Bought my first Paphs today, QUESTION!

[Helen]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Oh! You got a seedling surprise then didn't you! My Paphs are planted in fine bark or coco husk. I've never had much luck with sphag, but it works for some folks. I think it just depends on how much you like to water. Most Paphs don't like to dry out completely. Here is some good info on sukhakulii specifically.

Orchid of the Week Library: Paph. sukhakulii

I have two mottled leaf varieties and the new growth on both starts out mottled. You may have something completely different in that little sphag ball.

Yep, by the sounds of it, looks like I'm going to have a little surprise...years down the road of course Thanks to everyone for your help today...
Helen

[Helen]

Originally Posted by Barbara

Hi Helen. I would use fine grade fir bark mix for repotting the seedling and put it in a small (tiny) pot so that it's as root bound as possible. Keep a close eye on the moisture levels, it will probably mature a little faster if your grow it under moderately bright conditions (meaning avoid the direct sun). Btw, it might not be the same thing that it was growing with which may account for the different leaf colouration. Usually the seedling leaves of paphs are identical to their mature selves, at least according to my own experience thus far.

Vini does mean that it's a dark colour, but that can be effected by seedling variation and parentage. In other words you can't really know what it looks like until it blooms unless it's a division off a dark vini parent then it would be identical to the 'mother'.

I'll post a picture of my suk if it ever opens..sigh...

Thanks for this valuable info Barb! You are great! Would love to see your picture...I'm sure it'll be soon....
Yep, it'll be another nice surprise to see the colouration!
Helen
Helen

[Helen]

Originally Posted by Ross

Helen, I am knew to Paphs, but I have never seen a new growth start out plain then turn mottled. I only have 7 plants of both types (mottled and plain). It sounds like something escaped the packers' attention and one slipped through. I suspect you have (for now) a NOID Paph. In answer to your question, if it has good roots I would opt for a commercial Paph mix like sold at many of the Orchid Supply vendors on this board. They are based on fine bark, perlite or sponge roc, sphag, etc. Use a really small pot (deeper than normal) like 2" if the roots will fit.

Thanks for the great info Ross...you always come thru for me! Maybe you'll add to your paph collection too, like me! I am now sneaking them into the house, as hubbie says one more and #^%$*(%(%)%_%_% 0@@@$#^#* will break loose
Do I look worried?

[Ranchnanny]

Everyone.. got my first slipper orchid today from Chesterfield Orchids of NJ. It arrived potted in mostly volcanic material and with a flower spike. I can't wait to see it open. You can go the the web site and check out the color. I have looked all over the internet looking for one that I could not live without and I found it at Chesterfields. My friend has one and once I saw it up close well that's all it took. I plan on s/h repotting after it gets done blooming. I will try and post a once it blooms .

I had a good day today one orchid arrived by mail I brought home a stray orchid from the grocery and my cork bark arrived

TTFN
Sheridan