lowii help

[flytrap7108]

Hi I have a phalph lowii and I think its dieing. For some odd reson the roots on the new growths grow to about an inch and than die of. I water if once a week and I just cant figure out the problem. If any of you have succesfuly grown this plant can you please give me tips

[phalaephila]

Is that phal (phalaenopsis) or paph (paphiopedilum)? And under what conditions are you growing the plant, such as light, fertilizer amount and frequency, temperatures, water type (tap, RO, etc.), growing medium.... Post a picture and I hope we can help!

[flytrap7108]

I have a paphiopedilum. lowii. I grow it under a 400 watt metal hide light. the temperature gets at 85 max than at night it droppes to about 70. the humidity is at a constant 60% I do use well water but its not that hard. every other watering I use rain water. Because of this problem I never fertilize it. I water it once a week with some misting of the water bottle in between

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[quiltergal]

I think you're growing it too hot. In it's natural habitat the temp tops out at 81 in August. The rest of the time it's mid 70's to low 80's during the day. Nights are down in the low 60's year round.

[flytrap7108]

what is its humidity requirments

[quiltergal]

85-90% most of the year, dropping to 80% in the summer.

[flytrap7108]

ok thanks for your help.

[quiltergal]

Maybe try a light layer of barely damp sphag moss as a top dressing around the root zone. It will help keep them cooler and damper.

[wonderlen3000]

You are growing it too dry. That happen alot with Paph. as the roots will grow for one inch or two and all dry up and die. Lowii like warm temperature with 30'C during the day and around 18-20'C at night. And high humidity. It's a few of the paph. species that grow on trees. You need a free draining mix that remain some moisture (use 50% med bark, 30% charcoal and perlite and 20% spanish moss; don't use spragnum moss) and you need to water it twice a week.