Water and Fertilizer

WATER. These plants like to be kept moist, but not wet.  However, do not allow them to dry out. Test for dryness by inserting your finger about an inch into the potting medium; wait until it feels only slightly moist before watering again. Water plants thoroughly early in the day, so that the leaves are dry by nightfall.

Filtered tap water, or rain water, is best. Water should be tepid, not cold. Watering schedules will vary considerably depending on light and temperature conditions. Plants may dry out rapidly in warm dry conditions, needing water every few days, or may remain moist in cooler seasons for longer periods of time. Water your plant according to its need, not your schedule.    

FERTILIZER .   Paphs, like many orchids, do not like to be over-fed, and will suffer if excess fertilizer is applied. As a rule of thumb, apply fertilizer at quarter to half the strength recommended for indoor tropical plants. For paphs potted in a bark mix, use an orchid fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content (such as 30-10-10) or a 'urea-free' formulation. In both cases, switch to a blossom inducing fertilizer (such as 10-20-10) once growths mature, or buds are seen emerging, generally in the cooler months, and continue to use this during flowering.  Alternatively, switch between fertilizers each time you feed. Fertilize plants 2-3 times a month during the warmer months and 1-2 times per month during the winter when growth is slower. Paphs that grow on a limestone substrate in the wild, will also benefit from a top-dressing of crushed oyster shell or dolomitic lime about every six months, as will hybrids derived from those species.