Lady Slipper Orchids

Paphiopedilum & Cypripedium acaule

Paphiopedilum Lady Slipper Orchids and Cypripedium acaule, the Pink Lady Slipper Orchid are different orchid species. One is a hardy orchid which can be grown outdoors year round. The other is frost tender.

In some regions of the U.S. it is also called the moccasin flower because of its shoe shaped flower.

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The plant has a reason for arranging itself so. The pouch formed by the "slipper" traps bugs. In order to escape, they have to climb up over the stamina, disturbing the pollen and fertilizing the orchid as they go!

Paphiopedilums are native to the tropical forests of southeast Asia northward into southern China. Their easy culture makes them popular among collectors.

Pot this orchid in bark. How coarse?

Depends on how heavy handed you are with the watering can.

Fine grade works well for a lot of growers. Repot every 2-3 years with fresh media. Keep damp but not wet by watering every 7-10 days.Feed once a month, all year, with a high nitrogen liquid fertilizer. Lady slippers are easily burned, so feed at 1/4 strength.

Place in bright light but not direct sun just as you would an African Violet. The leaves will tell you if the exposure is right. They should be medium green. If they are yellowish green, the orchid is getting too much sun.

Once you find a spot that your plant is happy in, avoid moving it. They don't like changes in their growing environment.

If your Ladys slipper has mottled leaves, it can take temperatures as low as 60 degrees F. The solid green leaved Paphiopedilum can take temps 10 degrees lower.

Cypripedium Acaule

Cypripedium acaule, the Pink Lady Slipper orchid is a hardy ground orchid native to the U.S. and Canada. You will find Slipper orchids Cypripedium in bloom in woodlands and marshes each spring.

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Showy Lady’s Slipper Orchid Rare and unique flowers were named for their resemblance to a woman’s slipper.

Bletilla Striata
The Chinese ground orchid Bletilla striata syn. Bletilla hyacinthina (sometimes called the hyacinth Bletilla) is a hardy orchid. Bletilla orchids can be found growing wild in the sandy soils of Tibet, China and Japan.

Go from Lady Slipper back to Caring for Orchids Caring for orchids offers instruction on how to grow orchids to beginners as well as experienced gardeners. Includes growing orchids indoors, orchid propagation, raising, pruning and repotting various types of orchids.

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