Progress with Paph seedlings - problem with one

[shakkai]

I purchased 5 Paph seedlings back in February to see if I could grow them - I didn't think I had the right environment for them (too cool) but thought that I could possibly acclimatise seedlings to the cooler conditions.

Some seem to be doing well, another is okay, but one is distinctly worse off than the rest. The one that is not growing well is the only one that is a pure species (Paph. hirsutissimum) the other are a mixture of hybrids.

Here is a photo of when I got them:


Here is a similar photo of them today:


Both of the mottled leaved Paphs seem to be happy. St Swithin have increased quite a lot in size. The two that were having problems (which have both been transferred to grow in Rockwool after they started to show 'issues' about two months ago) are the species hirsutissimum and a cross of rothschildianum x gardineri (syn. glanduliferum). The rothschildianum x gardineri has begun to recover, and is now putting out a new leaf (after losing two before I repotted), however, the hirsutissimum is just sat there.

Is there something special I can do or try to coax this one along? The roots (all two seedling roots) are still brown, hairy, and firm.

Many thanks in advance!!

[slipperfreak]

Your seedlings are doing really well! I've found that Paph seedlings will grow faster in higher humidity and warmer temperatures.

[IdahoOrchid]

Here is a link to some care and other information. You should look into a few others before making any substantial changes though. Find a concensus of "facts" first.

IOSPE PHOTOS

[Lagoon]

It's nice to have those photos to compare with.
I agree they look like their doing well to me too.
I do have a hirsutissimum cross that seems to grow more during the fallish - winter months then spring & summer.
Not all paphs grow at the same rate.
I think your doing just fine

PS - Careful with that rockwool.

[shakkai]

Joe, Its the warm temps that I was worried about. Temperature range is normally between 60-70 F. That's why I wanted to trial these seedlings, I wasn't sure they would grow at all... (They only cost me £15 for the 5.)

I am please with how the other are doing - but I also know that I haven't gotten them through what will likely be the most difficult period - winter - with central heating on and very short daylight.

Gloria, thanks for your comment about you hirsutissimum. I hope that is all it is with mine, but it looks so weak compared to the others! I keep a close eye on the rockwool (and it suits my watering practices - I mist the top when the top dries out, so underneath never really gets wet, wet, just damp from the wicking action of the rockwool.) and it is damp not wet and because it is the cubes it keeps things open and allows it to dry quite quickly. The main thing is that it allows me to keep an eye on the roots - which I was worried about with those two - without disturbing the plant. I think the one in rockwool that has recovered and is putting out a new leaf will be repotted soon in regular mix like the others.

The funny thing is that I thought that the mottled leaved ones would be more difficult because they liked warmer temps. The hirsutissimum, which I think can be cool-intermediate (thanks Steven!), was one that I thought would be a good match.

You guys are the greatest, thanks so much!