Belonging to the orchid genusCypripedium, lady slipper orchids are the most primitive punch in found today.
Most are terrestrial, growing in the ground in temperate zones around the globe.
These rare orchids require very specific growing conditions and are slow to germinate and colonize.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
This orchid genus does not often produce tall plants, although there are exceptions.
In native areas, most reach only about 6 to 8 inches high with flower spikes around 15 inches.
Different species identify as either warm or cool growing, so care differs slightly depending on your particular orchid.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Ask your grower about its native origins, particularly the elevation, of your plant.
Light
This is alow-light orchidthat requires shade.
Place it in an east-facing or a shaded south-facing window.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Fluorescent lighting also works well.
Suspend lights 6 to 12 inches above the foliage.
Grown outdoors, some varieties of theseterrestrial orchidsprefer full sun in the morning with afternoon shade.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Other varieties prefer only dappled sun throughout the day.
Soil
Most are terrestrial orchids that grow in very specific types of soil.
Good choices forpotting materialinclude shredded osmunda bark, medium grade fir bark and crushed dried oak leaves.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Avoid packing the mix too tightly.
Depending on the growing environment, your orchid may need water twice a week.
Avoid chemically treated water or allow it to sit out for several days before using.
Others can grow indoors but need very specific temperatures, with a 10-15 degree temp drop at night.
These are recommended temperatures, but many growers are successful growing both types in the same temperature range.
Water should not touch the bottom of the pot.
If humidity is low avoid letting moisture sit on the leaves or crown of the plant.
When humidity is high, air movement is essential which might require a fan or dehumidifier.
For the varieties that prefer boggy conditions, humidity levels may need be higher.
Those varieties will also require a temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees overnight.
How often and what strength to add depends partly on the growing medium.
Osmunda bark contains nutrients, so it requires less frequent and potent fertilizer solutions.
If your orchid is potted in fir bark, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as 30-10-10.
Suggestions include 1/4 to 1/2 strength applied once every two weeks.
The orchid should be flushed with clear water once monthly to a remove harmful salts.
Types of Lady Slipper Orchids
Pruning
Pruning lady slipper orchidsis seldom needed.
Remove any diseased leaves or brown roots to avoid root rot spreading.
Propagating Lady Slipper Orchids
Lady slipper orchids reproduce in three ways.
Thousands of tiny seeds are dispersed by wind but only germinate in specific types of fungi.
They also reproduce and colonize through spread of the rhizome.
These arecomplex methodsrequiring a greenhouse growing environment best left to orchid specialists.
Some varieties formkeikiswhich is the easiest method topropagate your plant.
Six-inch pots with good drainage holes are sufficient.
The orchid can be repotted every year or two, either in the same pot or a new one.
Repotting is done mainly to replace spent material and should take place once the bloom period is complete.
This is the best time to examine the orchid and take care of any pruning.
Here’s what to do.
Gently swab affected areas with a q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Small dark spots or patches that develop on flowers indicatebotrytis petal blight.
This is usually the result of too much humidity or poor air circulation.
Remove affected parts and try installing a fan or relocate the orchid to a brighter location.
see to it, though, the plant receives only dappled indirect light.
Most produce just one or two flowers but some newer hybrids produce many.
Support flowering by using a fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorous as the bloom period approaches.
Keep the orchid in total darkness at night.
Dry or Dark Leaf Tips or Edges
The orchid may be sunburned.
Be sure to place it where it receives only dappled, indirect light.
Stunted Growth or Sudden Flower Loss
Always use lukewarm or room temperature water.
Cold water can damage roots.
Yes, lady slipper orchids are difficult to grow.
It is not illegal to wild harvest plants on your own property.
It’s a good idea, though, to check with your state’s endangered plant list.
Never wild harvest a single plant.
Instead look for a colony and take only what you need.
