Paphiopedilum orchids, The Lady Slipper
The Paphiopedilum orchid, also called paphs
by horticulturist and is commonly referred as The Lady’s Slipper or just as
slipper orchids. At present it includes about 80 accepted species with some of
them are considered as natural hybrids. Paphiopedilum is native to India , China ,
South East Asia and the Pacific
Islands
Avoid drying out of this orchid between two watering. Depending on the set temperature,
the frequency of watering should be about one or two times in a week. In summer
it needs more frequent watering of every 4 to 5 days. Again, use the simple
rule: more heat, more water and less heat less water.
The Paphiopedilum orchid, also called paphs
by horticulturist and is commonly referred as The Lady’s Slipper or just as
slipper orchids. At present it includes about 80 accepted species with some of
them are considered as natural hybrids. Paphiopedilum is native to
Slipper orchids naturally grow among humus layers as terrestrials
that grow on land of the forest floor. Only some of this species grow as epiphytes
(live at trees) and some as lithophytes (live in or on rocks).
These orchids have a lateral growth pattern and do not possess pseudobulbs.
Instead they grow strong shoots which are new plant growth
with several leaves and buds at or near the surface of the soil
The shape of the leaves could be short rounded or long and narrow with a
typical pattern of mottling. When mature shoots die, new shoots will come out.
Every newer fully grown shoot will only blooms once that produces a cluster of
flowers between the fleshy and succulent leaves. The roots are also thick,
fleshy and could be quite long. A potted slipper orchid, for instance, could
form a tight join of roots which when untangled, can be up to 1 meter long
Paphiopedilums are highly collectible orchids
and admired by most orchid fanciers and hobbyist. The Lady’s Slipper name
arises from the unusual shape of the pouch-like lips (called by labellum) of
the orchid flower that resembles a lady’s slipper. The pouch is meant to trap
nectar seeking insects, and as an attempt to leave the pouch the insect will
bring along some amount of pollinia.
When caring for Paphiopedilum you should consider some important issues when
you aim to get the utmost of this amazing flower orchid.
In their natural habitat, Paphiopedilums need very little light, which make
them very suitable as house plants.
You just need moderate lighting to keep
your Paphiopedilum healthy and blooming. Placing them at an east facing window
or a shaded south facing window will be most appropriate. Avoid west facing
windows since they can be very hot in late spring to early fall. Be aware that
too much light may burn your Paphiopedilum
There are two major groups of Paphiopedilums. The first one is the plain
green leaf type or also known as the Bulldog type which is an intermediate
grower. This type requires nighttime temperatures between 50º and 60ºF or 10º
and 16ºC. Day time temperature should be below 80ºF or 27ºC. To produce flowers
it is absolutely important to keep the night temperature below 60ºF or 16ºC for
about a few weeks long in late fall and winter.
The second is the mottled leaf type, also known as the Maudiae type which is
a warm grower. They require nighttime temperatures between 60º to 65ºF or 16º –
18ºC and day time between 70º – 85ºF or 22º – 30ºC. This Maudiae type could
bloom in normal household environments.
Avoid drying out of this orchid between two watering. Depending on the set temperature,
the frequency of watering should be about one or two times in a week. In summer
it needs more frequent watering of every 4 to 5 days. Again, use the simple
rule: more heat, more water and less heat less water.
Lady slippers like to stay in the humid side as long as it is not too wet.
You can water the orchid in the morning, so that your plant will be dry by the
end of the day. These slipper orchids prefer a humidity of 50% – 60%, hence
putting them in a kitchen or bathroom will provide them with sufficient
humidity. If you like to put it in other rooms or places, you can make use of a
humidity tray
You may use fertilizers as well. Do it on a regular basis every other week
using Norman ’s
Optimal Orchid Nutrients. Reduce its strength to a half teaspoon for every
gallon of water. Prior to applying the diluted fertilizer, it is best if you
pre-water the plants especially if the potting media is dry.
You need to repot Paphiopedilums once a year using fine orchid barks to
promote proper and healthy growth. The ideal time of repotting is immediately
after blooming. Avoid using too large pots, since they prefer small pots and it
should be as small as possible.
