Lady Slipper Orchid
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Known in America as the moccasin flower, the Lady Slipper orchid is so named because of their slipper-shaped pouches on the flower. There a few genera of Lady Slipper orchids in the subfamily Cypripedioidea, but the genera most well known to gardeners is the Phaphiopedilum, native to Southeast Asia. In order to grow Phaphiopedilum Lady Slipper orchids there are several points that you need to keep in mind. The environment temperature can be gauged depending on the leaf type; plain-colored leaf types prefer a cooler temperature with daytime highs of the upper 70 degrees F and night temperatures of around 50 degrees F. The warmer-growing mottled-leaf plants thrive in temperatures in the upper 80 degrees F and night-time temperatures of around the mid-60s.
Phaphiopedilum orchids dislike direct sunlight but still need to be in a well lit area. They thrive in a high humidity environment and this can be created by placing the container on a tray containing pebbles covered with water. Like most orchids, a once-a-week drench watering is sufficient, but you do need to ensure that the potting mix does not dry out.
For the hobby Lady Slipper gardener, I suggest starting out with one of the many hybrid varieties, rather than a species, as hybrid plants are more tolerant and their flower colors and patterns are more attractive than the original species. I love to grow the 'Maudiae' hybrids as they are inexpensive and have wonderful color ranges, deep merlot being my favorite. Some gardener friends of mine have had successes with a species Lady Slipper, like the Phaphiopedilum wardii.
Selecting your plant at the garden store is most important as buying a healthy plant at the start will save you a lot of time and money. Check the root system by supporting the container with one hand and then gently wriggling the base of the stem. A plant that has a good root system will be well anchored in the container. Have a good look for any sign of disease. Wipe off any potting mix at the base of the plant and look carefully around the root collar for signs of brown rot (dark spots). Inspect for fungus infections on both sides of the leaves. If you see any light brown spots, or small pitted spots, then do not get that plant. Mealybugs and scale insects are the two main pests you need to search for. Signs of their presence are black soot on leaves or fine white fluffy masses on the plant.
JELLYFISH ATTACKS GIRL!! (5.11.12 - Day 1107)
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