| Growing Paphiopedilum Orchids |
| Paphiopedilum - slipper orchids
Intermediate Growing Types
12 - 28 C (53 - 82F)
| Paphiopedilums are known as slipper orchids due to their
modified lip which is pouch shaped and does look like a slipper. Some
of these species and hybrids have beautifully marbled foliage which
is usually evergreen and sets off the blooms a treat, some are so
pretty that they are worthy plants just for the foliage and the blooms
are an added bonus. |
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Slipper orchids come in 2 varieties, those which tolerate intermediate
conditions and those which need warm conditions, all have the same
requirements other than temperature. The marbled leaved varieties
usually will tolerate intermediate conditions and the plain leaved
varieties need warmer conditions.
Left: Paphiopedilum philippinense has wonderfully coloured
flowers with long twisting petals
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HERE FOR THE FULL RANGE OF PAPHIOPEDILUM ORCHIDS |
They flowers vary in size from tiny 2 inch blooms on very short stems to
monster blooms over 10 inches high from tip to tip! on tall thick stems
- ideal for cutting. These, like Phalaenopsis make excellent house plants
and will reward you year after year with an ever increasing number of beautiful
blooms. This type of orchid can tolerate high temperatures and high humidity
and so should be misted at least once a day during the summer but NOT allowing
water to rest in the centre of the plant overnight or rot may occur with
lighting speed! - and we are talking OVERNIGHT in some cases if it's cold
too.
Light requirements
Paphiopedilums like good light but will also tolerate light shade during the growing season, they should not be kept in full sun or they will scorch. Keep them in a well lit position during the winter months. |
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| RIGHT: Paphiopedilum callosum 'Jack' is a beautiful slipper orchid in the darkest burgundy available - almost black in colour and very shiny. |
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| Watering requirements
Slipper orchids like to be kept evenly moist at all times but will
not tolerate being waterlogged at any time. Water every 7 to 10
days during the summer, more if it's warm and the plants look like
they may be drying out. It is always a good idea to water the plants
in the morning as this will allow any that is spilt on to the leaves
or crown to evaporate during the heat of the day
Right: Paphiopedilum insigne hybrid - a
real 'meaty' flower! |
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Feeding requirements
Paphiopedilums do not have a high requirement for food and should
be fed once every 4 - 6 weeks during the winter months and once
every two weeks during the summer. A general mixture is required
and this should be diluted to 1/8th of what the pack recommends. |
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Re-potting schedule
Repotting and dividing should be undertaken in the spring
annually using an open bark mix to which has been added some
extra humus material such as sphagnum moss trimmings or rough
peat. This will ensure a swift drainage whilst the moss or
peat will retain the correct amount of water for the plant.
| Paphiopedilum Sukhakulii - a fantastic large flower
with intricate markings |
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Flowering
| Most Paphiopedilums flower in either the winter or in spring, they
can flower as single blooms on elegant stems or more usually several
to a stem which open within a few days of each other. There are some
Paphiopedilums which are known as sequential flowering, this type
of flowering pattern means that one flower opens followed a few weeks
later with another bloom, this can continue for months on end.
Right: This orchid is a sequential flowering type and the
second flower (on the right) is opening almost two weeks
after the first, the small buds can be seen sitting between the
two larger flowers.
Right: Paphiopedilum maudiae has wonderful
apple green and white flowers with a large 'hood' |
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HERE FOR THE FULL RANGE OF PAPHIOPEDILUM ORCHIDS |
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Paphiopedilum