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Pa-fee-oh-PED-ih-um
The "Old World" Lady's Slipper orchid species (Genus Paphiopedilum) are found as far north as China, and as far south along the Malaysian archipelago, as Papua, New Guinea in the jungles of the Far East including Indonesia. The natural habitat experiences heavy rainfall - sometimes as much as ten feet per year - high humidity, vigorous air movement and shady growing conditions. They are semiterrestrial, growing in humus and other material on the forest floor, on cliffs in pockets of humus and occasionally in trees. They are easy to grow in the home or in the greenhouse. |
| The "New World" Lady's Slipper orchid species, (Genus Phragmipedium) are found in Central and South America, usually growing close to streams or other water sources. While the rainfall of most Phrag. habitats is less than that of Paph. habitats, Phrag. roots always grow in saturated zones - sometimes in the water itself. For most Slipper orchid species and all of the hybrids, satisfactory growing conditions can easily be provided in the home with minimal effort. A greenhouse is not necessary to grow these rare and beautiful orchids. |
Light
Paphiopedilums require shady conditions, in the home on an east or
west window,or near a shaded south window. In the greenhouse, shade must
be provided. Give about 1,000 to 1,500 foot-candles, 1,800 foot-candles
for Phrags. These light levels can be found in an east window. A west or
south window can be used as long as a shear curtain reduces the intensity
of the light.
Temperature
for Paphiopedilums cover a considerable range. They are traditionally
separated into two groups: the warm-growing mottled-leaved types and the
cool-growing green-leaved types. A third, increasingly popular group is
the warmer growing strap-leaved multifloral Paphiopedilums. Warm-growing
types should be kept at 60º to 65º F during the night, and 75º
to 85º F or more during the day. Cool growing types should be kept
at 50º to 60º F during the night and 75º to 80º F during
the day. However, many growers raise all plants in the same temperature
range with excellent results. The plants can stand night temperatures in
the 40ºs if necessary (as when grown outside in mild climates), as
well as temperatures to 95º F Care must be taken to protect the plants
from rot when cold (keep humidity low, and avoid moisture on leaves especially
in the in crowns of the plants), and also to protect from burning when
hot (shade more heavily and increase humidity and air movement around the
plants).
Water
must be available at the roots constantly, because all plants in this
genus have no pseudobulbs. All of these plants need a moist medium - never
soggy, but never dry. Water once or twice a week. Water with un-softened
water only - about every third day, summer or Winter. Make sure to discard
the water from the tray every week.
Air Movement
A small fan operating 24 hours a day in the growing area will provide
all the air movement necessary. As air movement increases across the surface
of the leaf, transpiration increases and the plant will require more water.
Humidity
for Paphiopedilums should be moderate, between 40 and 50 percent. In
a greenhouse, average humidity is sufficient. Using an evaporative cooling
system in warm climates can increase the humidity. Air movement is essential,
especially when humidity is high.
Fertilize
on a regular schedule, but care must be taken to avoid burning of the
fleshy, hairy roots. High-nitrogen fertilizers (such as 30-10-10) are recommended.
In warm weather, some growers use half-strength applications every two
weeks; others use one quarter strength at every watering. It's important
to flush with clear water monthly to leach excess fertilizer, which can
bum roots. In cool weather, fertilizer applications once a month are sufficient.
Potting
should be done about every two years, or as the medium decomposes.
Seedlings and smaller plants are often reported annually. Mixes vary tremendously;
most are fine or medium-grade fir bark, with varying additives, such as
perlite, coarse sand and sphagnurn moss. Moisture retention with excellent
drainage is needed. Large plants can be divided by pulling or cutting the
fans of the leaves apart, into clumps of three to five growths. Smaller
divisions will grow, but may not flower. Spread the roots over a small
amount of medium in the bottom of the pot and fill with medium, so that
the junction of roots and stem is buried 1/2 inch deep in the center of
the pot. Do not overpot, an average plant should have a 4 to 5 inch pot.
All Lady's orchids require annual repotting for optimal health.
What potting media are used at Kew
(The Royal Orchid Collection)
