How to Care for Your Orchids

Based on cultural instructions originally generated by McBeans Orchids.

Incorporating BMOS Members Suggestions.

PAPHIOPEDILUM (SLIPPER ORCHID)

PHRAGMIPEDILUM and CYPRIPEDIUM

The most often seen "Slipper Orchids" are the Paphiopedilums, which in the wild can be either terrestrial or lithophytic (growing on rocks) but Phragmipedilums can be found and generally need the same conditions as the Paph’s. Cypripedium is generally restricted these days to more hardy terrestrial types such as our own "Ladies Slipper".

Paphiopedilums come from some of the Pacific Islands and South East Asia but at varying heights above sea level. Those that grow higher and therefore cooler tend to be sturdier and have pain green leaves; those closer to sea level have more tropical conditions and tend to have mottled leaves. Most of the hybrids have single flowers but there are some species and crossbred hybrids that are multiflorals having several flowers on a stem. Flowers tend to be fairly long lasting though those of the Phrags tend to be less so, indeed some Phrags have several flowers on a stem but they tend to open one at a time and last for about a fortnight then the next opens and so on. Multifloral types tend to have smaller flowers than the singles and some of those singles; especially American bred hybrids can be "big" and "Blousy". Once flowering has finished cut the flower stalk down to as close as you can to the leaves.

CULTIVATION

TEMPERATURE

There is a distinct difference between those with plain leaves and mottled ones. Nighttime 13 degrees C for plain and 18 degrees C mottled. Daytime 17.5 degrees C + plain and 21 degrees C for mottled. The Cypripedium types can and will accept lower night and day temperatures, indeed some of these orchids are hardy and will grow outside if the conditions are right as witnessed by the British Isles own "Lady’s Slipper Orchid" one of our rarest plants.

LIGHT

Good, bright light without direct sunlight will suit your "Slipper Orchids".

WATERING

Like most orchids these rot at the neck if constantly wet so water when the compost (growing medium) feels dry or the weight of the pot indicates dryness and avoid getting the water right up close to the neck or into leaf junctions. Obviously the lower the temperature the less the need for watering but "Slipper Orchids" don’t appear to have a distinct rest period though growth is slower the cooler the conditions and the lower the light intensity.

HUMIDITY

Again like most orchids "Slipper Orchids" thrive in a moist atmosphere so the oft said constant wet / damp gravel / pebbles under the plant(s) works quite well as will growing in and amongst plants such as ferns. Once again, as often said, make sure the base of the pot is above the damp / wet material.

FEEDING

As these orchids don’t appear to have a distinct rest period they can be fed regularly all year but as with all other orchids try to avoid any build up of minerals by flushing through or leaving out the fertiliser every fourth watering or so. As oft said there are various orchid feeds available but these are relatively expensive and half strength liquid balanced fertiliser feed works quite well. Note that "Baby Bio" have now brought out a specific "Orchid Food" which I’m trying out but cannot report any difference to using half strength ordinary "Baby Bio" as yet so cannot say for or against until I’ve "experimented" for another 6 months or so.

COMPOST

As most of these orchids are terrestrial (grow on / in the ground soil) they will do quite well in open free draining multipurpose with added bark. A multipurpose seed or john innes 1 with added Perlite to assist drainage would suit though the standard mixed bark will work if that’s what you have to hand.

POTTING

Re-pot only when needed, as with most orchid they don’t particularly like being disturbed so pot on only when the growing medium has deteriorated (often shown by a distinct "earthy" / rot smell when damp) or when the plant has outgrown the growing space. As "Slipper Orchids" grow all year any potting on is best done immediately after flowering or when light values increase, say end of March, beginning of April.

OTHER POINTS

As with most orchids "Slipper Orchids" cannot tolerate draughts but are less susceptible to a lack of ventilation than epiphytic types. Again, as oft said, don’t place too close to s heat source or to glass, which may lead to leaf scorch.