Help Paphs not growing.

[Don Perusse]

I have two paphs division that were given to me almost a year ago. There were only two leaves to each and there are still only two nice green leaves. No growth whats-so-ever. They are kept indoors in a East facing window. My potting mix is: 2 pt fine bark, 1 pt med perlite, 1 pt charcoal and 1 tbls oyster shell. Moist by not soaking wet. What can I do to make they grow?

[kiki-do]

I threaten them. It's torture, isn't it?

[Roy]

Don, those divisions were way too small. The only way to get them moving is to place them on bottom heat. This may be hard to do if your growing indoors BUT there is a way. An old electric fry pan with sand or even your normal potting mix in it to about 50mm deep and the control set on a low setting using a thermometer to check temp over a few hours. All you need is to keep the mix warm and sit the plants on it without any covering and make sure you keep them and the mix moist.

[Dorothy]

Kiki - do you place yours closer to the garbage heap or just verbally assault them?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Don Perusse

I have two paphs division that were given to me almost a year ago. There were only two leaves to each and there are still only two nice green leaves. No growth whats-so-ever. They are kept indoors in a East facing window. My potting mix is: 2 pt fine bark, 1 pt med perlite, 1 pt charcoal and 1 tbls oyster shell. Moist by not soaking wet. What can I do to make they grow?

Don, I agree with Roy. In addition, I recommend very weak fertilizer solution with every watering. Mine get watered/fertilized approx every two days. They are in clear pots (mostly) so I just check bark mix to be sure not too wet. In addition, mine are in south window plus CF lights. Perhaps increase light slightly?

[Don Perusse]

Thanks Roy & Ross for your comments. I will have to work on the bottom heat. In between time maybe if I place them in my g/h. I have no evaporative cooler and the temp here in So. Ga. has been between 90-95 during the day and mid seventies at night. My g/h has been known to reach 105 during the day with no ill effect to the other 180+ orchids I have acquired. These are my first paphs. Thanks again.

[Ross]

Don, lots of folks have good success with Paphs in hot greenhouses. I think if you set them down near floor under one of the benches, they'll still get better light, won't be quite so hot, and if the floor is at all wet, they will enjoy the higher humidity. Just a thought.

[Lagoon]

Don,

I agree with the others, go with the higher heat and more light. I just bet within a short time you will see some success. I did
I've got a couple of paphs doing the same thing as yours, they we're way to small to even leave the growers place (imho)
Anyhow, I gave them higher lights (catt lighting) and a warm place to grow. 2 are growing now and the other 3rd one has put out a very small leaf, but I have a new fan growing - strange for such a tiny paph, it's not a mini either.

Hang on to them give them some more time

PS - it's been about 1 year for mine also.

[unhappykat]

Yes, Paphs love higher light with a certain tolerance for warmth. Mine grow in very high lighting conditions, Cattleyas grow right next to them as vandas hang from above, and they love it. Be watchful of higher humidity as some paphs are prone to crown rot and bacterial infection if too moist. If possible give them some regular air movement to balance the rise in humidity. Depending on the species or cross you may be able to grow them hanging with Vandas, some like a lot of light, just watch for leaf burn.

Originally Posted by Lagoon

Don,

I agree with the others, go with the higher heat and more light. I just bet within a short time you will see some success. I did
I've got a couple of paphs doing the same thing as yours, they we're way to small to even leave the growers place (imho)
Anyhow, I gave them higher lights (catt lighting) and a warm place to grow. 2 are growing now and the other 3rd one has put out a very small leaf, but I have a new fan growing - strange for such a tiny paph, it's not a mini either.

Hang on to them give them some more time

PS - it's been about 1 year for mine also.

[Don Perusse]

Thanks everyone for the info. Project "heat" is up and running. I'll keep you informed as time goes on. One is suppose to be white and the other a dark burgandy. I hope to see the flower one day. I'll keep trying.