Paph in sphagnum moss?

[Becca]

Hi everyone! I received a Paph that I was not expecting with some other plants and all I had available was New Zealand Sphagnum moss and s/h medium for planting...so I took the option of sphagnum moss....will the plant be okay in this or should I get some Paph mix. I was looking at paph potting mixes and noticed that sphagnum moss is sometime mixed in. One of my paphs I have had for a few months, I plopped right into s/h and it only had new shoot growing as far as new growth and is doing great, but I don't think I want to risk it again as this paph only has two roots, one fairly new looking about a couple of inches log possibly, so I want to wait a little longer for more new growth I think, unless someone recommends otherwise. Please let me know if it being in pure moss is okay!

Thanks!

[Lagoon]

Hi Becca,

As long as the 'chid isn't over planted and the media is fresh? With good light and air movement - why not give it a whirl?

I would prefer coarse rok mixed in with it though, Just me

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Lagoon

Hi Becca,

As long as the 'chid isn't over planted and the media is fresh? With good light and air movement - why not give it a whirl?

I would prefer coarse rok mixed in with it though, Just me

I have 3 new paphs (within last 4-5 months) and all were planted differently. One in fine fir bark mix, one in older mix that looks like bark plus spagnum (when it finishes blooming, I'll repot and then I'll know for sure) and newest one is in a newer mix that looks like a blend of medium bark and sphagnum.

[justatypn]

Hope this helps, bought a Paph. 'Lady Isabel' Moquettsanum and Paph. insigna and both are in sphag and doing very well. Others I have are in the paph mix, doing well also.

If it was me I would leave well enough alone, it has a big step to take in order for it to take root and disturbing at this point will be a mere set-back. Sphag, TLC, med light, and good air circulation should work well. Keep up posted.

btw, it will tell you in a few weeks what it thinks about the new living quarters, but sphag should do well.

[professor plant]

I adore paphs. I have only used straight spagnum moss for seedings and compots. Once the plant matures, I would recommend a combination of medium grade fir bark, sponge rock, or small, 1/4" hydroton (clay pellets). I have seen a variety of mixtures and amounts. It is important to remember the humidity levels in your growing area, and the plants desired potting preference. I have also learned to incorperate a sprinkle of dolomite, or others use oyster shells to control the ph of the mixture. I recommend that you check out slippertalk.com for good paph advice as well as here.
As long as the paph. has new root development, it is better to leave it alone for now. Repot in 9-12 months, or after the plant blooms. Good luck.

[Ray]

A few comments:

You can grow ANY plant in ANY medium, as long as you manage all of the other aspects of your culture to "play well" in combination, meeting the plant's needs.

Many paphs are found on the ground with their roots spread out in the leaf littler on the forest floor. A medium which mimics the moist, yet airy layer is a good one.

I find that paphs absolutely love S/H culture, and do exceedingly well in it, no matter when they are moved into it - dormant, active growth, in-bud, in-bloom - it doesn't matter.