no id - paph

[dsim]

this is my first paph. it came in a clay pot with charcoals in it. is this the right media?

the seller said this paph is "from phillipines". any specific hybrid/species from phillipines?

[RosieC]

I've heard of some people growing in Charcoal but never tried it myself.

I'm afraid I can't help with ID. There are probably several from the Phillipines but I may be wrong.

[billc]

Hi, it looks like some kind of strap leaf multi-floral (Coryopedilum). Are you sure it's in charcoal? It doesn't really look like charcoal in the picture.

Bill

[dsim]

Originally Posted by billc

Hi, it looks like some kind of strap leaf multi-floral (Coryopedilum). Are you sure it's in charcoal? It doesn't really look like charcoal in the picture.

Bill

it is charcoal.

[billc]

Charcoal has no water retention, so I would think if you want to keep it in charcoal, you would need to water frequently. In nature, most paphs get rain every day for months at a time. If you can water every day or so, you might be OK. The clay pot will keep some moisture available to the roots, but you need to make sure the pot is throughly wet each time you water. You don't want the clay taking moisture from the roots. Once it flowers, you can figure out what it really is.

Bill

[seamonkey]

Could be any strap-leaved paph. Let us see a pic when it blooms!

[abiom]

dsim,maybe the seller meant Paphio philippinense. I use limestones (small pieces) and wet flower foam. So far, it works and plant has bloomed

[dsim]

Originally Posted by abiom

dsim,maybe the seller meant Paphio philippinense. I use limestones (small pieces) and wet flower foam. So far, it works and plant has bloomed

what do you mean by "wet flower foam"? the green hard sponge that is use for flower arrangement/display?

[dsim]

somes of the leaves seem to split and brown at the ends. is this normal? views & comments appreciated.

i placed it under shade of a bigger plant together with some phals. bright area, but no direct sun.

[billc]

It seems to have grown a lot since your first post. It must like where you have it. The dark green of the leaves would indicate that you can give it a bit more light if possible.
My Michael Koopowitz (philippinense X sanderianum) does the same thing with the split leaf ends as yours is doing. Don't know what causes it, but it seems to be cosmetic only. The overall health of the plant is fine.
I'm guessing you have it outside, or water from overhead, because of the water on the leaves. I would make sure of good air movement around the plant, so the water droplets don't sit in the split portions. You don't want to promote rot.
Make sure to show us a picture when it flowers!

Bill