Paphiopedilums are often called "slipper orchids" because of their unique pouch. They are easily grown as houseplants and their care is very similar to African Violets.
Paphs need more frequent watering than some other orchids because they have no pseudobulbs to store water. Bark retains less water so will require more frequent watering - every five days is usually sufficient. If your plant is potted in moss, water when the top feels dry. Care should be taken not to overwater to avoid rotting the roots. Soon you will be able to tell by the weight of the pot whether or not it is time to water again. If in doubt, wait a day.
Paphs belong to the "low" light group of orchids. An east window is ideal; west or south windows can also be used if shaded with a sheer curtain. You can tell by the leaves if the plant is getting too much light. A reddish tinge on the edges means you need to provide more shade for your plant. If your paph does not re-bloom, it may not be getting enough light.
Any balanced orchid fertilizer (look at the numbers on the container, 20-20-20, etc.) can be used to fertilize your orchid. Weakly (¼ strength), weekly works well. Once a month use clear water to flush any accumulated salts from the potting mix.
When the blooms are finished, cut the spike down to the level of the leaves. Continue watering and fertilizing and within a year a new growth will spike to begin the blooming cycle again!
Paphs generally enjoy the same temperatures that we do in the home; ideally, 60-65º F at night and 75-85º F during the day. Keep in mind that temperatures close to the window on a windowsill will be colder or hotter than your general house temperature. Paphs can be grown outside in mild climates. The plants can stand temperatures from 95oF to the 40s. Protect plants during cold temperatures by avoiding moisture on leaves or in the crowns and in summer from burning from the sun.
care-guidefungusguideMar 28 · 9 min readHow to Grow Magic Mushrooms?This is the only guide you’ll ever need to start growing psilocybin mushrooms. Buckle up and grab your wand, it’s time for a lesson in responsible herbology.
tipsfertilizingexplainerMay 4 · 5 min readHow to Use Coffee Grounds for Plants in Your GardenCoffee contains a lot of micronutrients and is used as an organic fertilizer for plants. But you can not just pour it into the soil, it is necessary to know all the nuances of such fertilizer.
growthlifehacksguideJan 10 · 7 min readFull Guide on DIY Banana Peel Water for PlantsBanana water is an easy and effective way to give your plants low doses of nutrients throughout the year. Continue reading to learn how to make banana fertilizer from ingredients you already have!
careplant-namesfunApr 21 · 5 min readTop-Notch Lists of Cute Plant Names for Your Growing Green BabyA lot of people choose names for plants as they are pets and family members. We have some funny ideas to help you with the struggle of choosing.
outdoor-growingoutdoorsgardenFeb 28 · 7 min readTop-Notch Guide on Plants that Repel Snakes NaturallySnakes are important parts of an ecosystem, as well as every other living being, but they might become unwanted guests in your garden.