How to Take Care of the Phragmipedium Slipper Orchid

Phragmipidium slipper orchids come in a variety of yellows, oranges and reds, typically having four teardrop-shaped petals and supple stems. "Phrags" are native to South America, growing very near or on top of sources of running water. It is common for the roots to grow right into the water source, which keeps the roots cool and provides a constant source of water. These orchids also grow on the forest floor and like bright, indirect light. Most phrags also like acidic soil; soil mixed with spagnum moss, peat moss or fir bark.

Phrags grow best in intermediate temperatures, from about 65 to 75 degrees. They also cannot tolerate unfiltered water. Rain water or filtered water are best for watering phrag slipper orchids.

Phragmipidium slipper orchid seedling
Terra cotta pot and flood tray
Filtered or rain water
Orchid potting soil mix
Small gravel
Sand
Several 9 by 11 inch paper sheets, any color
Tape
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a place for your orchid. Near a window is best. If direct light comes through the window at any time during the day, tape paper over the window to diffuse the light. Direct light will shrivel the orchid. Tape the paper any place that direct sunlight comes through.
- 2
  Fill the terra cotta pot a third of the way with gravel. Pour sand into the gravel until it begins to cover the gravel. Jiggle the pot to settle the sand and add more sand to just cover the gravel.
- 3
  Place the pot on top of the flood tray to catch excess water. Wet the sand and gravel thoroughly with filtered or rain water. This will help keep the orchid's roots moist and cool.
- 4
  Fill another third of the pot with potting soil. If you can't find orchid soil mix, mix together equal parts regular potting soil and peat moss, fir bark or spagnum moss.
- 5
  Remove the orchid from its tray and untangle the roots gently with your fingers. Put it in the center of the pot and scoop soil around the orchid until the roots are covered. Do not cover any of the stem.
- 6
  Water until the soil is moistened but not soaked. Allow the top layer of soil to become dry before watering again.
- 7
  Keep the temperature around the orchid at a constant somewhere between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure it is not exposed to direct light; if it is, use more paper to block the light or move the orchid to a new area.
- 8
  Add peat or spagnum moss or fir bark in a thin layer to the soil if the orchid begins to yellow. This will add nutrients to the soil that should help the orchid return to health.

Caring for Cymbidium Orchids in Winter

How to Divide Cymbidium Orchids

Orchids