| Dear Taradale,
Paphs generally fall into 2 categories: The intermediate-warm growing Paphs and the cool growing Paphs.
The intermediate to warm growing Paphs are the mottled-leaf and large multi-floral green-leaf varieties. They like minimum temps around the 60-65F range. All your Maudiae types fall into this category (they too are considered mottled-leafed) as do your large green-leafed multiflorals like rothschildianum. The Brachypetalum Paphs Cynthia mentioned do seem to like a bit of cool in order to bloom.
The cool growing Paphs are the complex hybrids (or exhibition Paphs) and other green-leaf varieties. They can comfortably tolerate lows of 50-60F. Examples of species include villosum and insigne and an example of a complex hybrid is the famous Paph Winston Churchill.
Cooler temperatures, as low as 40F can be tolerated for shorter periods of time for most all Paphs but the plants will probably stop growing until it gets warmer again. As a rule-of-thumb, temps below the recommended ranges slow growth. Also, care must be taken to protect the plants from rot when on the cool side. Keep humidity low, and do not let water stand on leaves or in the crowns of the plants.
Hope this is helpful.
-Kevin  |