When and Into What Should I Repot this Paph

[JKeys]

This is a multifloral paph, paph michael koopowitz x gigantifolium. I got it in February of this year and it started putting out a new leaf not so long after that. The leaf is still growing but progress is a little slower. I am wondering when to repot and into what size pot? I could repot it with new media into the same size it is now, or move up to 4 inch plastic pot. The roots seem healthy although the media seems a bit old. Thanks!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Cute plant, sorry but I have no knowledge about Paph's so hope someone will join in soon to help you with this.

[billc]

If it will fit in the pot you'll be better off using the same size. Paphs will dry better in the smallest size pot you can get them in. Pot size should be determined by the roots not the foliage.
Sometimes you wind up having to put them in a smaller pot if you've lost some roots.

Bill

[JKeys]

Thanks, bill and tommy

[kindrag23]

I have to use skewers with some of mine to keep them upright because they are so top heavy but do not have a large amount of extra root to move them up.

OH! please post pictures when this decides to bloom it looks so pretty!

[Ghosthunt64]

Paphiopedilums don't like the media to break down too much, so once a year is best, but they can do on less. I don't have much experience as to when you should put it in a larger pot, so I'd go with what everyone above said.

[MrHappyRotter]

Most paphs, and especially the multiflorals are better suited to small pots like the one your plant is already in. In my experience, they bloom best when they are slightly root bound.

As already stated, if you're growing in an organic mix (bark & sphag being the most common), yearly repotting is probably best since they tend to have issues with rot once the mix breaks down too much.

If you're going to repot, late winter to early summer are the best times. Mid to late summer (now) would be okay, particularly if the plant is actively growing. Avoid fall and winter unless the plant is in dire circumstances.

When you repot, find a pot that is just slightly larger than what the plant is currently in. My recipe for success is as follows. I soak the roots, media and pot in a solution of seaweed extract and superthrive for at least a couple of hours. Then I carefully remove the plant from the pot and pick off as much of the old media as possible. I pot up the plant, water with a little more seaweed & superthive mix.

As an additional note, which may or may not be relevant to you. I almost always repot paphs & phrags when I get them, unless they're in bud/bloom. For one thing, it gets the plant into my own mix, which I'm most familiar with in terms of how to water & feed. Second, it gives me a good opportunity to inspect the roots. Third, it helps to eliminate any pests (snails, roaches, millipedes, oxalis, etc) that might be hiding in the mix.

In summary, if you're going to repot it this year, this is the very latest you'd want to do it. The decision should be based on how deteriorated the current mix is. I don't know what size pot the plant is in right now, but if the planned 4 inch pot is slightly bigger at most, then you'll be fine. When you repot, make sure to soak the pot, plant and mix in water for a few hours before hand. If you've got superthrive/seaweed extract use it.