Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum (paf-ee-oh-PED-ih-lum)
This orchid is frequently referred to as a "Paph", and their long-lasting, fascinating lady-slipper flowers are good for shady locations. They can be grown under fluorescent lights. Paphs come in whites, pinks, greens, reds, and yellows.
- Water them several times a week. Paphs like to be moist, but not soaking wet.
- Paphs with mottled leaves and those with multiple flowers on each spike prefer warmer temperatures. Solid green-leaf Paphs like cooler temperatures.
- These do not need a winter dormancy. However, with the cooler, shorter days of winter, they will dry out more slowly, and need a little less water.
- Repot Paphs every year after they finish flowering.
Paphiopedilum Family
Paphs can be crossbred with one another to create hybrids. Hybrid plants combine the best qualities of both parents, and some can survive poor growing conditions or neglect. This "hybrid durability" makes them great choices for beginning orchid growers. Most Paphs sold today have been hybridized, which helps make them tough plants.Additional Paphiopedilum Images
Mottled leaves of a Paphiopedilum.
