How to Grow Paphiopedilum

Prepare the soil with one part Perlite and four parts fir bark. Add water to the bark to moisten it before you add the Perlite.

Use a clear pot with a drainage tray underneath. Place the soil mixture in the pot about half way.

Place the slipper orchid into the soil and cover with the remaining mixture. Do not pat down tightly.

Refrain from watering too much until you see the plant thriving. You should place the orchid in an area with low light until it starts to show signs of new growth.

Move the orchid to an area with indirect sunlight after the plants shows signs of new growth. Water as needed, but do not keep the soil wet. It should be damp with water in the drain tray for humidity.

Use the orchid fertilizer one a month, but cut the directions in half. If the directions tell you to use one tbsp of fertilizer, make it 1/2 tbsp instead.

Flush the roots about every two months. Instead of fertilizing one month, run water through the soil in a sink so that the salt deposits from the fertilizer are washed out of the soil. The salt build up will rot the roots.

Keep the night temperatures at about 55 degrees and daytime temperatures of about 70 to 80 degrees.