Advice for repotting Paph? - Orchid Board

ccrow · #1 07-05-2015, 10:26 AM

I'm repotting my phals that are not blooming, and would like to repot my little paph as well. I've had it several years but it hasn't bloomed for me; from reading on the forums I think that may be in part because of underwatering. Anyway, although it has survived, it is definitely not thriving. The mix I have has decent sized chunks of coconut husk, roughly 1/2-1" size(manufacturer calls it 'medium'). Is this too big? Should I look for something finer, or can I get by with this? I plan to add some sphag to help with the moisture level, as well. I would really like to make this little plant happy!

Fairorchids · #2 07-05-2015, 10:40 AM

I want to keep all my plants on same watering schedule, so I use spaghnum/bark mix in pots up to 3" size, and bark/charcoal/perlite mix in larger pots.

I usually mix in some seedling bark when plants are in 3.1/2" or 4" size pots, but not in larger pots.

Without seeing the plant & intended pot size, can't offer advise on your plant.

ccrow · #3 07-05-2015, 05:27 PM

It's in a 4" pot now, and I didn't intend to put it in anything bigger; possibly into a 3" if the 4" seems like it's not necessary. As far as the mix goes, I was mostly wondering if the size of the pieces in mine is too big, since the mix the plant is in is smaller size?
And I'll be happy to post a pic if someone can point me in the right direction for instructions:-)

Paphluvr · #4 08-22-2015, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccrow

It's in a 4" pot now, and I didn't intend to put it in anything bigger; possibly into a 3" if the 4" seems like it's not necessary. As far as the mix goes, I was mostly wondering if the size of the pieces in mine is too big, since the mix the plant is in is smaller size?
And I'll be happy to post a pic if someone can point me in the right direction for instructions:-)

It sounds like the chunks in the mix you intend to use is too large. Try this link. Lots of good info.

http://http://www.paphs.net/Paph2.htm#Potting

Ckanaskie · #5 08-22-2015, 06:26 PM

This is an amazing reference and info link! Thank You Paphluvr!

ccrow · #6 08-22-2015, 07:58 PM

Thanks for the link, Paphluvr! What I ended up doing is, I ordered some paph/phrag mix from repotme.com and used that. (They have a nice little bag, so I didn't have to buy tons for just one plant

) It's lost a leaf since I repotted it, and looks like it may lose another, but it's also growing a couple of new ones so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.