To all you paph experts

[momokev]

I bought my very first paph on Sat and I've researched alittle on the web on how to care for it. Now I want to ask all of you for helpful tips on raising it. It's a Paph Transvaal....

Thanks everyone!

Lisa

[momokev]

I'm going to try a picture.... Got my fingers crossed....

[Heather]

Hi Lisa!
Paph-nut in training here, so no advice from me, but what a nice cross! I generally don't like those little moquettianum types, but the roth. in this on really makes it quite a lovely cross, to my eyes anyway. Best of both worlds w/ the stripes and the pink pouch! Congratulations on your new baby. I'm sure Pete and Jason, et. al. will respond w/ some growing tips for you!

Happy blooming to you too!

[Paphraguy]

Hey, Congrats on your first Paph. It is a beauty and a great pic you posted!

It is a hybrid made with the beautifull multifloral Paph rothschildianum and sequential bloomer chamberlainianum (victoria regina). I would give it plenty of light, moisture (don't keep it too wet and soggy), nice warm temps and plenty of air circulation.

Hope this helps! Post some more pics in the Display area if you can.

[momokev]

Hi Peter,

How warm? Should I grow it with my phals? They get about 1500-2000 FC and mid 70's with anywhere between 60-70% humidity. What pests do I need to watch for? I've been battling mealy's and mites this week! Also, it's potted in fine bark.

Lisa

[Heather]

Lisa, have you isolated the buggy plants? That is a good idea, and also good for new plants to make sure they have no problems coming in to your grow area (in a different location than the buggies.)

I would say more light because of the roth. parent. Humidity and temps sound good, but this is a quiz and I will be corrected if wrong! lol!
(I have a fine teacher, but he carries a nasty ruler!)

[Paphraguy]

Originally posted by momokev
Hi Peter,

How warm? Should I grow it with my phals? They get about 1500-2000 FC and mid 70's with anywhere between 60-70% humidity. What pests do I need to watch for? I've been battling mealy's and mites this week! Also, it's potted in fine bark.

Lisa

Your grow conditions sounds fine to me but I would give it more light than what your Phals receive. If you have the nasty mealies, get rid of them first and quick!

[LJA]

Lisa, Transvaal really needs just about as much light at Cattleyas to grow and bloom properly--the light levels that your Phals thrive in just won't be enough. Another 1000 FC more than what you posted wouldn't hurt them a bit. Fine bark is perfect, but definitely get rid of the bugs, either the way Pete and Jason do, or by spraying. Systemic insecticides work very well once the initial crawlies (if there are any) are dead.

[momokev]

I think I've gotten rid of them! I found them yesterday on my Lava Glow Phal. I've only had this plant maybe 2 months, so I'm hoping the bugs came with the plant. First, I killed the obvious ones with 70% alcohol and a q-tip. Then, I unpotted the plant, sprayed it down with Schultz Insect spray, scrubed out the pot, and repotted in sphag moss. Would you suggest anything different? I've never really had problems with insects, and now I've had 2!

Another question... Would you use the same spray on the drac? I worry about hurting it. It's been doing so well, and has two new growths. I washed it's leaves with warm water to get the mites off, but I wanted to ask other opinions before I did anything else. I also have an insecticide soap if that would work better....

Lisa

[momokev]

Oh, and yes, the infected plants are in time out!