Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid)

This is a group of mostly terrestrial orchids (growing in the ground), but unlike many other terrestrial orchids, they do not produce pseudobulbs at the base of their stems.

Grow Paphiopedilum in a shaded position in summer, with protection from direct sunshine. Move to a position in bright, un-shaded light in winter.

The plain green-leaved slipper orchids are cool temperature growers, preferring a growing temperature range of 10-25°C (50-77°F), and requiring a minimum winter temperature of 10-13°C (50-55°F).

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 20-30°C (68-86°F) with high humidity

The concentration of water vapour in the atmosphere. This affects the rate at which plants transpire (lose water from their leaf pores), which in turn affects how much water their roots absorb from the soil. If air humidity is low, plants transpire quickly and become at risk of wilting if water is lost from the leaves faster than it can be absorbed by the roots. Different plants require different levels of humidity to thrive. Many tropical houseplants need high humidity and are best grown in a steamy bathroom, misted regularly or placed on a saucer of damp pebbles. In a greenhouse, humidity can be raised in hot weather by damping down (wetting) the floor or overhead misting. .

Slipper orchids generally flower from November to March, but flowers can appear at any time of the year. Flowers last up to three months, and may need support with a stake.

Watering, humidity and feeding

Water Paphiopedilum orchids regularly in spring and summer. Allow the compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. to dry out a little between watering and avoid overwatering. Reduce watering during the winter months, but don’t let the compost dry out completely. Avoid overhead watering and wetting the leaves.

Do not mist this orchid. Instead, increase humidity by standing plants on an upturned saucer in a tray of damp pebbles.

Apply proprietary orchid fertiliser every two to three weeks at the application rate recommended on the packet. Reduce the frequency and/or strength of feeding in the winter.

Re-potting

Re-pot 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.

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 given above for re-potting.

Paphiopedilum Pinocchio: This has a lime green dorsal sepal, a pink pouch, and off-white side petals with maroon spots on them.
P. Maudiae: This has green and white blooms with a strongly striped dorsal sepal.
P. insigne: This is one of the more cold-tolerant slipper orchids, with a coppery-gold colouring to the flowers.
P. niveum: This has large petals with a slightly frilled edge, all in snowy white.

Paphiopedilum are prone to the same problems as other indoor orchids.