Download a care sheet
from the AOS
GENERAL
INFORMATION
These Southeast Asian plants have flowers of heavy substance, lasting
from one to three months. There are multi-flowered, sequential flowered
and single flowered varieties of many different sizes, shapes and
colors. To this day there is no accurate way to clone Paphiopedilums,
making mass production difficult. Therefore the Paphiopedilum is
one of the most unique and popularly collected orchids in the world.
Many varieties can be grown easily indoors.
LIGHT
Paphiopedilums do well in a diminished light. An east or west window
(providing 1000 to 1500 foot-candles of light) is ideal. The east
exposure is better because the temperature is lower in the early
part of the day when the plant is receiving the greatest amount
of light. A south window is acceptable as long as the sunlight is
filtered so as not to burn the plant. Paphs also do very well under
artificial lights. Run the lights according to the seasons: 11 hours
in winter, 14-16 hours in summer. Strap-leafed, multi-flowered species
or hybrids can take stronger light up to 2500 foot-candles.
TEMPERATURE
There are both warm and cool growing Paphs. Generally speaking,
those with mottled foliage and the strap-leafed, multi-flowered
species or hybrids do best in intermediate to warm conditions, preferring
daytime temperatures of 70-80 degrees F. and nighttime temperatures
of 55-64 degrees. The cool-growing species are mostly from India
and grow at higher elevations. Complex hybrids are cool growing
and bloom mostly during the winter season. These types prefer nighttime
temperatures of 55-62 degrees with days around 65-70 degrees. They
will all tolerate the heat of summer as long as they are regularly
watered, shaded and kept in humid conditions. The mottled leafed
varieties do best in a warmer house or apartment and can often bloom
twice a year.
WATERING
Like all orchids, it is important to water in the morning. This
insures complete water evaporation on the foliage as well as the
crown by nightfall, thus preventing bacteria and fungus rot. Water
the plant as it approaches dryness. Use rainwater, distilled water,
reverse osmosis water or municipal water. Do not use softened water.
Put plant in sink when watering and allow it to drain well. Under
most growing conditions, watering is done at 3-7 day intervals depending
on the pot size.
Important: PLANTS SHOULD NEVER STAND IN WATER!
FEEDING
During spring and summer we recommend a 1/2 tsp. per gallon solution
of GrowMore 20-10-20 fertilizer every other watering. During fall
and winter, this should be reduced to every third watering. When
using rain, distilled or reverse osmosis water, add back 5-10% of
your hard water to provide necessary calcium and magnesium.
HUMIDITY
Paphs like a humidity of between 45% and 70%. This may be accomplished
by the use of humidifiers or by filling a saucer with crushed rock
and placing it under the plants. The water under the rock will slowly
evaporate, slightly raising the humidity level. Make sure that the
pot rests above the water level in the saucer. Our humidity trays
are another option you can use to place your plants on.
POTTING
Potting material is usually ready for replacement once every year
to year and a half. The best time for repotting is the spring or
early summer or fall when temperatures are mild. Use a medium grade
orchid bark mix for plants in 3.25'' pots or larger, and a small
mix for plants in smaller pots. Large plants with 6 or more growths
can be divided. Pot with oldest growth closest to the rim of the
pot allowing room for 1-2 years growth. Most growers find that plastic
pots work best for Paphiopedilums.
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