Advice: Paphiopedilum Hilo Black Eagle (in spike) arrived with possible root issue

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Weaver

Thank you alecStewart for your reply! Is it the kelpak called the “orchid formulation” or the one called “biostimulant”? Their (kelpak’s) website lists both and I am not sure which one is appropriate in this situation. Thanks again!

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[Fairorchids]

A. You can safely repot Paphs at any stage of budding & blooming, as long as you are careful not to break the bud/flower off.
B. The plant is clearly recently repotted, and not well. The root crown is visible, and it should be about 3/8" below the surface of the mix.
C. While fresh Paph roots are 'fuzzy', older roots can be 'smooth'. Don't trim them, even if the root appears dead. You need as much root material as possible to anchor the plant in the mix.
D. As ES mentioned, Paphs are frequently under-watered. You need a relatively fine mix, or a spaghnum/bark mix (my choice), to provide constant humidity.

[Weaver]

Thank you Fairorchids! And thank you for the reminder about the older paph roots appearance. I had forgotten that. WRT the grower’s repotting: that is pretty much what my impression is, as well.

I do use a fine mix and I mix in a modest amt of spaghnum for exactly the reason you say: humidity. I am definitely happier once an orchid is repotted into my own mix as I am just more confident I know what is going on with the roots.

Thank you again!!!

[Weaver]

Hello to everyone who kindly replied to my original post. I did repot the Hilo Black Eagle as Fairorchids suggested and it has done very well since then. Here is a photo of the two blooms open on it as of last night. About 10” across the bottom of the blooms.