Basic Paphiopedilum question - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Country Gramma · #11 12-16-2009, 09:41 PM

Was it blooming when you moved it? I am afraid to move mine since it's got a bud.

That is one beautiful orchid!!!

Karen

pbphut · #12 12-16-2009, 10:08 PM

Hi Karen. Yes, it was blooming when I moved it. Since it went into Semi-Hydroponic, I had to clean out as much of the original medium as I could. Needless to say, this meant quiet some time under the faucet. I just used normal care when freeing the root system but was always very aware of the bloom during the process. It was already staked and I left that stake in place. Once I was satisfied with the cleaned root system, I planted it in fresh leca and put in the liquid. Because I read that these guys like it damp, I keep the reservoir level higher than in my Cats, Phals, etc. I've had it a couple of months already and it's pushing two new flower spikes, as well as many new leaves, and seems quite happy. I, for one, am finding that these 'chids are tougher than you would think. (Thank goodness!

) So far, I've had really good luck with SH on all my plants and while it's not for everyone, it's working for me.

Good luck if you do decide to move it.

Country Gramma · #13 12-16-2009, 10:28 PM

Hi George,

I'm slowly moving all (or most) of my orchids into S/H. This one should be a good candidate. It's not the same as yours and it's my first Paph. I'm gonna ask for some culture info since I've found only very general info on the web. (In a new thread).

It's great to know about the S/H, though

Thanks, Karen

pbphut · #14 12-16-2009, 11:04 PM

This is my first Paph too and it's got a pretty fine root system. That has always concerned me with using the leca in SH, but apparently they can adapt as well as the larger rooted varieties. I read here, on the board, that the plants will tell you what they need and I've found that to be true. Early on in my SH experiment, I was trying to keep the water level reservoir the same for all my varieties, but I soon found out that on some of the ones that like it wetter, the new growth was coming out "accordioned" (I'm not sure that's even a word, but it describes the condition). As soon as I raised the water level in the reservoir, the new growth straightened out and the plants are now doing great. They haven't flowered yet, but are putting out new growth like crazy. I've found that the SH is a TON less work than the bark medium I was using. Plus, the added benefits of virtually no fungus gnats, which is a real plus because I grow mine indoors.

Country Gramma · #15 12-16-2009, 11:54 PM

I was reading up on S/H for a while but the fungus gnats convinced me too. I do think I'll wait till the Paph is done blooming before trying to repot.

Thanks so much for all the info, Karen

andrew__ · #16 12-18-2009, 01:30 PM

Beautiful flower & plant. I have one very similar in flower colour but just a touch more purple in the leaves that's sending up a bud for me after skipping last year after being repotted.

Good to know these can take S/H (and well by the looks of those plants!). Thinking about moving a root-less adopted paph into S/H... will maybe make a new thread after I check if it's still rootless.