Paphiopedilum Wood Wonder Seedling Rooting Question

[melisafaye]

Hi,
About three weeks ago I deflasked Wood Wonder seedlings into a compot. They seem very happy and are growing fast! I planted them in a bark mixture up to the first leaves. Now, they are growing new roots, but most of the roots are coming in above the first set of leaves. Would the best thing to do be to cover them with mix up to the new roots? I am just worried about too much stem being covered up and promoting rot.

[PaphMadMan]

Assuming you have them in high humidity so the roots won't abort in dry air, I would let them grow through this phase. Let the roots go where they want and don't bury the leaves. As the plants develop more leaves above the roots you could gradually add media. Those lowest early leaves may not persist long out of flask.