New leaf with rot on Paphiopedilum venustum

[Dalachin]

So I was super disappointed to discover that the new leaf is coming in deformed with what looks like brown soft rot. It’s a Paphiopedilum venustum. I’ve had this plant since September and it’s been growing leaves pretty slow and steady. When I got it I repotted it in bark and pumice with oyster shell sprinkled on top. It lives next to my paph spicerianum on a west facing kitchen windowsill with a cheap led light. Typical house temps, perhaps on the cool side in winter, might have hit 58 but they sit on a seedling heat mat for insurance. I water them when they look dry, 3 sometimes 4 times a week, watering just the media. Rainwater with k-lite or plain tap water.

Whatever could have caused that???? I guess it’s possible I got water in the crown and didn’t notice… Also I guess it might have been to cold for it, or it could have gotten a draft this winter— phals don’t like this location, I know from experience. I could put it in the warm grow tent but I thought it would prefer cooler.

[estación seca]

Venustum doesn't like heat. If on a heat mat it might be drying too fast. I don't think it would be good to grow it with Phals. Somebody would be unhappy.

[Toadwally]

Little air movement with water in crown?

[Paphluvr]

Growing on a windowsill it's hard to imagine having to water 3-4 times/week. Also, if your spicerianum is doing well in that location your venustum should be happy as well. Heat mat should be unnecessary unless the sill is very cold and drafty.

[Dalachin]

Thanks all! I’ll ditch the heat mat and maybe see about a fan for this location.