I don't know if this is something Eric wants to cut & "post" in his culture MEGAthread. But here it goes, another ST member whom apparently has done a lot of research on physiological requirements of paphs. Says that the addition of limestone etc. added to the mix is not to stablize the pH as much as it is for the creation of HCO3 (ant)ions. Apparently, carbonate ions causes a physiological change in the roots to start producing acid. The acid inturn dissolves minerals, chemicals etc that the plant needs. When you think about it, it does make some since. In nature, the plants don't have the luxury of being repotted each year. This is only my opinion, We start our plants out in a new pot with new media and are told to feed them with water slightly acid so they can take up what they need. As time goes on, the media breaks down, becomes more acid. The plant is producing acid and we are still feeding with an acidic water source. What do you get? Rotten roots and a stuggling plant. Most of the Paph species are growing in association with limestone out crops. I was told long ago it was because of competition with other plants. That maybe true but I also think the Paphs are on the limestone because they need it to survive, dissolve it and extract what they need. Like I said, this is only my theory that I've come up with from what I've read.
