Paph Media

[Miller]

Hello Team!

I got my first paphs today and would like to repot. Can someone/anyone share with me what you use for a potting mix? I have medium bark and spagh on hand.

Thanks!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I use small and medium redwood bark, charcoal, and perlite (sponge rock). Depending on the type of paph, I sometimes sprinkle a top layer of crushed oyster shell (for calcium). The mix should hold moisture, but I would not use sphag unless you chop it up or - you don't like to water.

cheers,
BD

[Miller]

Thanks Bruce, I am now petrified to repot, I an so scared I am going to kill them!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Don't be scared, Miller, just go for it. This is how one learns. I'm sure you will do great!! Remember to not over pot the orchid. Put it in the smallest pot it will fit in comfortably. You will repot again after it grow for two years.

cheers,
BD

[PaphMadMan]

You will have to get over any fear of repotting if you want to be successful with Paphs. Most love to be repotted and usually perform best in fresh potting mix. Plan on repotting at least once a year and anytime there is any question about the health of the roots or the plants just aren't thriving. Do plan on keeping pots on the small side. There is no need to leave much room for growth since you should be repotting often.

Paphs are a pretty diverse group for cultural requirements, including potting mix preferences. Without knowing what kind of Paphs you have it just isn't meaningful to make specific recommendations. Luckily, it doesn't matter much in the short term. Like most orchids, unless you go to extremes the precise composition of the potting mix isn't the most important thing. Any bark based mix is an acceptable starting point. You just have to adjust your watering and fertilizer to work with the mix, and after a few months if it doesn't seem to be working you just adjust your mix and repot, which Paphs don't mind at all.

Meanwhile, do a little research into the type of Paphs you have to see if you might want to make changes. Some types like cooler dryer winter conditions, and can be sensitive to moisture at that time, so less water-retentive medium is good. Some do need calcium, but DO NOT use oyster shell or other calcium supplementation unless you know it is appropriate for the Paphs you have. A short term lack is far less likely to be harmful than an over-abundance.

For now, repot fearlessly, and learn about your Paphs.

[Miller]

These are the Paphs that I have. I can't seem to find anything on them so guessing maybe they are new hybrids. I will repot as soon as I can find small redwood bark as suggested by Bruce. The leaves are mottled and from what I've read so far these types like warmth?

Paph. (Makuli-Curtisii)-Maudiae x Maudiae 'Napa Valley' HCC/AOS x Sib

and

Paph . Phillippinense VAR. ALBA #5 x Paph Somer Isles 'In Charm' SM/TPS

Thanks for the replies!