How to Care for the Paphiopedilum Orchid

The paphiopedilum orchid--called a "paph" for short--also commonly known as the lady slipper orchid, features solid green or mottled leaves and delicate, waxy-looking flowers that can be either solid or striped and speckled in striking patterns. The flowers, which resemble miniature slippers, are commonly violet, white and pink but can be any color of the rainbow except blue or true red. Paphiopedilum orchids, natives of tropical Asia, adapt well to life as houseplants. By supplying your "paph" with proper conditions, you can help it thrive in your home.

Commercial orchid potting mix
Humidifier
Tray (optional)
Pebbles (optional)
Water-soluble orchid fertilizer in a 20-20-20 NPK formulation
Horticultural oil (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Plant your paphiopedilum orchid in a high-quality commercial orchid potting mix, making sure that the pot drains extremely well. Since paphiopedlium orchids have fewer roots than other orchids, they are vulnerable to root rot.
- 2
  Provide your paphiopedilum orchid with moderate to low light, such as filtered sunlight in an east or north window. Artificial fluorescent lights can also be used. According to the Marriott Orchids website, you should give your orchid 14 to 18 hours of artificial light in the summer and 11 in the winter.
- 3
  Maintain temperatures of 70 to 85 degrees by day and 60 to 65 degrees at night for your orchid with patterned or mottled leaves, also called a Maudiae type. If your paphiopedilum orchid displays solid green leaves--also known as the "bulldog" type--it will require somewhat cooler conditions, with daytime temperatures under 80 degrees and nighttime temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees.
- 4
  Keep the potting mix slightly moist but never soggy. Water the orchid as the potting mix approaches dryness by putting it in the sink, running water through it, and allowing it to drain. A good rule of thumb is to water every week in the fall and winter, and every four to six days in spring and summer.
- 5
  Use a humidifier to provide the 50 to 80 percent relative humidity your paphiopedilum orchid craves. Alternately, you can place the orchid's pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, but keep the water level below the level of the saucer so moisture does not wick up into the potting mix and cause root rot.
- 6
  Fertilize every month during new growth with a water-soluble orchid fertilizer. According to the Colorado State Extension website, you should use a balanced 20-20-20 NPK formulation.
- 7
  Check your "paph" frequently for signs of scale, an insect pest that can afflict orchids. Scale is indicated by the presence of round, waxy bumps on the stem or leaves. Treat scale by spraying with horticultural oil, making sure you contact the insects directly with the spray.
- 8
  Re-pot your orchid every two to three years when new growth begins in the spring.

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