Lady's Slipper Orchid

Lady's Slipper Orchids are quite tolerant of wide-ranging values in terms of moisture and water, but like most other plants, they prefer to stay evenly moist on the surface of their growing medium. Most orchid species prefer evenly moist but not soggy conditions. Avoid a soggy soil which can cause root and stem rot. Dry out the medium to about two-thirds of its original moisture level before watering again.

Lady's slipper orchids prefer medium to bright, indirect light. Remember to keep it away from direct, strong sunlight that might scorch the leaves can or cause fading of the flower petals. If the plant feels cold and dry, it might need to be moved to a warmer location or closer to the light source. Lady slipper orchids will, however, tolerate low light levels better than too much light.

Lady's Slipper Orchids prefer a cool to moderate temperature between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (12.5 to 26.6 degrees Celsius) during the day, and 10 to 15 degrees cooler during the night. Temperatures this low must be maintained especially during the plant’s dormancy period.

Lady's Slipper Orchids require high levels of humidity with at least 40% to 60%, and preferably more. If you don't have naturally humid air, then regularly misting the leaves and the pseudobulbs helps to keep it from drying out in between waterings.

Lady's Slipper orchids need an orchid-specific potting medium that is loose and airy to prevent water and nutrient build-up in the medium. Opt for a free-draining bark mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You can use a mix of sphagnum moss, perlite and fir bark to create a light soil-less potting mix.

Lady's Slipper orchids can benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season which is usually spring through early fall. Fertilize the plant at one-quarter of the recommended strength described on the label. Avoid applying fertilizer directly on the plant and in the early morning or late evening as the leaves may be burned. Too much fertilizer can damage the roots and kill the plant, so always err on the side of caution. For best results, use a dependable fertilizer specially formulated for orchids, such as a 20-20-20 blend, fish emulsion, or volcanic rock dust.

Lady's Slipper Orchids can occasionally be attacked by pests such as scale, aphids, mealybugs, mites, and thrips. One way to prevent pest problems is to buy clean plants and practice good hygiene. You should inspect plants regularly for the presence of pests. Look for insects, white cottony masses that can occur on the leaves and flowers, or discolored leaves. Small infestations can often be removed with a cotton swab dipped in an insecticidal soap solution. To prevent resistance to insecticides, it’s best to rotate the products being used and to apply them in conjunction with natural methods. If the problem doesn’t resolve, contact a professional pest control services.

Lady's Slipper Orchids require repotting once every two or three years. Spring is the best time to repot and pick a pot slightly bigger than the one used before. When repotting, use a sterile, well-draining orchid potting mix. Remove all the dead roots and the old potting material before transferring your orchid into the new pot. Place the plant nicely in the center of the pot and press the potting mix gently around it.

Lady's Slipper Orchids generally do not need pruning. However, the stem that holds the flowers may need to be cut down after flowering to make the plant bushier. Also it is important to deadhead the spent blooms to prevent the plant from using its energy on creating seedpods instead of producing more flowers. At the same time, you can remove any yellowed or dead leaves.

For Lady's Slipper Orchids, it is common to use a mulch medium that helps maintain proper soil moisture levels. Mulch also helps to retain the temperature of the pot. A good option is to use peat or coconut fiber mulch.

Lady's Slipper Orchids can be propagated through plant division, air layering and tissue culture. Plant division requires you to separate the plant into two or more segments, each with a lead shoot and roots. To propagate, use a sterile knife to cut the roots and a moistened chopstick to push the plant into the soil. Air layering requires mature plants and selective pruning. Start by cutting a notch into the stem, exposing the inner bark. Wound the bark and then cover with moist sphagnum moss tied with a polythene cover. After about a month, new roots begin to develop from the wounded stem. Finally, the stem can be cut above the new roots and transplanted. You can also use tissue culture techniques to propagate Lady's Slipper Orchids. In tissue culture, the plant or parts of the plant are grown in a special nutrient culture medium.

Lady's Slipper Orchids need their pseudobulbs to be supported and tied to a stake so that it remains in its upright position as the plant grows. You can use a suitable moss-covered stake, rot-proof bamboo or wicker stake tied with soft cotton or wool strings.

The rest period for Lady's Slipper Orchids is from fall to spring, during which time growth will slow down as the plant’s energy is transferred to the new growth for the following season. During this time of dormancy, the watering regimen should be altered. You should wait until the topsoil is two-thirds dry and then water your plant lightly every two to three weeks.

Lady's Slipper Orchids are not considered toxic to pets.