Crawlies in medium of my new Paph.

[Becky15349]

I didn't know that millipedes eat the leaves!!! Now I really hate them....

[Lagoon]

LOL sounds like ya'll eek'd out over things that crawl

Rosie, My paphs tend to come to me potbound - not clear pots either. But, I just tip them over onto their side and tap the side of the pots. Some of the media should fall out - once that does , take it have a looky inside. You may see more pests, you may not. This will also give you a chance to look at the root system. The roots should be very firm, not squishy and should not smell bad either.

I think its important to look at the roots when you first buy them. You need to know the condition in which them came in. The other thing is .. you'll need to know if it was you're conditions that are being favorable or the suppliers condtions - it takes some of the guess work out for the future.

[orchids3]

I would put seven on the top of the pot - seven is a type of carboryl - not really too poisionous to humans but I wouldnt eat it. Kills the scorpions too --Oh yes that why I dont stick my finger into a pot to see if it needs water. Makes your finger look like a plumb on the end.

[RosieC]

Thanks again everyone.

When I soaked it some of the top bark came out (floated up) and I could see one of the roots which looked OK.

I'm not used to Paph roots but luckily I had seen a picture on OB a few months back so I knew what I was expecting (when I first saw that picture I thought they were sick roots, but everyone said Paph roots look brown and hairy like that).

Anyway that root looked firm and healthy. I will try removing a bit more of the bark out the top and see if I can see some more.

I'm not sure if I can get the 'seven' here in the UK. I often find I can't get the stuff which is common in the USA. I think I will try the Provado that Heather suggested as my local garden center say they stock it. I didn't manage to get there today but hope to by the weekend at the latest.

Thanks again everyone.

[Becky15349]

OMG....did you say scorpion???

[Hedge]

Originally Posted by RosieC

Heather, the website for my local garden center lists the Provado so I'll give that a try I think.

Glad to be of service and hope it works.

Regards

Heather