---
title: "I got my first paph orchid! I would appreciate any care tips, I’ve…"
description: "I got my first paph orchid! I would appreciate any care tips, I’ve only had phalaenopsis so far"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/JmTUi1iSQr6-tX35luAMXQ/PacNUtVtB2YXnMq5vc5u6p"
community: "The Orchid Oasis"
author: "Matilda"
published: "2025-03-09T18:49:13.661919Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/THCFwj0HrAQ1QM18ZLNGCRoCaKinbEiVKsGr363UwOg/NH0R17-zRdODZY58w-sJow.webp?size=large"
---

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# I got my first paph orchid! I would appreciate any care tips, I’ve…

_Posted by Matilda on 2025-03-09_

I got my first paph orchid! I would appreciate any care tips, I’ve only had phalaenopsis so far

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/THCFwj0HrAQ1QM18ZLNGCRoCaKinbEiVKsGr363UwOg/NH0R17-zRdODZY58w-sJow.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### Jen commented on 2025-03-09

Paphs are good in even lower light than phals- not darkness, but bright shade is fine.

Paphs are terrestrial not epiphytic. Their medium tends to be less chunky and airy than phals. Their roots are never aerial- they will straight up die if they are above the medium. They need a mix with tiny bits of bark, (maybe some sphagnum included depending on how dry your environment is,) finer than phal medium for sure.

Growth patterns are different as well. A phal will continue to grow from the same stem- new leaves will grow from the same crown. The paph you have there looks like it has a single fan, hard to see from this angle. It will grow an entirely new fan from the base. The older, (currently flowering) fan may stick around for a year or two, helping give energy to the new growth. It will never bloom again, and eventually die off.

Just generally speaking, paphs are excruciatingly slow growers. It can take 2-3 years for it to bloom again. Luckily they have that beautiful mottled foliage to look at while you wait.

#### Matilda replied on 2025-03-10

Thank you so much!

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