AboutWayne King Expertise Any question about orchid culture. I have thirty+ yrs of growing experience,president 2x of our local Orchid Growers Guild,held a position in most all other offices associated with the Guild at one time or another. Head of Orchid judging team for local club meetings and some shows. Member of two Orchid Socities and local Rep.for Mid America Orchid Congress for several yrs.I have in my collection about 800 Orchid plants of all types.
Experience
Past/Present clients Previously an expert on expertcentral.com.
Question My 'Harvest Moon' X Master Jewelry 'New Copper' leaves are very droopy and
do not stand as erect as my other paphs. I don't think it is from overwatering
which I do once a week and fertilize every other time with 1/2 to 1/4 strength
solution. It receives morning sun only and is inside with a overhead fan for
circulation. What am I doing wrong? thanks for your help.
Answer Amy, it sounds as if your paph has lost some roots. Obtain a small quantity of orchid seedling potting mix or, if you can't find any, regular orchid potting mix (which needs to be thoroughly soaked and drained before use. Then, unpot your plant and rinse off the roots. If I'm right, some of your roots are rotted and need to be removed. Repot into a plastic pot that will just barely be large enough to accommodate the remaining roots and has a lot of air holes in the bottom. Grow the plant over a humidity tray and try to keep the potting mix on the dry side. Before repotting, check the plant for the presence of mealy bugs (white cottony insects) just to be sure that isn't a contrbuting factor to the plant's decline. Interestingly, paphs do better in high humidity than with a damp potting mix.
