Please teach us about paphs.

[Cewal]

As a beginner, I've read many articles about paphs, but they are very difficult to understand. Would you experienced orchid growers please explain about the different types of paphs, and which ones are best for beginners?

[RJSquirrel]

ah hmmmm....its not that easy an explanation...the people here enjoy paphs but most people seem to go for the obvious grocery store stock orchids like phals and dendrobiums. DEATH in a POT is what I call em

the paphs you are going to find, going to have to look for them and buy them online for the most part..If you have an IKEA close by they often have some maudie types that are pretty easy to grow in an east window or under lights, and have found sequentials and multi florals there also.

There are sites dedicated to paphs and phrag "phanatics" and but only a handful here who are in the paph specific group, which is what Im becoming for the main reason is I like them, they grow well for me and Ive only killed one. I dont think that was my fault. They seem to be accomadating plants that take some abuse and dont require perfection to get them to work for you. You dont have to hold your JAW just right stand, spin on one foot then put the left foot out right foot in and do the hokey pokey with em. The plants look good not blooming. Many other orchids, after they bloom you get to look at a pot full of crap for 10 months out of the year,never get a bloom out of it again until you kill it. Even though many enjoy their pot fulls of crap, I myself dont.

I think you will enjoy them immensely and good luck

[orchidsamore]

Here are some issues for beginners with Paphs.

They live in very low light less than Phals about 900 foot candles. This makes them very good for a home.

They do not like to get over heated. Since I grow outside in Florida, I have to keep a fan on them to keep them cool. Most homes have adequate temperatures.

Paphs like to stay moist and should not be allowed to dry completely for any length of time.

Sphagnum moss is a common growing medium but whatever you use it should be changed about every 9-12 months. They do not like souring medium.

They can be grow with even less fertilizer than most orchids. They get much nutrient from the medium and is one reason for the need to change medium regularly.

Their roots are different in that they have very fine hair roots coming off the side of the root. You will not notice them unless you look for them. This is the water and nutrient up-take. Paphs should be steady in their pot as movement will rip these roots and eventually kill the plant.

You should definitely start with a Maudie type (recognized by the mottled leaves and reasonable price). They are the easiest to grow.

The green and purple varieties are very common but as they are seed grown the colors will vary with some being lighter or more spotted than others. These two should be found most anywhere for less than $20.

[CTB]

I like Paphs, just because their flowers are so different, and they last and last. My Napa Valley flower lasted three months, so wonderful. I grow mine in fir bark and perlite, which seems to work out real well, watering twice a week, here in Florida, mine are inside North window. I use a fan also, this is a porch area, with no air. My newest addition is Philippinense X Lowii, I'm not sure if it's care is any different but the blooms are luscious. So far I haven't had any bug problems. They multipy easily and I read where you shouldn't divide less than three at a time. I just let mine fill the pot. An easy must try!!!

[johnblagg]

Wow RJ thats quite harsh on other orchids ...lol I have not found anything more difficult so far than the very first paph a friend bought at the Missouri bot garden years ago ...I have to admit most of the problem is the friend is a dedicated orchid killer but even under his care phals from the box stores just thrive and bloom consistantly...

But the new Paph coloratum I got this sping has grow very slowly for me so far untill temps went down recently and now I am seeing fairly quick growth on the new side growths that have just been sitting still all summer due to heat issues so I am going to say I will probably see most of my main growth during the winter inside rather than outside in summer.

[Cewal]

Thanks for all of the info. Can anyone recommend an online site to buy paphs?

[rangiku]

You can find paphs at Welcome to Orchids By Hausermann On-Line Orchid catalog.. Click on the "Orchids in Bud" link. They have a pretty Paph. Maudiae Type that's green and white currently in bloom. Click on the Paph and Phrag link on the left to see what else is in the greenhouse.

I haven't gotten any paphs from them (yet) but all the phals I have from them are wonderful.

[Cewal]

Thanks, Rangiku. I actually did place an order with that company before I got everyones recommendations, so I'm thinking I should place another order for a Maudie type. I love the ones in the pictures that Jerry posted above. I ordered a Paph. liemianum and a Paph. Prince Edward of York. They were only $15 each, so they must be very small.

[rangiku]

Minda, make sure you post pics!

[Cewal]

I don't have a digital camera, but if I can figure out how to do it from the card in my cell phone, I will.