paph advice, please
Hi
I would like to add Paphs to my collection of other types but I'm concerned that my growing conditions are not suited for them, so this may not work out for me. I've searched the internet, but I have found that some sites are contradictory, or vary somewhat, to others...so I would appreciate advice from you experienced growers. I rec'd my first Paph last week (urbanianum) and it now sits in front of an east window but is not getting much light- approx. 300-900 footcandles (at the very most-depending on outside conditions, of course). This slightly diminished light may be due to the way our house is built....the window is just a slight tad shaded ??). About 30-40% humidity there and very little air flow. I thought about maybe adding some supplementals, but I don't really have a good option to add a small fan and/or humidifier to that area). Also, I have no shear curtains on any window. I could move my Paph to my greenhouse where I would have control of the light it receives (small pieces of shadecloth, etc.) and I'm guessing that my humidity level is ok for it ?? I'm also guessing that the air flow is ok. ?? But what about the temp.? My gh conditions are:
General high for the day-appprox. 95 degrees in the summer (Of course, I have more control in the winter because of adjustable therm. heaters).
GH humidity is approx. 60-80% in the summer....quite a bit lower in the winter. (Being new to the orchid hobby, I failed to run my evap. cooler, which I'm sure would increase the humidity a bit....I will this winter).
Of course, I can control watering, but I would appreciate help as to damp, dry or whatever is needed.
Airflow seems to be fine...2 large fans-1 under each bench, as well as a very small clip on fan that would increase airflow even more to the Paph itself.
The fert. I use is MSU Fertilizer for Well Water-weekly- through carbon block filters (PH approx. 6.5)
Please let me know if I have missed something....
So, what do you think?
I have included a pic. of the Paph (it's small). I repotted it when I rec'd it (a general practice for me). I had to overpot it into a 4" clay pot because at the time I didn't think I had a smaller one, but I have since found a 3" plastic pot and repotted it again, in hopes it would be better suited.
I would also appreciate any tips you many have to offer.
Thanks,
Vicki
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