Iris, thanks for your kind tips, I was mostly concerned on my “praestans” crosses and my cherished “kolopakingii” which is presently producing scarce flowers on the stems. I haven’t tried drying out my plants to force flowering (don’t feel like) but certainly will try reducing water. Never had problems with well-drained mix… rainwater has indeed proved me the best results.
On a different topic, I’ve praised Manolo’s sound preparation (bare in mind he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue his postgraduate studies in the
Thanks again.
Graham
----- Original Message ----
From: "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, 9 November, 2006 11:32:53 AM
Subject: Re: [OGD] Paph Advice
In a message dated 11/9/06 6:02:19 AM, Graham writes:
Any advice on Paphiopedilums? MORE THAN WELCOME!!!
Following is based on under-lights culture:
Water quality is very important. Try to avoid tap water. They like rainwater or dehumidifier water.
Use a well drained mix. I am old-fashioned & I use a mix of fir bark, tree fern, perlite, a little charcoal, and Acrylamide crystals.
Repot frequently, 2 years at the most.
Don't overpot. Use a pot just big enough to fit the root ball.
Don't overwater. Let them dry out a little bit between waterings.
Unless you have a greenhouse, put them outdoors in the shade for the summer. Watch for sunburn. (I don't grow any of the big multiflorals that need full sun.)
There is a little mite that gets into them. If you see tiny pits on the leaves, you have to spray.
If a Paph is reluctant to bloom, give it a cool dry rest for a month. I put them in the unheated guest room for the month of December without food, water, sunlight, or a visit from their lawyer.
Paphs are among my oldest orchids, including my first orchid, Paph. venustum, almost 33 years.
My two AMs, and a silver medal from the Eastern Orchid Congress, were to Paphs.
Iris
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