The lady's slipper (bot. Paphiopedilum) has a good reason for its name. The reason for this is the strikingly shaped lower petal. It clearly resembles a woman's slipper. In contrast to many other orchids, the lady's slipper grows terrestrially (on earth).
How many types of lady's slipper are there?
The lady's slipper includes about 100 different species and subspecies of orchids, all characterized by the slipper-like lower petal. The colors of the plants vary from white, yellow, pink and red to violet, and their height is usually between 15 and 30 centimeters.
How many species are there?
If you add up all the species and subspecies, then there are around 100 different lady's slippers. What they all have in common is the slipper-like petal, while the colors of the foliage and flowers can be very different. The height of growth is usually between around 15 and 30 centimeters.
The foliage of the lady's slipper can be plain green, narrow or broad-leaved, but also spotted, and the flowers can be monochromatic or multi-colored. The flower colors vary from white to yellow, pink and red to violet, even brownish tones are possible.
Interesting types of lady's slipper:
- Paphiopedilum armeniacum: about 15 cm high with bright yellow flowers
- Paphiopedilum delenatii: about 15 cm tall, white flowers with pink shoe
- Paphiopedilum micranthum: about 15 cm high, yellowish red flower with a large pinkish-bluish shoe, very varied
- Paphiopedilum concolor var.: about 20 cm high with light yellow flowers
Where does the lady's slipper actually come from?
The lady's slipper originally comes from the East Asian region, roughly from Nepal to New Guinea. They are sometimes very widespread there and have developed numerous species and subspecies. In addition, breeders have developed interesting hybrids. The Paphiopedilum has now become a very popular houseplant.
Are all species cared for equally?
The need for care of women's slippers and their need for a suitable location are as varied as their origins. There are species that do not bloom if they are not exposed to cold stimulus. The light requirements of the individual varieties can also be very different.
The most important things in brief:
- Location: mostly partially shaded to shady
- Species with spotted foliage need a little more light (partial shade) than green-leaved ones (shade)
- high humidity, at least 50 to 70 percent
- Soil: pH value 5 to 6.5
- Avoid the blazing midday sun and drafts
- Heat requirements vary greatly depending on the species
- Water vigorously, but avoid waterlogging
- fertilize regularly
Tip
Be sure to find out how much light and warmth your lady's slipper needs when purchasing. The needs vary considerably depending on the species.
