Potting mix

[RNCollins]

I would like to repot my Paph Hung Sheng Curtisii. I ordered potting mix from repotme, but I accidentally ordered a mix for Oncidiums.
The mix contains:
Small coconut husk chips
Small sponge rock
Small stalite
Small granite chips
Rice hulls

Will this mix be ok for my paphiopedilum?

[dounoharm]

dang, I hate when that happens! I think it will be ok..my experience with coco husk material is that it holds water a very long time however...and I don't know about the rice hull....if it seems like it is staying too wet, or not growing prosperously, I would bite the bullet and order the correct mix....its a simple matter to repot...

[Cym Ladye]

I would not be concerned about using this mix on a Paph. There are several ingredients in it to promote aeration and Paphs, as terrestrials, can withstand a wetter mix. I know a hobbyist who has them growing successfully in nothing but fine coir. Just water accordingly.

Many companies put out mixes supposedly geared for one specific genera. The truth in many cases, is that they only change the name on the bag.

There are as many successful blends of mixes as you ask growers, and many growers use more than one "blend", which they make up themselves as they learn the needs of their plants.

Remember, the only reason we put orchids in pots is to keep the from falling over!

Cym Ladye

[orchidsarefun]

I would agree in general about potting mix, but with paphs there may be a problem as some prefer acidic conditions only. I don't know about your hybrid - maybe if someone here can't help, then the grower can ? Perhaps repotme can tell you if that mix is ph neutral......or not.

The one parent - Curtisii/superbiens :

ORIGIN/HABITAT: North central Sumatra. Paphiopedilum superbiens grows near Padang on wooded mountain slopes at 2950-4250 ft. (900-1300 m). Plants grow in relatively bright situations in deep humus overlying decomposed sandstone. -- Source: Charles Baker

[james mickelso]

Very true Cym Lady.