Droopy Paph - Orchid Board

Melody · #1 12-09-2011, 04:09 PM

The old growth on my Paph has been droopy for some time. I thought it was because of the kitty cats playing in the plants, but just the other day I noticed one of the leaves on the new growth is now drooping over and I don't think the cats have been near it recently. The leaves aren't wrinkled and seem to be healthy other than just being folded over in one spot. Anyone know why? Is it not getting enough light or water or something. I should also mention that it didn't bloom this year. It's been growing this new growth since Aug. 2010!!

zxyqu · #2 12-09-2011, 04:37 PM

I'd vote roots, with the possibility of insufficient light. But I think the plant is not hydrating, be it too little water, or dead roots. Unpot and see what you find.

billc · #3 12-09-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zxyqu

I'd vote roots, with the possibility of insufficient light. But I think the plant is not hydrating, be it too little water, or dead roots. Unpot and see what you find.

I think Jarad is right on. There's something going on with the roots.

Bill

Melody · #4 12-09-2011, 06:52 PM

Ok, I think y'all are probably right.
It's never had a lot of roots. I remember being surprised when I first got it and one of the cats knocked it over and I saw it didn't have a lot of roots. I unpotted it and it looks like it still doesn't have many roots...and no growing tips from what I can see.

Maybe it can't support both growths on that amount of roots. But what can I do to encourage new root growth?
Should I repot it in a smaller pot? would that help? Also, I've been using a 6 mo. fertilizer (granuals) that were recommended to me by an orchid grower and it's been good for my other 'chids (phals), but I think this one was doing better when I was using a different fert. in the water every other week. So I'm thinking about going back to that.
Not the best photo, but it should give you some idea of what it looks like:

Daethen · #5 12-09-2011, 06:59 PM

I don't think that paphs are heavy feeders, so fert may be part of the trouble. By the way, did you make the glass piece behind the plants?

silken · #6 12-09-2011, 07:12 PM

As far as I know, Paphs have fairly sensitive roots so I wouldn't put a slow release in there. If the granules are touching the roots it could burn them. You could try getting some K-L-N (a liquid rooting hormone) and soak the roots in some water with this added to it.

billc · #7 12-09-2011, 08:10 PM

Looking at the roots, it probably shouldn't be in anything bigger than a 2" pot. You could then place that in the nice looking orchid pot you have. If you have K-L-N or SuperThrive, swish it around in the solution for a few minutes before repotting. Paphs really don't do well with overpotting the plant. The mix can't dry fast enough, and you wind up with root problems.
By the way, that stained glass is really nice!

Bill

Melody · #8 12-10-2011, 01:08 AM

Ok, will do. I have some superthrive and I think I have a 2 in. pot somewhere. Any other advise? I've heard that paph roots are really slow growing. Should I be worried? How long do you think it might take to "recover"?...I guess I'm just wondering what I'm in for here...if it will be healthier/happier by spring and maybe even bloom next year, or if it's going to need another full year for the roots to catch up and the plant to stabilize and such. And then there is the flip side to that of what if it continues down this bad path? what if I loose a leaf? the horror! ...I don't want to think about it. lol...but I want to be prepared.

p.s. thanks for the compliments on the stained glass, my bro. and my mother designed and made it for me. (they no longer do it, so I cherish the piece I have)

Daethen · #9 12-10-2011, 10:06 AM

I think all you can do is try and wait. It could spring right back or it might fail. Either way, learn what you can from the experience for the next time.

I like the glass piece. I also make stained glass, so I definitely noticed it right away. They did a great job.