Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum) – Flowering plants

Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum) is the most popular flowing plant. Paphiopedilum orchids are divided into two main groups. The first group is mottled-leaf and the second is strap-leaf multiflorals. Mottled-leaf Paphiopedilums have beautiful spotted foliage that is sometimes compared to a marble-like pattern. Strap-leaf Paphiopedilums have solid green foliage and have the ability to produce many flowers all at once. It produces unique slipper-shaped flowers, hence it is commonly called as Lady’s Slipper Orchid. The flowers of the Paphiopedilum measure around 2 to 5 inches in diameter and they come in a variety of colors. The flowers remain on the plant for around six to eight weeks and their blooming season is generally from mid-autumn to spring.

Scientific classification:

Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Cypripedioideae
Tribe: Cypripedieae
Genus: Paphiopedilum

Scientific Name: Paphiopedilum
Synonyms: Cordula Raf., Menephora Raf., Stimegas Raf.
Common Name: Venus slipper, Slipper orchid, Lady’s slippers.

How to grow and maintain Paphiopedilum:

Light:
It thrives best in a shaded position in summer, with protection from direct sunlight. Move to a position in bright, un-shaded light in winter.

Soil:
It grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil or a peat-based soil is best, 2 parts peat and 1 part perlite or sand is a good mix.

Temperature:
Paphiopedilum orchids are divided into two main groups. The first group is mottled-leaf and the second is strap-leaf multiflorals. The mottled-leaved types tend to require a warmer temperature, needing a minimum night temperature of 18°C / 65°F and a daytime temperature of 20°C-30°C / 68°F-86°F with high humidity. The strap-leaf multiflorals are cool temperature growers, preferring a growing temperature range of 10°C-25°C / 50°F-77°F, and requiring a minimum winter temperature of 10°C-13°C / 50°F-55°F.

Humidity:
Slipper orchid loves a humidity of between 45% and 70%. This may be accomplished by the use of humidifiers or by filling a saucer with crushed rock and placing it under the plants. The water under the rock will slowly evaporate, slightly raising the humidity level. Make sure that the pot rests above the water level in the saucer.

Re-Potting:
Re-pot the slipper orchid plant after flowering between February and June, using specialist orchid compost. Do not re-pot into a container that is larger than necessary, choose a pot just large enough to comfortably contain the roots.

Watering:
Water Paphiopedilum regularly in spring and summer. Allow the topsoil to dry out a little between watering and avoid overwatering. Reduce watering during the winter months, but don’t let the soil dry out completely. Avoid overhead watering and wetting the leaves.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize once every two weeks in the spring and summer, once every four weeks in the fall and winter with a balanced fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by dividing. After flowering, divide the plant by separating an offshoot with a good root system that has developed on the edge of a large clump. Pot it on individually as per the advice was given above for re-potting.