The Paphiopedilum Orchid

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.

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 (= 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.

Uno Birawan is a writer and wrote a lot on how to care for orchids. You also can obtain more information about Orchid Pruning here or you can visit his site www.theorchidpot.com to share more valuable information on caring orchids

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