Worried about my Chids

[Tim P.]

I had a small compot of paphs that i bought two years ago. Much to my dismay they have not grown that much, but have wormed their way into my heart so much that I cant fathom losing them. I havent gotten any of them to bloom, but that is the least of my worries as it seems. I noticed a lot of yellowing of leafs so I decided to repot. I repotted them and noticed a bunch, if not all the roots on them were shriveled. I dont think they were dead, but maybe just lack of water? they hadnt been watered in at least a week. so i finally split the compot and have them all in their own respective containers now. What should I do to make them grow and be happy. At this point I am really drawing a blank, and would like to see a bloom sometime, let alone some growth. Here are some pix.

hopefully these pix will work.. if not ill have to try plan b
thanks!

[WhiteRabbit]

I'm sooo not a Paph expert, so here's a
Good luck!

[MattWoelfsen]

Looking good.

[Tim P.]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I'm sooo not a Paph expert, so here's a
Good luck!

Thanks... your awesome Ive had orchids for years and still dont know everything lol

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:30 PM ----------

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

Hi Tim, I have this plant too. You got your plant from the same place I did--Hausermann's in Chicago. Good job re-purposing pop bottles. You have good drainage on these new pots, right? The roots you uncovered are not very healthy, usually they become that way when they get inconsistent watering.

Our plants originally came from SE Asia. They are terrestrials and live on forest floors. These plants are considered intermediate temperature plants--they don't tolerate high temperatures nor too cold winter temperatures. They like bright filtered light. If you can grow an African violet, your Paph will flourish. I have mine growing in a window on the west side of the house.

Your potting medium is okay for now but you might consider getting a mix of sphagnum moss, fine fir bark, perlite and charcoal. There is an online vendor called Kelly's Korner Orchid Supplies (Kelley's Korner Orchid Supplies, We offer everything to grow great Orchids!) that sells a mix specifically for Phaps & Seedling. You can purchase mix like this from other vendors.

You have discovered how fragile your Phaph's roots are, your plants' roots have experienced root rot. It is hard to tell which roots are vital and which are dead. The plant will recover if you water regularly and allow the plants' roots to dry almost completely--do not let it go bone dry. Water throughly. Keep your plants where air circulates freely.

As winter approaches and the temperatures get colder, avoid the three horsemen of orchid death: cold temperature, wet roots, and stagnant air.

I hope this helps. Here is a picture of the potting media I mentioned. That is a Nickel coin.

I personally think that my issue was underwatering. it was in its origional pot which was 2 inches (?) and it got watered once a week TOPS... what would you reccomend for watering?

Yes, i have drilled holes in the bottom of the bottles... thanks for the compliment, I thought they were a good idea also

also, have yours flowered yet? mine are about two years old

[MattWoelfsen]

No, mine are still about a year away from blooming.

[Tim P.]

do you think that watering twice a week would be good? I would say that the pots are about 2.5 inches

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Tim P.

do you think that watering twice a week would be good? I would say that the pots are about 2.5 inches

I would suggest using skewers ti help determine when to water.

[Tim P.]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I would suggest using skewers ti help determine when to water.

for some reason i could never really get the hang of skewers remind me how they work again?

[SlipperGirl]

Originally Posted by Tim P.

for some reason i could never really get the hang of skewers remind me how they work again?

I use skewers all the time on my paph its the only way I can tell if it needs to be watered

All you need to do is put the skewer in the middle of the pot let it sit there for a little then pull it out, if its dry it needs to be watered if its really wet then you can wait a little. hope this helps

[WhiteRabbit]

Touch the skewer to your cheek or upper lip - even if it feels dry but cool to your skin, there's moisture in the media.

Paphs generally don't want to dry completely - especially babies.

I leave the skewers in my orchid pots / media. Just check and replace into the same spot