Juvenile Paphiopedilum ‘Winston Churchil’ Indomible issues

[Wayne]

Close to 6 months now I’ve acquired my very first paph.
I have an understanding that older leaves turn yellow over time but my plant was a young division from a reputable nursery. My plant only has three leaves including a yellow one on the bottom I don’t feel like this is normal. My plant is potted in medium grade fir bark, shredded spahgnum and perlite. It receives low light about 8 ft away from a southern exposure large window and is watered deeply once a week on weekends and a light watering on sundays before I go away for another week. Please help guys oh and it isn’t bugs either

[Wayne]

[estación seca]

What is your temperature range and relative humidity? Are you sure the medium stays moist between waterings, without drying out?

[No-Pro-mwa]

Originally Posted by estación seca

What is your temperature range and relative humidity? Are you sure the medium stays moist between waterings, without drying out?

I'm thinking this also. I have a couple of very small paph's and I was losing leaves and they never did seem to have very many. The one a bit larger was always losing it's older leaves and I was having a very hard time keeping it wet enough. It is in a 3 inch pot with slits on the sides. I have it potted in a seedling mix so fairly fine bark. I have it setting in a saucer and I now water it and then I also after I flush the pot I leave a little setting in the saucer. It is doing so much better has six leaves on it and has started a new growth. I am hoping a bloom soon.

[Wayne]

The humidity is maybe 50-70 % my plant stands over a pebble tray which is elevated above the water to prevent rotting. The temperature range is a steady 22 degrees

[estación seca]

Given that information I think they might be drying out at times. Even one or two drying out accidents during a growth cycle will set them back. If your schedule involves being gone Monday through Friday I would try soaking heavily on your return, and again Sunday evening.

[Wayne]

My mixture I’m using is rather course instead of large chunks but maybe I could get it down to a science with your guys helpful advice. Pot size for juveniles? the right mixture or media percentages ex: 50% perlite 25% orchid bark chips 25% chopped sphagnum moss . I’m a passionate plant lover and I’d be devestated if I lost my paph. I will do heavy soakings on Friday evenings and a through watering on Sunday evenings. My schedule won’t always be this way in the future I hope. Correct lighting? Everywhere I read about Paphs is something different . I found Venus flytrap difficult at first but managed to master them .. I just need to master Paphs thanks in advance.

Wayne

[estación seca]

There is no magic mix, no perfect pot. It depends on the conditions. The grower has to pay attention. With your current schedule I doubt there would be much chance of rot even if you soaked your plant Friday, Saturday and Sunday.