Paphio sand

[bast]

I wouild like to know if it was possible for my Paph sanderianum to grow two leafs at the same time?? I will try to post picture during the week!

[tom499]

paphs will grow multiple leaves on multiple growths at one time, but on each growth, only one leaf will grow at a time.

[bast]

I will show you a picture of next monster! The white on the substrat was Ca(OH)2, that improve root formation. I would like to know at pH level the nutritive solution was adjusted and what was the EC?

[kmarch]

I have noticed on a few of my paphs, species, that suffered a bit of transplant shock, that the currently growing leaf stopped then a new leaf started growing and turned out normal. I suspect that the shorter of the 2 leaves on the right is no longer growing (stunted) and that the plant has started a new leaf which I can see in the crown. The older leaves look a little stressed to me, another reason to suspect the leaf is stunted.

[tclover]

Look carefully at your orchid. It's sick. Who tell you that Ca(OH)2 is good for root? Ca(OH)2 is a strong base. pH could reaches at least 10 or more. It can kill your orchid. pH good for normal orchid is between 6.0 - 6.5. Use calcium nitrate if you want to provide more calcium and N too.

[Andrew]

I know of a couple of growers who apply slaked lime to their orchids. As I understand they usually thoroughly water it through the medium after application which is probably why they don't burn their orchids. Personally, I've stayed away from using it because of its solubility and, as tclover mentioned, strong alkalinity. I still add lime to my bark mixes but generally as horticultural lime or more preferably dolomite.

[bast]

First i made a mistake about the formulation, i use dolomite lime, not Ca(OH)2. I understand the problem with reasing pH, but i saw incredebile result on some paph. I will try to post a pic and you see the root growing everywhere, on one division!

[tclover]

Orchid in bark and moss for a long time could get too much acid. People could flush media with plenty of water every 1 or 2 weeks. Some people apply slaked lime (better to use crush shell) to reduce acid and to provide calcium. If you use tap water then there's no problem. Usually, tap water has pH is about 8 and also contains calcium and magnesium. Horticulture lime and dolomite are used in horticulture to provide more calcium to soil and increase pH of soil. Normally, they are applied in the winter so there's time to convert most of small amount of calcium hydroxide in dolomite to calcium carbonate (much less basic than calcium hydroxide). Cheers.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by tclover

Orchid in bark and moss for a long time could get too much acid.

Paphs must have a constantly fresh and "clean" environment which includes repotting once every year. Bark and sphagnum moss are perfectly fine and are often fundamental components of specially formulated paph mixes, but they do both breakdown after time, and thus the need for annual repotting.

Originally Posted by tclover

If you use tap water then there's no problem.

I'm afraid this is a bit of an over generalization. Tap water is not always reliably appropriate for Paphs because it differs so much from place to place. Tap water is often acceptable but one should consult a local orchid society or have their tap water tested (especially if from your own well) before using it regularly.

[tclover]

Most of green houses and nurseries in Vietnam I know grow 100 thousands Phaps using tap water. Luckly, they do not file bankruptcy.

[bast]

First i use oure water from revers osmosis. I always flush with around 500ml of pure water. That help me reduce the bad effect of salt accumulation in the substrat, here wool rock! About, lime for paph, i hear lot of time that paph are ca lover, but i just add some more Ca and i think many of then appreciate. Let me show you two pics from a division of a hybrid paph. This guy have some problem with generate new roots. Then l try to give us some lime on substrat, and look is roots!! I know, i don't made any statistical analys and i saw the impressive result on only one paph. So i will try on many other, and i saw some new roots!!