The lady's slipper (bot. Paphiopedilum) has a good reason for its name. The reason for this is the strikingly shaped lower petal. It clearly resembles a lady's slipper. Unlike many other orchids, the lady's slipper grows terrestrially (on earth).

The Paphiopedilum armeniacum has strong yellow flowers

How many types are there?

If you add up all the species and subspecies, there are about 100 different lady's slippers. Common to all is the slipper-like petal, while the colors of foliage and flower can be very different. The growth height is usually between about 15 and 30 centimeters.

The foliage of the lady's slipper can be plain green, narrow or broad-leaved, but it can also be mottled, and the flowers can be one or more colors. The flower colors vary from white to yellow, pink and red to violet, even brownish tones are possible.

Interesting types of lady's slipper:

  • Paphiopedilum armeniacum: about 15 cm high with bright yellow flowers
  • Paphiopedilum delenatii: about 15 cm tall, white flowers with a pink shoe
  • Paphiopedilum micranthum: about 15 cm high, yellowish-red flower with a large pink-bluish shoe, very varied
  • Paphiopedilum concolor var.: about 20 cm high with light yellow flowers

Where does the lady's slipper actually come from?

The lady's slipper originally comes from East Asia, from Nepal to New Guinea. Some of them are very common there and have developed numerous species and subspecies. In addition, breeders have developed interesting hybrids. In the meantime, the Paphiopedilum has become a very popular houseplant.

Are all species cared for equally?

The care needs of lady's slippers and their need for a suitable location are as varied as their origin. There are species that don't flower unless they get a cold stimulus. The light requirements of the individual varieties can also be very different.

The essentials in brief:

  • Location: mostly semi-shady to shady
  • Species with mottled foliage need a little more light (partial shade) than green-leaved ones (shade)
  • high humidity, at least 50 to 70 percent
  • Soil: pH 5 to 6.5
  • Avoid blazing midday sun and draughts
  • Heat requirements vary greatly depending on the species
  • Water vigorously, but avoid waterlogging
  • fertilize regularly

tips

Be sure to find out how much light and warmth your lady's slipper needs when you buy it. The needs vary considerably depending on the species.

Category:

Vegetable garden