Vox
Active Member
Hello guys,
as a longtime visitor of this unique forum now I decided to write something for the first time, kindly asking for help in culture questions. At first, I apologize for my English.
I do like multifloral Paphs, but have a lack of experience in growing them. Now I decided to take a good offer and purchased two Paph. rothschildianum, it’s Mt. Milais x Sam’s Best. Plants are in or close to flowering size, both with one big growth, one of them has a starter growth. Healthy and beautiful plants!
Conditions: Northwest Germany, west or southwest window skill (slightly shaded in the summer). Medium humidity (usually at least 50%). Rainwater for watering. The specific problem is the temperature: The daily winter temperatures are too low for roth, usually they are not higher than 18°C/64K, and often below. It would be simple to turn temperatures higher, but then humidity will sink dramatically.
Main problem with these low temperatures might be that roots are in danger to rot. Having this in mind, I want to choose the best compost for this climate to avoid rotting of the roots. I’m asking you to give me some hints
At last, one question I can't spare you: Would you add limestone to the substrate for rothschildianum?
Thanks so much,
Volker
as a longtime visitor of this unique forum now I decided to write something for the first time, kindly asking for help in culture questions. At first, I apologize for my English.
I do like multifloral Paphs, but have a lack of experience in growing them. Now I decided to take a good offer and purchased two Paph. rothschildianum, it’s Mt. Milais x Sam’s Best. Plants are in or close to flowering size, both with one big growth, one of them has a starter growth. Healthy and beautiful plants!
Conditions: Northwest Germany, west or southwest window skill (slightly shaded in the summer). Medium humidity (usually at least 50%). Rainwater for watering. The specific problem is the temperature: The daily winter temperatures are too low for roth, usually they are not higher than 18°C/64K, and often below. It would be simple to turn temperatures higher, but then humidity will sink dramatically.
Main problem with these low temperatures might be that roots are in danger to rot. Having this in mind, I want to choose the best compost for this climate to avoid rotting of the roots. I’m asking you to give me some hints
- My first idea is to use pure bark. If so, what grain should I take? Would it be helpful to add a bit Perlite or something else?
- Second idea is to use coco chips. With these chips or pellets I have some very good experiences with Cattleyas. What do you think about it for rothschildianum? And should it be used pure or would it be better to add something into it?
At last, one question I can't spare you: Would you add limestone to the substrate for rothschildianum?
Thanks so much,
Volker