Question about changing a paph's growing conditions

[Michelle]

Hi all,

I purchased a very pretty little paph today, "Odette's Ghost", at a local grower's greenhouse. I've only tried growing these once before with little success, but have read up on them and feel like I'm prepared to give one a shot (plus, it wasn't too too much, so I figured What the Hey?) AND I've been practicing on 3 phals inside, and they're still all alive and well

My question is this:
This plant was growing in a greenhouse prior to purchase, and it is now going to grow on the windowsill of my home in my sunroom. The humidity w/ the central AC is no where near as high, even with a tray of pebbles underneath. I'm worried about the flower buds, as my paphs lost a few due to climate change. And obviously the paph doesn't have a few to spare! What should I expect to happen to the 2 flower buds on the stalk? Should I put it outside, even though it's been raining everyday here? I asked the grower a few questions I had but forgot to ask about the drastic change of growing environment! I hope Odette doesn't get too sad and lose her flowers!

thanks

[Orchidementia]

I give my two Paphs the same light I give my Phals; in fact, the Paphs live next to the Phals. I keep them a little 'damper' than the Phals (but not wet) and no direct sun.

I'm in the SF Bay and keep the Paphs inside; the temp is between 65 - 72 and humidity is probably 40-50%. It seems to be working; my 'multifloral' hybrid's buds didn't drop and one even opened today!

[hera]

I tried one two months ago and I haven't killed it yet. Water when the top of the medium feels dry and set on a humidity tray. Keep out of direct sunlight. Otherwise pretty undemanding. I'm keeping mine inside for the summer.

[Ron]

My question is this:
This plant was growing in a greenhouse prior to purchase, and it is now going to grow on the windowsill of my home in my sunroom.

Hi Michelle.
Welcome to the wonderful world of growing Paphs.

I grow my Paphs and Phallies in a controlled greenhouse together under 80% shade cloth.

Before i moved them to the new orchid house, they were under a fibreglass roof with open walls.
Humidity in summer struggled to get to 25% most days.
They grew well and flowered well.
Now in the new controlled greenhouse the have a miniumn 50% humidity on hot days but average about 65% to 90% most ordinary sunny days.

I would not grow on a window sill if they recieve direct full sunlight.
Grow along side the Phallies would be fine and as they will also grouped together form some humidity.
I do not keep my Paphs unduly wet but nearly dry out between watering.
They should settle in quiet well
My 2 bobs worth.
Cheerio & good growing.
Ron

[Michelle]

Thanks so much for the advice. My biggest fear is that the sudden "shock" of leaving the greenhouse will cause the paph to lose its buds. I'll definitely incorporate all these words of wisdom and keep you posted with pics once (fingers crossed) the blooms open!

[kmarch]

Paphs are not as sensitive to changes in conditions as Phals are. I've bought lots of Paphs in bloom an have never had one drop its flowers as soon as I brought it home as I have had with Phals. I would be surprised if your Paph buds blasted, unless of course they got really cold or somethign like that.