Next step after compot

[pmckoy]

Hi. I'm thinking of purchasing a compot of baby paphs...what is the next step after a compot? Should I use moss, small CHC, or fine bark, ??? Never have done this before and don't want to get in over my head if it is not for a beginner (at least, a paph beginner...have had Phals for a long time). Thanks! Peggy

[kmarch]

Hi Peggy,

I see this is only your second post, so welcome to the forum!

After Paphs have outgrown the compot you can seperate them into their own individual pots. I'd use fine bark along wiht some perelite, and charcoal (for freshness) and some finely chopped sphag, possibly a little peat or shredded oak leaves if you have any handy and a little coarse sand.

Use the smallest pot which can comfortably accomodate the roots. A 2-inch (50mm) pot is usually the first stop. Keep them moist but not waterlogged.

What kind(s) of Paphs are they?

Cheers!

[fred]

Peggy
What would also help us to help you with advice if you can go into your user setting and update your Profile with your Location as we are members from all over the world with different growing conditions.

Also welcome to the forum

[viper]

I think some shagnum moss mixed with some bark would make a good medium for small phalas.
I prefer to use a soft medium for young plants because they have fragile roots.

[kmarch]

viper, pmckoy has Paph seedlings not Phal seedlings. There are a variety of opinions about seedling mixes. Different growers like different mixes for different genera.

[viper]

what are Paph seedlings

[kmarch]

Paph = Paphiopedilum (my avatar is one type of Paph, a "Maudiae-type" Paph)
seedling = very young orchid, often less than 2 years or so out of flask.

[viper]

o yes. i know those