Lady slipper is not doing well - Orchid Board

Parkep · #1 02-23-2013, 02:54 PM

I bought this plant about 2 weeks ago. I don't have any previous experience with lady slippers. I have 5 Phalaenopsis, and they are doing well. When I bought this plant, I didn't know it wasn't healthy until my mom informed me that the leaves were too light green. I paid a pretty penny for this plant, but more than that I really don't want it to die. It is in a south facing window, I'm on the ground floor. Can anyone tell me what type of lady slipper these are? Any tips would be much appreciated.

(I'm on my phone I can only download one picture per post sorry)

Parkep · #2 02-23-2013, 02:55 PM

Next picture

Parkep · #3 02-23-2013, 02:56 PM

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katrina · #4 02-23-2013, 03:00 PM

Some paphs do have light green leaves like yours so I don't see an issue w/the color.

What specifically is it doing that leads you to believe it's not doing well?

Parkep · #5 02-23-2013, 03:04 PM

Do they? Well mostly my mom haha. They seem very droopy as well...

fishmommy · #6 02-23-2013, 03:10 PM

It looks like it is in a pot with no drainage...is that right? Good drainage is critical to long term health.

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Parkep · #7 02-23-2013, 03:14 PM

Ill use a picture, easier I think lol. Then it sits in the other pot.

fishmommy · #8 02-23-2013, 03:16 PM

Ah, good

How often do you water it, and what sort of water do you use?

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Parkep · #9 02-23-2013, 03:19 PM

I don't let it get right dried out before watering it. I've just been using tape water...

NYCorchidman · #10 02-23-2013, 03:44 PM

Your paph looks fine to me.
The light pattern (dark vein against lighter green or even white greenish in the center) is how certain complex paphs have on their leaves.
The dark maroon spotting near the base of the plant is also normal for purple/red colored complex and some other hybrids and species like gratrixianum.

The leaves being droppy can also be normal as long as they are not soft when touched. Soft to touch may mean the plant is suffering dehydration.
If they feel fine, then droopy leaves are perfectly fine.
While some of my complex paphs have rather short and perked up leaves, most have very large long and droppy leaves.

I also use tap water on all my plants, but then again, I have soft water.

You don't have to dry out the mix before watering again. but I wouldn't keep it too wet either. You may risk root rot that way. keep the mix just moist. slightly dry between watering is better than keeping it wet all the time.