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Low to moderate indirect light. East, north, or west windows with 1 to 4 hours of gentle direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) work well. Direct midday sun will scorch the leaves quickly. Does well under full-spectrum grow lights placed 1 to 2 feet above the plant.Light
Water every 5 to 7 days, keeping the medium consistently moist but never waterlogged. No pseudobulbs means no water storage, so don't let it go bone dry. Use rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water - avoid softened water.Water
40 to 70% humidity is ideal. A pebble tray or humidifier helps. Do not mist directly as it encourages fungal disease.Humidity
Comfortable between 55°F and 85°F (13 to 29°C). Cool-growers (solid green leaves) prefer nights around 55 to 65°F; warm-growers (mottled leaves) prefer nights above 65°F. Cool nights in fall trigger blooming.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Paphiopedilum hybrid orchid

Ladyslipper Orchids

Paphiopedilum hybrids

Moderate

Ladyslipper Orchids are named for the distinctive pouch-shaped lip petal that looks exactly like a small slipper — a shape that doubles as a clever pollinator trap in the wild. Unlike most orchids, your Paphiopedilum has no pseudobulbs for water storage, which means it needs slightly more consistent moisture than its cousins. The upside is that these are among the most beginner-friendly orchids available, tolerating lower light levels that would leave other orchids sulking.

Paphiopedilum hybrid orchid
AfroBrazilian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paphiopedilum hybrid orchid
AfroBrazilian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Ladyslipper Orchids

Light

Low to moderate indirect light.

Water

Water every 5 to 7

Humidity

70%

Temperature

Comfortable between 55°F and 85°F (13 to 29°C).

Soil

Loose, well-draining bark-based orchid mix.

Propagation

Division at repotting time is

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering or

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Every wild Paphiopedilum species is listed on CITES Appendix I — the highest level of trade protection — because demand from collectors has pushed 53% of the genus's 85 assessed species to Critically Endangered status.

Pet Safety

Pet safe

Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.

Sources

  1. Care of Paphiopedilum - Smithsonian Gardens (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Care of Paphiopedilum - Smithsonian Gardens (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. 12 Fun Facts About the Paphiopedilum (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. 12 Fun Facts About the Paphiopedilum (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Paphiopedilum - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Paphiopedilum - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Paphiopedilum Culture Sheet - American Orchid Society (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Paphiopedilum Culture Sheet - American Orchid Society (opens in new tab)Reference
  9. Paphiopedilum - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  10. Paphiopedilum - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
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