Juvenile Paphiopedilum ‘Winston Churchil’ Indomible issues
 

Close to 6 months now I’ve acquired my very first paph.
I have an understanding that older leaves turn yellow over time but my plant was a young division from a reputable nursery. My plant only has three leaves including a yellow one on the bottom I don’t feel like this is normal. My plant is potted in medium grade fir bark, shredded spahgnum and perlite. It receives low light about 8 ft away from a southern exposure large window and is watered deeply once a week on weekends and a light watering on sundays before I go away for another week. Please help guys oh and it isn’t bugs either

What is your temperature range and relative humidity? Are you sure the medium stays moist between waterings, without drying out?

I'm thinking this also. I have a couple of very small paph's and I was losing leaves and they never did seem to have very many. The one a bit larger was always losing it's older leaves and I was having a very hard time keeping it wet enough. It is in a 3 inch pot with slits on the sides. I have it potted in a seedling mix so fairly fine bark. I have it setting in a saucer and I now water it and then I also after I flush the pot I leave a little setting in the saucer. It is doing so much better has six leaves on it and has started a new growth. I am hoping a bloom soon.

The humidity
 

The humidity is maybe 50-70 % my plant stands over a pebble tray which is elevated above the water to prevent rotting. The temperature range is a steady 22 degrees

Given that information I think they might be drying out at times. Even one or two drying out accidents during a growth cycle will set them back. If your schedule involves being gone Monday through Friday I would try soaking heavily on your return, and again Sunday evening.

Given the advice
 

My mixture I’m using is rather course instead of large chunks but maybe I could get it down to a science with your guys helpful advice. Pot size for juveniles? the right mixture or media percentages ex: 50% perlite 25% orchid bark chips 25% chopped sphagnum moss . I’m a passionate plant lover and I’d be devestated if I lost my paph. I will do heavy soakings on Friday evenings and a through watering on Sunday evenings. My schedule won’t always be this way in the future I hope. Correct lighting? Everywhere I read about Paphs is something different . I found Venus flytrap difficult at first but managed to master them .. I just need to master Paphs thanks in advance.

Wayne

There is no magic mix, no perfect pot. It depends on the conditions. The grower has to pay attention. With your current schedule I doubt there would be much chance of rot even if you soaked your plant Friday, Saturday and Sunday.