I have been delaying purchasing some of the more "difficult" Paphiopedilum species due to their supposed dependency upon alkalinity in the soil. Basically a PH up to neutral 7, but even that is far more alkaline than peat or even LFS. Some things I've read include going so far as to use crushed limestone cement pieces in the soil mix.
Is anyone growing P. rothschildianum, P. sanderianum, etc. who are said to "require" this soil ammendment? Is it not as important in cultivation as natural distribution? As in the case of Nepenthes northiana, who does just fine in a normal Nepenthes mix but is said to be a limestone specialist in the wild...
If limestone is required for proper care of P. roth and P. sander, how are you supplying the lime and how often?
Thanks for any thoughts!
Is anyone growing P. rothschildianum, P. sanderianum, etc. who are said to "require" this soil ammendment? Is it not as important in cultivation as natural distribution? As in the case of Nepenthes northiana, who does just fine in a normal Nepenthes mix but is said to be a limestone specialist in the wild...
If limestone is required for proper care of P. roth and P. sander, how are you supplying the lime and how often?
Thanks for any thoughts!