Paphiopedilum Deperle - Then and Now

[Ray]

I acquired some Paph Deperle plants in 3" pots of bark-based mix in the Fall of 2008. The one I kept went into a 4.5" S/H pot, and it bloomed a few months later:



I just got back from a 2300-mile jaunt around the southeast to find it - in the same pot - some 16 months later:

[tucker85]

That's a spectacular specimen. Definately a testament to S/H cultivation.

[mspatt]

Okay, Ray, you have convinced me to put my paphs in S/H. Your plant is spectacular.

My question has to do with the fact that I never see new roots on the paphs (only the old roots pushing out of the pot). So how do I know when to transfer them over? Can I just assume that new growths mean new roots, too? Should I wait until Spring now? If I can get your results, I'll be thrilled...

[salmonmanAK]

I have ten paphs in semi-hydro and they are all doing great. I have always just switched them over right when I got them. Even if they are in flower. I have never had any problem with roots dying as they are used to being quite damp already. They sulk for a week or two and then booooom.

cheers,
Jason

[DelawareJim]

Same for me. I always have some PrimeAgra soaking and I repot my Paphs into S/H as soon as I get them home. They never miss a beat.

I think Paphs grow better in S/H than any other orchids I have.

Cheers.
Jim

[DelawareJim]

Originally Posted by Ray

I acquired some Paph Deperle plants in 3" pots of bark-based mix in the Fall of 2008. The one I kept went into a 4.5" S/H pot, and it bloomed a few months later:



I just got back from a 2300-mile jaunt around the southeast to find it - in the same pot - some 16 months later:

Fabulous plant Ray. That's a beautiful flower.

Cheers.
Jim

[TylerK]

Very nice plant Ray. I must be doing something wrong. Every plant that I've put into s/h has done well, with the exception of the paphs. They don't die...they just don't thrive or bloom.

From what I've seen, the issue seems to be getting the roots to grow down into the medium. I've tried raising the heat and the humidity. I've put them into my terrarium near a fogger. Nothing seems to work.

Do you do anything different for your paphs in s/h than you do for your other orchids?

Tyler

[johnblagg]

I have the almost the same problem Tyler but I will admit the one I did put in s/h was to rescue it from a near death experiance a frind put it into twice in a row and while it has not exactly thrived it did turn into a clump of about 10 small fans and I put it back into rice hulls about a month ago and now am seeing it coming back.

I do credit s/h for the save and may even go back to s/h when I see better roots ot at least new roots .So far it is still surviving off one little root but as I said it is growing bigger a little bit at a time....might be I need to change fertilizer and add calcium?

[nenella]

Originally Posted by tucker85

That's a spectacular specimen. Definately a testament to S/H cultivation.

I agree - WOW! thanks for showing us Ray

[Lagoon]

Gorgeous one, Ray