Paphiopedilum

Paphiopedilum Orchids are commonly called lady slipper orchids. They are popular for their leaves, which are sometime mottled or patterned and unusual. Waxy flowers which, are striped spotted or solid in color. The leaves are leathery but not thick. It has fewer roots and are very susceptible to root rot.

Temperature & humidity : The ideal day temperature should range between 70-80˚F; short period of higher temperature will not injure the plant. Similarly humidity should be moderate between 50-60% during daytime. Direct sunlight must be avoided. Moist air, air movement and vigorous air movement at favorable temperature is highly recommended to keep leaves cool. Bud blast may occur due to hot or cold draught.

Moisture and Fertilizer : Paphiopedilum must be watered twice weekly and small amount of water soluble fertilizer such as Grow more 20-10-20 or Dyna Gro 7-9-5 must be add to the water once each month. Excessive amount of fertilizer will damage the plant.

After watering the pot can be placed in a tray or saucer of gravel, which helps to provide air circulation under the pot.

Watering: It must have regular and constant water supply. The plant should be watered early in the day so that the foliage will be dry before temperature drop at nightfall. If the plant is grown using bark as potting medium, it is necessary not to let plant dry out completely because bark becomes very difficult to re-wet.

Potting : Paphiopedilum plant can be easily grown into specimen plants because with good culture, it will produce growths regularly and freely. Repotting must be done before growing medium decomposes and before plant has outgrown it's pot. We must not bury the new plant growths, as this will cause rotting. The base of each growth should be in contact with growing medium to encourage new roots to form. Newly repotted plant should be placed in shady area & moved gradually into correct light conditions once new growth begins.