Paphs...oyster shell question

[mtequine]

How often do you paph gurus add oyster shell to your plants?

Thanks!

[ischel1]

Me, never. Maybe that's my problem. Anyone???

[smartie2000]

I don't use it either...

I assume you add it again when it dissolves?

I have dolomite (garden lime) in my paphs though. I think I remembered myself adding more when it was all gone, but I haven't checked for a while, thanks for the reminder. The reason to add it is to keep the mix from becoming acidic during its decay especially in parvi.

[Andre]

Hey there,
I use Oyster shells with some of my Paph species... Add some to the mix when it is time to repot. I have noticed a differnce in general plant health when adding the shells to parvis, and druryii... Go to the antek labratories website they have articles on this topic.
Good luck!!!
andre

[Jmoney]

I use the crushed oyster shell sold at pet stores for birds. Doesn't dissolve like the lime powder, but you should still avoid using cold water (which really dissolves the stuff and may lead to toxicity). I add it every month since most of my plants are in primeagra and the stuff flushes right through pretty easily. For the few paphs I keep in a more standard mix, might add a top dusting every 2 months. Not every paph will benefit from this stuff but for the ones that do, adding oyster shell might significantly improve your culture!