Paphiopedilum orchids does not need a drop of temp to bring on bloom.
Paphiopedilum lack pseudobulbs, meaning they have a lower capacity for storing water than other types of orchids. Do not let the growing medium dry out completely.
Water: with rainwater, distilled water, or even the water collected in a dehumidifier. It’s possible to use tap water, but plants watered this way will need to be repotted more frequently as minerals from tap water build up in the growing medium.
Soil: includes ingredients like orchid bark, perlite, charcoal, and coconut husk. Lightly dampened sphagnum moss can also work well as a growing medium for paphiopedilum orchids.
Temperature and Humidity: Paphiopedilum orchids grow best with humidity in the 40% to 70% range. In arid regions or during cold winters, it’s a good idea to run a humidifier nearby to increase moisture in the air. The plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees, but they can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and up to 95°F.
Fertilizer after each watering. Use 20-20-20 fertilizer, once a week, diluted to one-quarter strength.
Paphiopedilum orchids grow along the shaded forest floor, they require less light than some other orchid types. Indirect light from an east-facing window is ideal. You can also put your paphiopedilum near a south-facing or west-facing window as long as it’s shaded by a sheer curtain. A reddish tinge to the leaves indicates that the plant is getting too much light, while a lack of blooming indicates too little light. Note that paphiopedilums with mottled leaves require less light than those with solid green leaves. |