Repotting a Paph

[PhalNewbie89]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the best way to repot a paph. If anyone had pics of repotting that would be even more helpful. I have a new one beng shipped to me now and I plan to repot soon after I get it so I am comfortable with the pot and the mix it is in. This is my first paph so I am a little nervous. Thanks..

[oncidiumlover]

I hope someone comes along soon, I've never potted one either, and I just purchased one. We'll be learning together!

[PhalNewbie89]

Yay, we can have a little class here :P. I am a little nervous about repotting, everyone talks about how phals love to be repotted so I don't mind doing them but I am unsure about paphs and the little hairs on their roots

[berniep]

G'Day

Think you will find it in here Quick Start - Buying and Growing Your First Paph.
or watch

YouTube - OrchidWeb - Repotting Tutorial # 1 (Paphs and Phrags)

Cheers
Bernie

[Bolero]

I believe in potting into the tightest pot possible without breaking roots. Small bark, perlite and charcoal are all you need but make sure you soak the bark first for at least a night before putting the plant in it.

Is this a large plant or seedling? Kevin will have lots of info for you I'm sure.

[PhalNewbie89]

When they shipped it off they emailed me and said it had a flower(an old one) but a flower so I am guessing it is of a good size. Do you have any experience with Schultz orchid mix and paphs? It has charcoal, clay, and I think bark in it...I was planning to use it on my paph.

[katrina]

Yep...I'm with Bolero on the pot size. I mostly use those tall, skinny pots for my paphs. The pots are only big enough for one year's growth and I do repot them every year. Oh, and when I get new ones...I repot them immediately regardless of bloom...never had a problem.

I've used the SHultz mix in the past and it'll be fine for your new paph. If you're not great about keeping an eye on the moisture (like me) you might want to add a little chopped sphag to that mix for better moisture retention. Remember...they don't want to be soggy but in the words of our very own Kevin..."gently moist".

BTW Kevin...every time I water/check my paphs I can "hear" you saying that in my head..."gently moist". Don't know why but it's stuck in my brain and it won't leave.

[kmarch]

Get a good paph culture sheet like the one here on this forum or the one from AOS | Members Only Area. Give it a good read and let us know if you have any questions. Paphs (with only a couple of exceptions) like an evenly and gently moist environment. The mix you use should be small to medium grade (size pieces). I wouldn't use the Shultz mix for paphs. IMHO it is too chunky. My paph mix consists of:

medium grade bark
small grade park
medium grade perilite
medium grade charcoal
ground coir peat
chopped sphagnum moss
dried, shredded oak leaves

Whatever you pot it in, you'll need to watch it closely for a while to see how fast your mix dries out. I recommend the skewer method for doing this. If you use a drier, open mix you will have to water more frequently. If you use a more moisture retentive mix, you will not need to water as often. It may take a few weeks to gauge how fast your mix dries out.

TIP: When considering a new mix or even just when starting out as a grower, give it a "test run" first. Fill a couple of different size pots with the mix you're going to use. No plants in it just the mix. Use the skewer method with each. Water the empty pot of mix just as you would one of your other orchids. Observe frequently (perhaps morning and night) to see how fast this new mix dries out. Because there's no plant in the pot, you can also occasionally pour half the mix out so you can really see well what's happening in there. This way you will know exactly what your orchid's root environmant will be like.

I actually like the video. This is almost exactly how I repot my paphs. The only thing I do different is that I bang the pot on the bench to settle the mix instead of pushing it down with my fingers. I find that pressing it down packs the mix too tightly. Maybe I just have too heavy a hand.

I still have a bazillion paphs to repot. I'd better get busy this weekend or next week!!!

[oncidiumlover]

I think I've actually watched thaat video before, so long ago I forgot.
Thanks, and good luck phalnewbie! I know you'll do great!

[PhalNewbie89]

Thanks a billion guys. I can't wait to get my paph now. :P I am so excited to have a new kid. I feel like I am adopting or something lol