How do I care for my Paphiopedilum?
Paphiopedilum is often called the Venus slipper and is a genus of the Lady slipper orchid. It owes its names to the remarkable shoe-like labellum (lip). You can encounter paphiopedilums in nature in the temperate zones of Europe, North America, and Asia. The Venus slipper is a classic plant. It can adorn the living room while it is flowering and can reside in a cool room when it is not, to allow it to develop new shoots and flower buds.
Light
In a bright or shaded spot, but no direct sunlight.
Temperature
Ensure a temperature of approx. 15°C.
water
This orchid should not be overwatered. It is sufficient to water it once every seven to nine days. Water paphiopedilum only once its soil is almost dry.
Fertiliser orchid
- Twice per month, feed paphiopedilum our special orchid fertiliser ‘Groei en bloei’. One level teaspoon per one litre of water. In February, May, and September, sprinkle one level teaspoon of ‘Grondverbeteraar’ (soil improver) once over the potting mix. The orchid does not require fertiliser from November up to and including January. Both products are sold in our shop.
Spraying flower buds
The humidity in a home can be low during the winter and summer months. Spray the smallest buds daily to prevent them from drying out and not flowering.
Soil
It is important to replant paphiopedilum once every three to four years in orchid potting mix. For oncidium, Pantropica has put together a well-aerated mix of bark, coco, and peat. This mix is available at our shop. Please do this if the orchid has finished flowering (preferably in springtime).
After flowering
Please do cut off the stem at the bottom if it is past flowering. The orchid will generate another stem from a new shoot. This will take approximately eight to twelve months.