NATURAL HABITAT

Paphiopedilums (paphios and paphs for short) are slipper orchids native to tropical regions of South East Asia. Most are terrestrial plants that grow on the ground in decaying leaves and bark or on moss filled cracks in rocks. All originate from frost-free areas. Some grow in cool, mild foothill climates. Other species grow in warmer humid regions close to the equator.

GROWTH HABIT

Paphiopedilums have no pseudobulbs, producing sequential growths along short rhizomes. The growth consists of a fan of several linear to oblong leaves, with apical inflorescence (flower spike emerging from its center) bearing one or multiple flowers. Each growth blooms only once but may continue to provide support and nourishment for the plant for many years. The main blooming season is winter through early spring, although some Paphiopedilums produce new growths year-round and flower as each growth matures. Paphiopedilums make excellent pot plants. The flowers last for up to three months and the plants are attractive even out of bloom.

TEMPERATURE

Paphiopedilums prefer intermediate to cool growing conditions. While some tolerate a warmer environment, many need a nighttime drop in temperature to set flower buds. The optimum temperature range is between 55° F and 80° F (13° C and 27° C) However, the plants are not harmed by short exposures to greater temperature extremes, from 40°F to 100° F (4° C to 38° C). Many cool growing types can withstand an occasional nighttime dip down to 32° F (0° C), making them ideal for outdoor culture in mild, frost-free climates. Warmer growing paphs, including multifloral (strap leaf), Brachypetalum and maudiae types, are best grown in a glasshouse.

LIGHT

Paphiopedilums prefer a shaded area, succeeding in less light than most orchids. Optimum growth and flowering are achieved at 1000 to 2500 foot-candles (11000 to 27000 lux) of light, equivalent to 70% to 85% shading in summer sun light ( by comparison, cymbidiums prefer 35% to 60% shading). Plants with harder leaves (such as multiflorals or parvisepalums) generally tolerate higher light levels than the soft-leaved Maudia types. Good indications of insufficient lighting are long and weak flower stems and entire plants "stretching" towards the light. Excessive yellowing of leaves and short flower stems may indicate that the plant is getting too much light.

WATERING

Paphiopedilums must always be kept moist, since they do not have pseudo bulbs for storing water. Water in the morning or sunny days so the leaves can dry quickly, since water standing in the crown of the plant on cool nights promotes rot. As a rule, watering once a week is about right, adjusting the frequency to compensate for pot size and weather extremes. In the summer when it is hot and dry, the plants may need watering twice a week. During overcast winter weather every 10 to 14 days may be sufficient. Test the mix with your finger, and water when it feels only slightly damp an inch (2.5 centimeters) under the surface. Never let a pot stand in a saucer of water since this will suffocate roots.

FERTILIZING

Paphiopedilums are light feeders. It is always safer to feed lightly but often, and to water first before feeding. Use water-soluble fertilizers formulated for orchid, diluted to 1/4 of concentration recommended for cymbidiums. Balanced fertilizers (20-10-20, 20-20-20 or 18-18-18) may be used year-round. High nitrogen fertilizers, such as 30-10-10 should be used with caution and only during warm weather to promote new growth.

• Spring and summer: Apply balanced fertilizer (such as 20-10-20) at 1/4 strength after every watering, or alternate balanced and high nitrogen fertilizer (such as 30-10-10).
• Fall and winter: Continue using balanced fertilizers as 1/4 strength, reducing the frequency of application as the weather cools and the days get shorter. When days are shortest, you will only need to water every 10 to 14 days and fertilize once a month.

REPOTTING

Repot paphiopedilums every year to 18 months, before the growing medium starts to break down. Fresh mix allows good air circulation around the roots, essential to plant health. Repotting may be done at any time of the year, but springtime right after floweing is best. Since different materials dry differently, all plants in a collection should be potted in the same type of mix to simplify watering. Any fine, fast-draining soil-less mix may be used, including combinations of bark, sphagnum moss, charcoal and lava or sponge rock. One good mix consists of:

• 8 parts clean fir or pine bark - 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3 to 6 millimeter) chunks
• 2 parts coarse perlite (sponge rock) - 1/8 to 1/2 inch (3 to 12 millimeter) chunks
• 1 part charcoal (optional) - 1/8 to 1/2 inch (3 to 12 millimeter) chunks

Slip the plant out of the pot and carefully remove all old mix and dead roots, taking care to disturb live roots as little as possible. This is important, because paphs do not readily regrow roots on old growths. Do not be eager to divide the plant, since large specimens produce more flowers. Leave at least two to five growths per division. Select a clean pot with ample drainage holes. Use the smallest size neended to acommodate the plant roots, with just enough room for one or two new growths. Place the plant in the pot and support with one hand while pouring the fresh mix around the roots. Cover the rhizomes with no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 12 millimeters) of mix. Tap the pot and press down the mix gently. Water the plant, keep it slightly more shaded and do not fertilize for at least 3 to 4 weeks.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL

Most common pests are mealy bug and scale. Both can be controlled by broad-spectrum insecticides recommended for use on orchids. Mites can be a problem during hot weather. Since these tiny pests are hard to see, look for irregular rust-colored pitted areas predominantly on the underside of leaves. Use insecticides that are specifically recommended for controlling mites, since most broad-spectrum insecticides are ineffective. Poor air circulation and wet conditions on cool nights encourage fungal and bacterial diseases. You can prevent most problems by avoiding overcrowding and by watering early in the morning to allow the plants to dry by nightfall. A few dry brown leaves are not cause for alarm. However large areas of soft brown rot (leaves remaining soft, with wet droplets forming on undersides) may indicate a bacterial or fungal infection. Isolate the plant immediately, peel off and remove affected leaves from the growing area, and treat the plant with a broad-spectrum fungicide. Cinnamon powder sprinkled generously on affected areas is an excellent natural remedy.