New Paphiopedilum Maudiae 'Napa Valley' in spaghnum mo

[tryingtoflower]

I'm new to paphiopedilums and have a repotting question. I've read all the posts I could locate and I'm only more confused. Two of my plants are in some kind of fine bark mixture and are doing well but I 've read they should be repotted yearly. The new plant is in bloom and is in spaghnum moss and I'm afraid of rotting the roots. Should these plants be repotted or left alone? I grow mostly cattleyas, vandas and phals.

[NYCorchidman]

They don't have to be repotted yearly.
Trust me, I have over one hundred of them and I don't ever repot annually, and mine are all doing great.

Just like other orchids, you repot these when the mix gets too old. How often? Only you can tell by checking the mix.

Moss is fine but if it is tightly packed in, then you want to water carefully. Either sit the pot in a saucer and let the moss soak up the water then drain the rest. Repeat when the moss gets dry again.
Or you can repot them into something more open like small or medium bark, or I like coconut husk chips mixed with clay balls or small stone chips.

[tryingtoflower]

Thanks for the information. I became interested in these after seeing one of your posts. Now I'm hooked but they still scare me. I've kept two alive for a year but haven't ventured in to repotting so I appreciate the help.

[NYCorchidman]

If you are successful with other genera you mentioned, then you have little to worry.

If your phals flower abundantly under your care, then you can grow most paphs pretty much the same way, especially the light. You can give more light to paphs as they can take quite a bit actually and do better with such conditions.

As long as you are careful with watering, you can keep your paph in the moss for a while.
If it is in a tiny pot with roots sticking out on top, then it is probably best to repot into a larger pot.
Paphs have rather rigid roots and they can easily break off, so be very very careful when handling the plant.

If you do choose to repot soon, then I would recommend using something more open than moss, or pack in the moss quite loose, but yet not too loose to a point where the plant wobbles.
You can consider mixing the bark and moss together.

It all depends on 1. your watering habit, 2. the climate. I believe Mission Viejo is near or in Orange County, so it is hot and dry.

Then, again, you already grow orchids, so you are the best judge of when and how to water.

Just make sure paphs do not stay dry too long. They don't mind drying for a short period, but not too long.

[tryingtoflower]

I purchased my first plant a Van Ness 'Lillian ' x George Hughes 'Harvest Moon' last year. It is becoming a large plant and may need repotting soon or maybe just some added media. I was wondering about the safe light levels for these so thanks for letting me know they can take more light than they're now getting. I did loose a new fan which may have been because of watering issues but I think I've figured it out now.

Thank you for all your help.

[NYCorchidman]

Do you have a picture of your Van Ness 'Lillian ' x George Hughes 'Harvest Moon' in bloom?
I have seen both parents in bloom, and I LOVE Gege (not George) Hughes 'Harvest Moon'.
Van Ness is not my type, but it served as an important plant to produce other hybrids.
I have two hybrids involving Gege Hughes.

If you see that the potting mix is still in quite good conditions, then you could just pot up the plant with some new mix added in.

Paphs are often considered "low light" orchids, just like phals are so described, and I know this kind of term can be confusing and for the most part relative, but I find them useless as low light really means nothing without proper comparison or understanding of the requirement of orchids.

Paphiopedilums, especially many from the barbarta sections, which your maudiae hybrid belongs to as their parents are in that section, were often found growing on the forest floor, thus they are described as shade plants, which they are not.
They might grow on the forest floor, but they are exposed to a lot of light, just not sitting in the direct sun all day. Many populations were reported to grow in partial sun, where they might be exposed to full sun for a short period at some point throughout the day.
Paphiopedilums tolerate "lower" light than many other orchids, but they will grow and flower much better when given enough light.

The species making up the complex hybrid can take even more light. They also grow on the floor, or near the rock beds, but they are usually exposed to a lot more light. They would normally grow along with tall grass or other weeds, although tall trees might also be present.

[tryingtoflower]

I'm having a hard time sending the photo although I've done it before.

[lotis146]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Do you have a picture of your Van Ness 'Lillian ' x George Hughes 'Harvest Moon' in bloom?
I have seen both parents in bloom, and I LOVE Gege (not George) Hughes 'Harvest Moon'.
Van Ness is not my type, but it served as an important plant to produce other hybrids.
I have two hybrids involving Gege Hughes.

If you see that the potting mix is still in quite good conditions, then you could just pot up the plant with some new mix added in.

Paphs are often considered "low light" orchids, just like phals are so described, and I know this kind of term can be confusing and for the most part relative, but I find them useless as low light really means nothing without proper comparison or understanding of the requirement of orchids.

Paphiopedilums, especially many from the barbarta sections, which your maudiae hybrid belongs to as their parents are in that section, were often found growing on the forest floor, thus they are described as shade plants, which they are not.
They might grow on the forest floor, but they are exposed to a lot of light, just not sitting in the direct sun all day. Many populations were reported to grow in partial sun, where they might be exposed to full sun for a short period at some point throughout the day.
Paphiopedilums tolerate "lower" light than many other orchids, but they will grow and flower much better when given enough light.

The species making up the complex hybrid can take even more light. They also grow on the floor, or near the rock beds, but they are usually exposed to a lot more light. They would normally grow along with tall grass or other weeds, although tall trees might also be present.

Quick thanks NYC - no intentions on hijacking the thread - for all the good info. I've been worried about Paphs and light myself though I've learned this summer that giving them enough water is my biggest problem. It's very helpful to imagine/understand them as being more tolerant of low light rather than requiring it.


Good luck with your new genus, Tryingtoflower!

[NYCorchidman]

Welcome!

[tryingtoflower]

I'm hooked already. I found two more at Trader Joe's and lost all control and have bid on some on eBay. I'm going to need a bigger house! There is a show coming up at the end of the month too. Just a little obsessive compulsive.