Care of PAPHIOPEDELLUM ORCHIDS

G&B ORCHID Laboratory & Nursery, Inc. 2426 Cherimoya Dr., Vista, CA 92084 -- Fax: (760) 727-0017 Ph: (760) 727-2611 or (760) 727-9466 -- Toll Free: (888) 727-2760

POTTING: Paphiopedellums should be potted in a well drained potting material. We plant them in 1/8th to 1/4th inch fir bark in all size pots. Addition of sponge rock is also useful to prolong the life of the potting material, however these plants benefit from being repotted often. Plan on repotting every spring, for best results.

WATERING: Watering should vary according to the season, weather and local humidity. However it usually ranges from once to twice weekly. Misting is not recommended as A method to raise humidity. Misting will eventually cause bacterial rot disease of crowns or leaves of plant. If humidity is less than 40-60%, place plant on pebble tray with water, or place in kitchen or bathroom area. feed orchid fertilizer at rate of 1/2 strength with each watering. Try to keep water out of pouch of the flowers, as this will spoil the flower if the water grows bacteria. More on this later.

FERTILIZING: Although other methods will work, the best results require an orchid fertilizer which contains 60% nitrates & all trace minerals. Look for a 20-10-20 (GROWMORE) which does not contain urea. Once in a while add a little fish emulsion, or blood and bone to the potting media is good. Many paphs like a source of calcium, such as dolomite lime in their potting media as an amendment is fine. Fertilize half strength with each watering, year round.

LIGHT & LOCATION: Paphiopedellum orchids do not require very bright light to be happy. They grow in very little light, and enjoy usual household temperatures & also do well outside in coastal areas. Light from window as far away as six feet will do. Any window except the north window works best. Lighting similar to that which grows African violets is all they need. Plant lights (12 hours) can be used when extra light is required, or when grown where no natural sunlight exists.

	TEMPERATURE: A temperature above 50 degrees F. and up to 95 degrees F. is desirable. These plants are not unduly fussy. However repotting annually is a must as they toxify their potting media.
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