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.  Growing Paphiopedilum at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

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.

Paphiopedilum druryi

Paph. glanduliferum

Paphiopedilum gratixianum

 

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) >>>
 

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