Best potting medium for paphiopedilums?

[bil]

Originally Posted by gixrj18

I'm no expert, but I've always found layering works good with any plants. All my Paphs are in layers of coarse bark and sphag moss. About 2" alternating layers, all the way up. It creates plenty of breathing room, and still holds in the moisture.

Interesting concept. I use shallow pots, so not much opportunity to layer.

What I do is, I pot in a wider pot, about 25cm across. I make three balls of sphag, about 3" in diam, and place them equidistant around the edge of the pot. Then I put the plant in the centre, and fill the pot with fine bark.

I'm no great fan of small pots with the roots rammed tightly in. I can't see the point, but if anyone can say why, then I would be interested to hear.

[Orchid Whisperer]

I describe a medium based on a combination of coarse 'grit', leaf litter (with a little included soil and worm castings), bark, charcoal, and eggshell here:
Another orchid at my desk: Paphiopedilum Hilo Jewel x Paph. fairrieanum 'Greenhorn'

Not saying it is "the best" but it works for me.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Not saying it is "the best" but it works for me.

As they say, get 6 orchid keepers together and you'll get 7 different ways of doing it.

[estación seca]

The more unobtainable ingredients something has, the better it is.