New to Paphs question =)
 

:hello

I picked up a Paph. Saint Pinot on Saturday (Saint swithin 'Conquest' x Pinocchio 'Solent'), and ive been reading culture requirements. Ferts says weekly weakly, plus keep moist water once or twice a week.

When i got her home i popped in a skewer to better keep an eye on the moisture. When i pulled the skewer out this morning to test the moisture on my lips.... YUK! its slimey! :scratchhead:

I cant imagine much has changed for this plant in the 3 days ive had it, so i imagine they are supposed to be slimey?? Something produced by the roots to keep them moist?? :scratchhead:

So what am i looking for in watering here.... the degree of slim? "keep plant slimey at all times"? :rofl: "do not allow slime to dry out"??

Or maybe its a reaction to the bamboo skewer??

My first thought.....HELP ORCHID BOARD HELP!! :biggrin:

Sounds like you should knock it out of the pot and see what the mix looks like. It should not be "slimey". Paphs like a nice airy mix and don't like to dry out completely.

Bill

I agree with Bill. None of my paphs are slimy. It sounds like something is breaking down/growing in the media and you should probably take a look. Healthy roots should be rather thick (compared to equivalent sized phals), brownish, and fuzzy.

Hi, I'm very new to this too, but it sounds like you might have the same issue that I think I have with my new orchids, that there's a ball of moss in the middle there. I think sometimes they start them off that way, then when they re-pot they should really clean the moss out and make the potting medium all the same, but sometimes they don't. As I understand it that means it's very difficult to get the watering right, as the medium won't dry evenly.

About to post about my repotting plans....

I agree that it shouldn't be slimy and that sounds like it's too wet and probably decaying in there.

I would take a look at the roots straight away.