New to Paphs question =)

[Kimbubbley]

I picked up a Paph. Saint Pinot on Saturday (Saint swithin 'Conquest' x Pinocchio 'Solent'), and ive been reading culture requirements. Ferts says weekly weakly, plus keep moist water once or twice a week.

When i got her home i popped in a skewer to better keep an eye on the moisture. When i pulled the skewer out this morning to test the moisture on my lips.... YUK! its slimey!

I cant imagine much has changed for this plant in the 3 days ive had it, so i imagine they are supposed to be slimey?? Something produced by the roots to keep them moist??

So what am i looking for in watering here.... the degree of slim? "keep plant slimey at all times"? "do not allow slime to dry out"??

Or maybe its a reaction to the bamboo skewer??

My first thought.....HELP ORCHID BOARD HELP!!

[billc]

Sounds like you should knock it out of the pot and see what the mix looks like. It should not be "slimey". Paphs like a nice airy mix and don't like to dry out completely.

Bill

[Olivia]

I agree with Bill. None of my paphs are slimy. It sounds like something is breaking down/growing in the media and you should probably take a look. Healthy roots should be rather thick (compared to equivalent sized phals), brownish, and fuzzy.

[Rowangreen]

Hi, I'm very new to this too, but it sounds like you might have the same issue that I think I have with my new orchids, that there's a ball of moss in the middle there. I think sometimes they start them off that way, then when they re-pot they should really clean the moss out and make the potting medium all the same, but sometimes they don't. As I understand it that means it's very difficult to get the watering right, as the medium won't dry evenly.

About to post about my repotting plans....

[RosieC]

I agree that it shouldn't be slimy and that sounds like it's too wet and probably decaying in there.

I would take a look at the roots straight away.