, they most likely aren't gonna listen.

I understand your frustration. I've met a few. They're not necessarily bad guys, they're just not on your level.

Anyways...

As far as the splits are concerned, they're nothing to worry about. The Paph won't die or drop leaves because of it.

You can always get a humidifier and place it close to the plant. It's the dry air that causes the cracks.

There are cool mist humidifiers and warm mist humidifiers. They're not expensive either.

Umm...

Side note - you don't have to answer the question if you don't want to...

Is that a nudie poster in the back or is it a swimsuit poster?

[unqualeNienaite]

Ha! I knew someone was going to respond to that. They are indeed in swimsuits. That of course is not my poster. I allow them to decorate the living room however they want as long as I can take-over the deck with my plants. Good trade off I think!

I am quite broke right now (just had to replace the tranny in my car), so would letting my tea kettle boil a couple of minutes..once a day be an alternative until I can buy one?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Not sure.

It's not the humidity in this case that's the issue, it's the heat.

Scalding hot steam, bad!

[unqualeNienaite]

Well I wouldn't put it right next to them. I'll just try to move them every time the house is opened up.

Thanks for helping me with your answer!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

No problem.