Paphiopedilum ruby leopard: Light Burn, Temperature, and Leaf Management

Question:

Bought Paph ruby leopard. Fine in bloom, but after flower died/cut, leaves drooped, dark brown spots (like burns). Roots checked: 2 small soft trimmed, rest firm, repotted in fine bark small pot. Water 7–10 days. ~2 hrs indirect morning sun, then bright indirect. Suggestions?

Answer:

Margaret, light even if indirect may be too bright for Paph. Root check/repot good. Didn't mention temp—hybrid prefers 65–75°F; check if exceeded in afternoon light. Drooping leaves will drop but plant replaces them with better conditions.

Follow-up: Apartment hot in summer, currently ideal. North window—indirect light still too bright? Moved 3 ft back. Cut drooping leaves or wait? (Would leave leafless.)

Follow-up Answer:

Let leaves die naturally—may still photosynthesize. North windows: winter cold (hence 3-ft gap), summer sun shifts north → more light/heat. Ideal: east window for morning sun. If kept back from north window, add supplemental light (clip-on plant light or shop fluorescent).