Each type of orchid is magnificent in its own way and unique in beauty. Pafiopedilum in this matter is the absolute leader. Many flower lovers show a genuine interest in him. The appearance of this flower is unusual and even original. In shape, it resembles an ordinary small shoe. It is for this similarity that the plant received its second name – the Venus slipper.
This fancy-looking flower feels great at home. Its flowering period can last for a very long time – from several months to a year. This means that the apartment will always have real natural beauty that you can admire. In addition, this plant is also a wonderful decor..
This orchid has more than eighty different species in its family. In nature, it grows on moist forest soils between trees or even on stumps. The most favorable conditions for growing papiopedilum are in China, India, the Philippines and Malaysia.
To grow this flower at home, you will need to recreate something similar to natural “living”.
Lady’s slipper – growing and care at home
Temperature
All variegated species of paphiopedilum orchid love heat and do not tolerate low temperatures. In the room where they grow, a certain temperature regime must be maintained, depending on the season. In summer, it is from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, and in winter – from 18 to 24 degrees..
Orchids with large wide green leaves are cold-loving species. Since they do not tolerate high temperatures well, it will be enough for them in the summer – from 18 to 24 degrees, and in the winter – from 16 to 20 degrees.
All types of orchids, including the lady’s slipper, respond positively to changes in temperatures at night and during the day. This has a beneficial effect on the duration of their flowering and overall development. Daytime temperatures should be about 5 degrees above nighttime.
Watering mode
Pafiopedilum needs regular watering, the same throughout the year. Before watering, the water must settle or you need to use filtered water heated to thirty degrees. In no case should water get on the sheet sockets, they will start to rot. In case of contact, gently blot the moisture off with a paper towel.
The most common way to water an orchid is to immerse the plant pot in a bowl of water for a while. If papiopedilum grows in a soil mixture of peat and small pieces of tree bark, then it is enough to hold it in water for fifteen minutes. And if there are coarse pieces of bark in the ground, then they need to be well saturated with moisture, for about 40 minutes.
Check the pan of the pot after watering and drain all the water from it. The pallet must be empty. The next watering is carried out only after the beginning of the drying out of the soil..
Air humidity
This type of orchid naturally lives in humid forests, where the air humidity is at seventy percent. When grown at home, it is difficult to achieve this level of moisture. One of the most effective ways out of this situation is to purchase a household air humidifier, which will be useful for all the inhabitants of the apartment..
You can use another method. A flower pot with an orchid must be placed in a pallet filled with damp expanded clay or moss.
Fertilizers and feeding
The best fertilizing will be a special fertilizer for orchids. Flowers are fed with this solution once a month. If you are using fertilizer for flowering plants, then the saturation of the solution should be half the norm..
Organic fertilizers can also be used, but less often, as they accelerate the process of decomposition of the substrate..
Transplanting and soil selection
When exactly the time has come to transplant the Lady’s slipper can be determined by some signs:
- By the depressed appearance of the plant
- Unpleasant smell of rot or mold
- On a densely packed substrate
Usually the slipper is replanted every two years. It is better to carry out this procedure when flowering ends. During this period, the plant adapts easier and faster to a new place..
Further growth and development of the orchid directly depends on the correct choice of soil. It can be prepared independently from the following components: 500 grams of finely chopped pine bark, 100 grams of peat and charcoal each, 50 grams of perlite and shell powder.
Choose a flower pot wide, but not high. At the bottom you need to lay out the drainage, and then the prepared soil mixture. Before planting in a new pot, the roots of the plant must be carefully examined and damaged ones removed. Places of cuts should be sprinkled with activated carbon. The plant must be dry. After planting, make supports for long shoots..
The first watering is carried out only 3 days after transplanting.
Reproduction of Lady’s shoe
Pafiopedilum orchids reproduce by dividing the bush. If there are at least two sprouts on each plot, then the orchid will quickly get used to the new conditions and the flowering period will begin sooner.
A lady’s slipper can be grown at home. The main thing is to strictly follow all the rules of care and maintenance..