As a hardy terrestrial orchid, the lady's slipper orchid is out of the ordinary when it comes to cultivation. Read here how to properly water, fertilize, cut and overwinter the magnificent hybrids of the Cypripedium genus outdoors.
How do I properly care for a lady's slipper orchid?
The lady's slipper orchid requires slightly moist substrate, occasional fertilization and pruning when the foliage has died. It tolerates winter hardiness down to -25 degrees Celsius, but may require winter protection made of fleece or leaves.
How do I water the lady's slipper orchid correctly?
The lady's slipper orchid loves a slightly moist substrate that dries to the surface in the meantime. Please only water the plant when you feel dry soil with your finger. If you prefer a coarse-grained substrate, simply use a watering indicator to see the current water requirement.
Should I fertilize a Cypripedium or not?
The exact conditions at the location define the actual nutrient requirements. The more nutritious the soil, the less fertilizer should be used. As a rule, it is sufficient if you administer a liquid orchid fertilizer every 4 weeks from May to August.
When do I cut back the terrestrial orchid?
The Cypripedium orchid begins to retract its above-ground plant parts from the end of August. At this time, the remaining nutrients are transferred from the leaves to the underground rhizomes. This process should not be interrupted by a premature cut. Only cut the lady's slipper orchid close to the ground when the foliage has completely died.
Is winter protection necessary?
The lady's slipper orchid comes from habitats that are in comparatively cool climates in the northern hemisphere. The plant therefore has a robust winter hardiness of up to -25 degrees Celsius. The only requirement is that the roots are under a thick blanket of snow. Where this premise is not met, we recommend these precautions:
- Before the first frost, cut off all shoots close to the ground
- Cover the planting site with breathable fleece, autumn leaves or needle twigs
- Leave winter protection in place until ground frost is no longer expected
If your noble garden guest has already decided to produce the first shoots in late autumn, please do not cut them off. Instead, cover the outdoor orchid with a plexiglass pane, which is placed on supports or stones about 10 to 20 cm above the cheeky stems.
Tip
In contrast to tropical orchid species, a lady's slipper orchid does not want to be sprayed or sprayed. The risk of water accumulating in the heart and causing rot is too great.
