Caring for Paphiopedilums

Planting

• The paphiopedilum loves clean, fresh potting mix, and does not tolerate a medium that has soured. Re-pot your orchids at least annually, although semi-annually is preferred. Select a pot that is just large enough to accommodate the paphiopedilum's roots, and use a potting medium that is a mix of peat moss, perilite and fine bark, or a mix that's formulated for orchids. Do not be tempted to divide or split the plant. Keeping the larger root system will yield more flowers and better growth.

Moisture and Fertilizer

• Paphiopedilum prefer to live in slightly damp, but never soggy, soil. The soil needs to almost dry out to allow the roots to receive some air. Use your finger to check the soil dampness under the surface. Under most conditions, watering every seven to ten days is sufficient. Make sure the pot does not sit in a water-filled saucer. Elevate the pot with a few pebbles to raise it above the water.
  Once a month, give the plant a weak feeding of a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer mixed with its normal watering. The paphiopedilum is sensitive to fertilizer, so it is better to slightly under fertilize.
  Depending on where it is located, you may not need to mist your lady slipper, though on warm days, the plant will benefit from some mist. Mist lightly in the mornings, and make sure not to over-soak the leaves or flower. Over-misting the flower will deteriorate the bloom quicker.

Light and Temperature

• The paphiopedilum prefers a brightly-lit spot, the same as an African violet plant. It does not care to be in midday direct sunlight. If your plant's leaves begin to turn yellowish, it may be receiving too much sunlight.
  The paphiopedilum prefers a consistent temperature that's around 60 degrees F over night and 70 degrees F during the day. Solid-green leaved paphiopedilum likes temperatures that are around 5 degrees cooler than mottled-leaf varieties. The orchid does not do well in situations where there are variations in the temperature, like near an open window or heat source.
  Once you have found a good location for your paphiopedilum, do not move it. The plant will grow better if it remains in one spot, rather than having to re-adjust to new conditions.