Paph roots, help needed...

[Lisa]

Hi All,

I tryed looking back for this problem but couldn't find anything....I did some trading and a couple of the plants I received were "root challenged". Both plants have living leaves but not looking good. Can I please have your suggestions on how you have helped your paphs re grow new roots. I am just not ready to give up on these yet and look at it now as a how to lesson.

Thank you for your time and help!!!!!
Lisa

[Ross]

I only have one Paph I would consider "root challenged". The secret, I believe is to assure you don't lose the remaining (or the only ones it ever had ) roots. To do this, be sure not to overwater. For most of my Paphs, I water every-other-day. For the root-challenged one I water once a week (or I "heft" the pot to check it's heaviness. Heavy means wet.) I really wish I could find clear pots for this job as it would be much easier to determine dryness of mix. Roots will come automatically with new growths (not so much from old growths.)

[Lisa]

Thank you Ross... I will try and be patient! I am hoping for the best! Lisa

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If I must add something, it's that Paphs grow painfully slow sometimes. I used to grow Paphiopedilum micranthum, and it seemed to take forever for it to even grow a new leaf. Roots were also pretty bad.

I've never really seen exceptional roots for a Paph, nor do I grow very many of them (because they don't appeal to me as much and they grow too slow). However, I do know they are naturally hairy and that they too grow painfully slow.

Andy from Andy's Orchids once said: "...the only thing Aussie Gold (a diatomite potting mix) is good for are for growing Paphs. People seem to grow them pretty well in those..." Maybe in the future if you're brave enough you could give this method a try.

[Lisa]

Thank you! I value others opinions! And I think I will give Aussie Gold a try. Sure can't hurt. I will try to be more patient with my babies and their roots. Have a wonderful weekend! Lisa