Question
Slipper orchid
Hi, I am 13 and have been growing orchids for two years now. I have a southeast facing window that I keep my 20 or so orchids near.All my orchids have been growing great and I water and fertilize as directed. Recently I purchased a slipper orchid at my local society show. It bloomed great for about two months and the bloom is finally dying back, but I have noticed that the leaves are turning upside down. Is this normal for a slipper orchid after a bloom, if not how do I reverse this effect?
AnswerThank you for your question Phillip. It is likely that leaf twisting and the cessation of blooming are unrelated. The mottled leaf paphiopedilums often lack substance in their leaves and as the leaf grows, it tends to flop over to one side. I would unpot the plant and check the condition of the roots. If there is some root rot, you should repot your paphiopedilum in fresh orchid potting mix. It is unlikely that you can reverse the effect on the older leaves, but you should be able to improve the growth of new leaves which will be developing. Many of the leaves on these paph hybrids are poor of substance. You may want to try Dynagrow's Protek which adds substance to new leaves. Be careful to follow the directions carefully when adding this product to your water as too much can actually make the new leaves brittle.
