Paphiopedilum Culture
General: Paphiopedilums, the lady slipper orchids, are easy to grow and very rewarding if a few simple principles of culture are followed. First, and most important, the potting medium should not be allowed to become stale. Paphiopedilums like to be put in fresh potting medium at least once a year, and every six months is preferable. The key to growing paphiopedilums is to keep a good root system, as the plants have no bulbs or stems in which to store moisture or nutrients. Potting in a proper medium is necessary to maintain healthy roots. Our plants are potted in a mixture of fine California fir bark, peat moss, and perlite.
Moisture & Fertilizer: We recommend that paphiopedilums be watered twice weekly in the home, and that a small amount of water soluble fertilizer such as Growmore 20-10-20 or Dyna Gro 7-9-5 be added to the water once each month according to package instructions or may be mixed weaker than indicated on the package and used every second or third watering. Occasionally flush fertilizer from the pot by drenching with water. Too much fertilizer will damage the plants, so the best practice is to fertilize lightly.
After the plants are watered, they should be placed so that the pots do not stand in water. Some people like to place the pots in a tray or saucer of gravel. This helps to insure that the base of the pot is not immersed in water and provides some air circulation under the pot.
Lighting & Temperature: Place the plants in or near a sunny window. When grown as houseplants, paphiopedilums need good light to do their best. Paphiopedilums and phalaenopsis do not need as much light as cattleyas, cymbidiums or vandas, but they do need at least the light required to bloom African Violets. They will be comfortable at any temperature that is comfortable for humans (55-80 degrees). Avoid cold or warm drafts - such as near an open window or heat vent.
Misting: Misting the plants, while not necessary, may be beneficial in the morning on warm days. Do not get water in the pouches, as that will cause the flowers to deteriorate. Flowers should last in good condition on the plants for two to three months.
Repotting: When repotting, do not divide the plants into small pieces. The larger clumps will produce more new growths and more flowers. Place plants in the smallest pot that will accommodate the root system.
Attention to these details will produce healthy plants with attractive foliage and long lasting flowers. If you need further information, please write or telephone us during our normal business hours.
Note: This guide is only applicable to Paphiopedilums. For other varieties, please click on one of these links:
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