Realoving Orchids Shoppe
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PaphiopedilumNatural Genus: Paphiopedilum - meaning: Paphio = Goddess Venus, Pedilon = slipper. The meaning is derived from the Greek words, which refer to the pouch. Common Name: Lady Slipper or Slipper Orchid. The Slipper Orchid is not likely to be confused with any other orchid. The purpose of the pouch is to lure an insect, entrap it, and force it to leave the flower; thus pollinating it on its way out of the pouch. Paphiopedilum Orchids are one of the easiest orchids to grow: Potting MixHow to mix your own superior medium using these various potting ingredients. Two parts Coconut chips One part Sponge Rock #3 Perlite LIGHT: Light is very important for proper plant growth. Bright, though not direct sunlight. 500 - 1000 candle light. The higher the light, the more humidity is required. HUMIDITY: No need for expensive equipment to provide humidity in this area 40 - 60 percent. TEMPERATURE: Regular home temperature is fine for most Paphiopedilum Orchids. Day temperatures should be about 75 - 85 degrees for molt leaves and 80 degrees for green leaves. Night temperatures should be about 60 - 65 for molt leaves and 50 - 55 degrees for green leaves. WATERING: Paphiopedilums like to be evenly moist at all times - not soggy wet. AIR MOVEMENT: Good ventilation is very important. A gentle fresh breeze. FERTILIZING: Feed a good balanced plant food. They are light feeders, about one-fourth strength every two weeks. REPOTTING: Paphiopedilums can stay in the same pot for about two years, depending on your type of growing habits.
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Phragmipedium
This group of lady's-slipper orchids has attained a lot of recent popularity, thanks as much to the ban of their importation by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) as anything.
Phragmipedium is related to Paphiopedilum, Mexipedium and Cypripedium. There are several main flower types: the smaller sequentially flowering species like Phragmipedium caricinum and Phragmipedium pearcei, the larger simultaneous flowering species like Phragmipedium caudatum, and the smallish sequential flowering types with rounder form and unusual colors like Phragmipedium schlimii and Phragmipedium besseae. Thankfully, seed-raised populations are becoming quite commonly offered, especially of the more desirable species, and we are seeing an upsurge in the successful production of hybrids, as well.
Hobbyists like these plants because they are generally easy to grow, bizarre and showy, and can last in flower for weeks on end. There is a good selection of species and primary hybrids that will, on mature plants, be in flower almost year round.
Pronunciation: FRAG meh pee dee um Common name: South American Slipper Orchid Number of species: According to Bechtel and Cribb "About 12 - 20 species." Despite the popularity of this genus, it is not particularly well understood or agreed-upon as regards to what constitute valid species and what are simply geographic variations.
Distribution: South America north to Panama and Guatemala
Habit: Terrestrial, occasionally lithophytic, herbaceous plants with sympodial growth. Leaves vary in length between species, grow in fans like related paphiopedilums.
Culture: Plants come from a variety of habitats. Common features of habitats seem to be that the plants are understory plants, therefor requiring shade, and often are in high rainfall, or seepage, areas, therefore intolerant of salts or drying out. Best results seem to be attained by growing under shady conditions with nearly constant moisture, often to the point of allowing the plants to stand in water. Temperature range will vary according to species, but all can be adequately well grown in intermediate conditions (60 F nights, 80 F days).
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