- How do I water the lady's slipper orchid correctly?
- Should I fertilize a Cypripedium or not?
- When do I cut back the terrestrial orchid?
- Is winter protection required?
As a hardy terrestrial orchid, the lady's slipper orchid is out of the ordinary when it comes to cultivation. Read here how to properly water, fertilize, cut and overwinter the magnificent hybrids of the Cypripedium genus outdoors.
The beautiful lady's slipper orchid is easier to care for than its exotic appearance would suggest
How do I water the lady's slipper orchid correctly?
The lady's slipper orchid loves a slightly moist substrate that dries on the surface in the meantime. Please water the plant only when you feel dry soil with your finger. If you prefer a coarse-grained substrate, simply use a watering indicator to see the current water requirement.
Should I fertilize a Cypripedium or not?
The exact conditions at the site define the actual nutrient requirements. The more nutritious the soil, the less it should be fertilized. As a rule, it is sufficient if you administer a liquid orchid fertilizer every 4 weeks from May to August.
When do I cut back the terrestrial orchid?
From the end of August, the Cypripedium orchid begins to draw in its above-ground plant parts. At this time, the remaining nutrients are transferred from the leaves to the underground rhizomes. This process should not be interrupted by a premature cut. Only cut the lady's slipper orchid close to the ground when the foliage has completely died.
Is winter protection required?
The lady's slipper orchid comes from habitats that are located in the northern hemisphere in comparatively cool climates. Therefore, the plant has a robust winter hardiness of up to - 25 degrees Celsius. The only requirement is that the roots are under a thick layer of snow. Where this premise is not met, we recommend these precautions:
- Cut off all shoots close to the ground before the first frost
- Cover the planting site with breathable fleece, autumn leaves or needle brushwood
- Leave the winter protection in place until no more ground frosts are to be expected
If your noble garden guest has already decided in late autumn to produce the first shoots, please do not cut them off. Instead, cover the outdoor orchid with a sheet of Plexiglas perched on supports or rocks about 4 to 8 inches above the cheeky stems.
tips
In contrast to tropical orchid species, a lady's slipper orchid does not like to be sprayed or showered. The risk of water accumulating in the heart and causing putrefaction is too great.