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Paph
Magic Lantern
'Maria' AM/AOS
at an orchid
show. This is
an example of
a
Chinese
parvisepalum
slipper orchid
that needs
slighly cooler
drier
conditions
to
grow well.
These types of
slipper orchids
are not
recommended for
beginner orchid
growers. |
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Part III
of Growing Slipper Orchids
REPOTTING
Repot
plants about every 12 months,
or when the mix decomposes. Use
a mix of 2/3 fine fir bark with
1/3 perlite, or a mix
especially formulated for
paphs. If the fresh bark is dry
be sure to soak it overnight
before use. If plants are in
pots larger than 3.5",
substitute some medium fir bark
for some of the fine fir bark
in the mix. Continue to
increase the ratio of medium
fir bark as the pots get
larger. Be careful not to break
the brittle roots when you
repot. Repot the plant in a
slightly larger pot if
needed. Remember that
most paphs like to be somewhat
pot-bound. Make sure the base
of the plant is just at the
surface of the potting media,
not buried, and that the plant
sits firmly in the
pot.
After repotting,
keep plants more shaded
than usual for a few
weeks while they adjust.
The best time to repot
paphs is after blooming,
or in the warmer months.
While repotting be sure
to observe the roots.
Healthy roots are firm
with white growing tips,
and often covered in fine
hairs. Dry, brittle roots
indicate underwatering.
Soft, mushy, or decayed
roots most likely
indicate overwatering. If
the latter condition is
associated with a soggy
broken-down mix, it may
be a combination of
both-be sure to repot
frequently.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Most
insect pests can be gently
washed off, or swabbed with
alcohol. Mealy bugs are
especially fond of paphs and
like to hide in the leaf axis
and flower bud sheaths so
examine these
carefully.
If necessary, use an
insecticidal soap or fine
horticultural oil formulated
for orchids, after reading all
directions and warnings
carefully. Paphs have few
insect problems, but are
susceptible to bacterial and
fungal infections which can
result in brown spots or rotted
areas on leaves, which can
quickly lead to the demise of
plants. Carefully cut out
infected tissue at the earliest
sign of infection with a
sterile blade, and spray plants
with a fungicide/bactericide
such as Physan. Sprinkling the
affected areas with cinnamon
will also help. Good culture
will also eliminate most
problems.
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