A Bit Nervous and Intimidated - Paph fairrieanum
 

About 2 years ago, I purchased a Paph. fairrieanum from orchids.com. It was never in good shape (only had 2-3 good roots), but with a knowledgeable keeper, it would've been fine. I wasn't that keeper. In a few months, it just started going downhill and I could not manage to save it. I admit I could not get the whole watering thing just right, and it died.

I have become a much better grower since then. I am now much more familiar with all the cyclical variations in my home and can make the small tweaks necessary when the seasons change. I found another specimen on Ebay. I have been secretly looking for one since I lost the first one and they are not easy to find. I had to jump on the opportunity. A grower raised it from flask and it is currently in a 2.5 inch pot. However, I must confess I am a bit nervous about attempting this again.

Any tips from people who have mastered culture for a fairrieanum would be greatly appreciated!

I'll bump you but I have never grown this one. I will say that I try and keep my paph's damp not wet. I also put them in small bark mix with sponge rock, charcoal and spagh. And I mix in a little bit of oyster shell into it.

I however am no expert on them.

I can't talk a lot about Paph. fairrieanum, but I can say something about fear. I mean, we have all been there. There are no "orchid people" here who have not killed an orchid or two. Gardening, which is what this is, is a work in progress. To gain a deep understanding takes mistakes. Failing, and making mistakes are a stage in learning. You cannot know something without "messing" it up a few times.

You do not need to be an expert. You have to be open and willing to become an expert. A difference.

Thanks, Optimistic! Great advice :)

Would love to hear about your progress with this orchid. It's on my wish list.