How to Get a Slipper Orchid to Bloom

Place the lady's slipper where it receives bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is a good choice, or a shaded western or southern exposure. Protect the plant from direct sunlight.

Water the plant with lukewarm, filtered tap water or rainwater. Orchids like to be kept moist, but not overly wet. Test the soil for dryness by pushing a finger into the potting mixture. When the mixture feels slightly moist, it is time to water. During the winter months, let the soil dry out slightly more before watering. This encourages flower bud development.

Fertilize the plant with a formula made for orchids. Feed your lady's slipper two to three times per month during the spring and summer, one to two times per month during the fall and winter. Follow the instructions on your orchid food carefully, as too much fertilizer burns the plant.

Maintaining high humidity encourages lady's slipper to thrive and produce blooms. Humidity of 70 percent humidity is good. Anything less than 50 percent is too dry. Stand the plant pots on water-filled trays of gravel ensuring the pot's bottom is not submerged in water. Spray the plants with water during warmer weather.

Keep temperatures between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, 65 to 70 F at night for the best plant growth. During the winter months, nighttime temperatures of 55 to 60 F encourage bud development.

Repot your lady's slipper every 2 or 3 years with fresh orchid bark or orchid potting mix. Keep the plant in a small pot, 4 to 6 inches is best.