Paph with a problem?

[Jirel]

I have decided that I LOVE paphs, but I'm just now trying to grow them (two). I'm not even sure I'm growing all my other orchids correctly. But anyway, this one has developed a brown smear across the bottom. Any ideas?

[SShide77]

What kind is it? From what I understand, any of the darker colored Paphs. can have some darker coloring at the base, as long as the tissue looks normal.

I have a Maudiae 'Laser' which i know has a dark red/purple bloom. Some of the base of the plant has a maroon tint to it.

Your paph. looks similar to mine, mine has mottled leaves as well.

[Jirel]

Mine has a fairly light bloom, I its "Paph Makuli-Curtisii x Paph Maudiae 'Napa Valley' " - but I'll accept the idea that its normal. I'm much happier with that idea.

[jay]

It may lose that leaf. I am taking a guess here, and only a guess. It looks like water may have sat in the crease of the leaf causing it to rot. This could happen with normal watering, it has happened to me when I flood my S/H pots. I gave a gentle tug to the leaf and it fell off. If it take more than a tug then I waited.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by SShide77

From what I understand, any of the darker colored Paphs can have some darker coloring at the base, as long as the tissue looks normal.

This is correct, but this briwn tissue does not look normal. "Normal" dark colouration will be dark purplish or maroon-ish, not brown. This leaf is dieing off.

Originally Posted by jay

It may lose that leaf. I am taking a guess here, and only a guess. It looks like water may have sat in the crease of the leaf causing it to rot. This could happen with normal watering, it has happened to me when I flood my S/H pots. I gave a gentle tug to the leaf and it fell off. If it take more than a tug then I waited.

I think Jay is right in this instance. Because the rest fo the leaf looks fresh, i suspect a bacterial problem, the kind which can be caused by water in the leaf crotch. I suspect if oyu tugged on the leaf it would probably come off. When watering try not to let any water stand in the crown or leaf crotches. Or perhaps water early in the day so the plant will be dry by the time it is cool and dark (night).

[Jirel]

Thank you, I have been sloppy with my watering of it, its towards the back to try to keep it out of the light and I have trouble reaching there. And in the past I watered in the evening because that was the only time of day I had time, that will be better in the future. Hopefully not too late for the plant.

Thanks again, everyone.