PAPHIOPEDILUM
paff-ee-oh-PED-ih-lum
THE LADY’S-SLIPPER ORCHID

Paphiopedilums are the Old World relatives of North American temperate-zone lady's-slipper orchids, the cypripediums. Perhaps no other orchid excites the same dedication, as do these semiterrestrials. And, happily, "paphs" are one of the best orchids for home growing, requiring only fairly bright light and normal home temperatures to provide some of the orchid kingdom's longest-lasting and mose exotic blooms. There are classically several general types of paphiopedilums requiring slightly different cultural regimes, though all should do well with the general care instructions given here. Slipper orchids can last eight to 10 weeks or more in bloom.

LIGHT
Sufficient light is important for healthy growth and flower production. Provide bright light, no direct sun. In the home, an east, west or shaded south window. In a greenhouse, about 30 percent full sun. Under lights, four 40 watt fluorescent tubes and two 40 watt incandescent bulbs directly over plants. Foliage should be naturally semi erect, and firm, not drooping. Dark green, limp foliage indicates too little light.

TEMPERATURE
Mature plants need a 15 to 20 F difference between night and day. Provide nights of 55 to 60 F; days of 70 to 85 F. Seedlings need temperatures five to 10 degrees higher than mature plants.

WATER
Mature plants should never dry out between watering. Seedlings need even more constant attention to moisture.

HUMIDITY
Paphiopedilums need 60 to 70 percent. In the home, place on trays of moistened pebbles. In greenhouse, use a humidifier if conditions are too dry.

FERTILIZER
Must be provided on a regular basis because most potting media have little, although pahiopedilums will grow and flower with less fertilizer than will most orchids. Provide the exact fertilizer you use will depend on the mix in which your plant is growing. A good general rule is to use a balanced (10-10-10, 12-12-12 or similar ratio) fertilizer "weakly, weekly." That is, fertilize every week at one quarter of the recommended dilution.

POTTING
Should be done every one to two years before mix breaks down too far. Can be done almost any time of year, using a well-drained but water-retentive mix.