Paph wardii to water or not to water

[Helen]

Hi everyone,

I purchased several paphs at once a month ago. The Paph wardii is the only one that seems to have limper leaves...is this normal for this paph? or does it need more water than other types? I noticed it was a bit wobbly and decided to just remove some of the bark and I place it a little deeper, but this has not improved it's appearance...I did see a little new white root, and hope I haven't disturbed it.
Any input would be appreciated on this one....I don't leave them wet or sitting in water, I water and wait for them to dry before re-watering...from 6 - 8 days I tried a northeast window and an east window/shaded

[Ross]

Is it possible the mix was old and the roots may be stressed or rotted? I don't know of any Paph (not that I'm an expert) that has wilted leaves naturally. My Paph fairrieanum has leaves that appear droopy, but they are firm. They just grow that way.

[Helen]

I think that I should repot it. Actually the bark doesn't look as good as the other paphs have. I wanted to let them acclimatize before repotting. I guess 'limp' isn't the right word, it's really the newest growth that seems more pliable/softer than the other paphs which seem stiffer to the touch...all but the newest leaves seem to want to curl under a bit as well and feel dry...maybe it needs more water?

[littlefrog]

Wardii has thinner leaves than a lot of paphs, especially if you are used to multiflorals or bulldogs.

If it were mine and there was any doubt about the roots, I'd repot it right away. It never hurts to repot a paph, even in bloom if you have to.

My rule for watering orchids is "when in doubt, don't". But for paphs and phrags, I change that to "when in doubt, do".

Rob

[snow]

thats my rule too although since i have changed most of my paphs to s/h there is no more guessing ever

[Andre]

Hey there,
I would repot the plant take a look at the roots... If they are in good condition you might be underwatering... If they are in bad condition pot the plant in spag and keep damp and shaded. Many paph species need even moisture and do not like to dry out between watering.
Good luck
Andre

[quiltergal]

I think most Paphs appreciate an annual repotting anyway, so I'd go ahead and repot. Mine get watered at the very least once a week. During the summer months when it's warmer they get watered twice a week. I think the key is to let them approach dryness but not actually become dry. Easier said than done....which is why I love clear plastic pots.