cold weather paphs

I was just wondering exactly how much of a cool down do the cooler growing paphs need in the fall. Since my plants are in my room the temperature change will probably change from a high of 82 to a high of 72 and from a low of 77 to a low of around 60-65 if I put the cooler growers near my window. Is this enough of a temperature change.

Also I am confused on which plants actually require the cool down. For example, roths need a cool down and sanderianums are warm growing. So what do I do for my PEOY. Please help I am so confused.

I plan to take my plain green strapleaved paphs down to 55 this winter (not fall). Same with micranthum, my Armeni White (both are parvis) and my Doll Goldi which also is part roth.

My only brachy (Paph Greyi) is fine without any seasonal cooling.

I think the mottled leaved hybrids are fine with no seasonal cooling, and probably the hybrids as well (?)

It is amazing the micro environment you can create by pulling down a windowshade between the room and an open window. Those windowsill plants will get that nice coolness, but the room will stay comfortable for humans.

John

I think most, if not all, of the coryopedilum multiflorals (i.e. roths, sandy) will benefit from a winter chill. Something like 3-4 weeks of 50-55 degrees would be optimal to help *mature* plants set buds. I don't think seedlings really need that treatment, and you might be able to get away with a slightly less severe chill. Same goes for their hybrids, including PEOY. philippinense I believe does not require that chill--Birk states it blooms in response to long daylight hours or something.

Parvis like armeniacum & micranthum really need that chill. Maybe even more, since both species can withstand temps into the 30s in nature. They don't appreciate it, but a month or two of 50 degrees would probably be optimal. I can't provide that, and I have never bloomed either of these species. I don't think the other parvis require that magnitude of chill.

Most paphs will benefit from some type of chill, including the "complex" types. Most mottled-leaf paphs will not require that to bloom but will not sulk too much if they are subjected to temps >55. Brachys are usually warm growers and may not appreciate much chill at all, with niveum being the warmest grower.

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Jason

Brrrrrr! 50-55 in the winter? that is rather chilly! Is that a night or day time chilly temp? Curious!!


(btw, yes, Pete I saved your temp/lighting suggestions for when the time comes...)

that's a nighttime temp. on the windowsill, a slightly drafty window will actually provide that.

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Jason

ok thanks...that helps...

I think that during the winter my plants may get that temperature if I put them next to the window. Even though I live in Arizona it still gets cool.

I've had my micranthum for over two years now. I am going to give that sucker blue toes this winter. If it still doesn't bloom, there will be a plant for sale on EBay. It's a healthy speciman and larger than others I've seen in bloom!! From Hauserman breeding stock.

micranthum supposedly has these microscopic "scale"-type projections on the leaf surfaces that protect the plants from the occasional frost in its native habitat. From what I hear, overall it's easier to bloom than armeniacum. I would imagine that 1-1.5 months of 50 degrees and less water oughta do the trick. Mine grows as slow as the tortoise, so it hasn't quite reached "chillable" size yet.

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Jason

Since I am just now really getting into paphs. I am sticking with the mottled leaf warm growing Maudiae types. I have read that some of the cool growing types can be grown with the warmer growing types. Can some of you paph guys please explain? Good Growing, Ed