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Paph Magic Lantern
'Maria' AM/AOS at
an orchid show.
This is an example
of a
Chinese
parvisepalum
slipper orchid that
needs slighly
cooler drier
conditions
to
grow well. These
types of slipper
orchids are not
recommended for
beginner orchid
growers. |
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REPOTTING
Repot plants about every
12 months, or when the mix
decomposes. Use a mix of 2/3
fine fir bark with 1/3 perlite,
or a mix especially formulated
for paphs. If the fresh bark is
dry be sure to soak it
overnight before use. If plants
are in pots larger than 3.5",
substitute some medium fir bark
for some of the fine fir bark
in the
mix.
Continue
to increase the ratio of medium
fir bark as the pots get
larger. Be careful not to break
the brittle roots when you
repot. Repot the plant in a
slightly larger pot if
needed.
Remember that most paphs
like to be somewhat
pot-bound. Make sure the
base of the plant is just
at the surface of the
potting media, not
buried, and that the
plant sits firmly in the
pot.
After
repotting, keep plants
more shaded than usual
for a few weeks while
they adjust. The best
time to repot paphs is
after blooming, or in the
warmer months. While
repotting be sure to
observe the roots.
Healthy roots are firm
with white growing tips,
and often covered in fine
hairs. Dry, brittle roots
indicate underwatering.
Soft, mushy, or decayed
roots most likely
indicate overwatering. If
the latter condition is
associated with a soggy
broken-down mix, it may
be a combination of
both-be sure to repot
frequently.
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