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By slipperfreak at 2007-07-17 00:31
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Genus Description: This genus of slipper orchids is the most widespread, existing in North America, Europe and Asia. These species are found entirely in the northern hemisphere, and are mainly temperate, though some are subtropical. All are terrestrials mainly of wooded areas. They have delicate leaves and soft-textured flowers, and are very variable in size and shape. The taxon Cypripedium calceolus was the first slipper orchid to be cultivated, going back to the mid-sixteenth century. Today Cypripediums are becoming increasingly popular as mainly garden plants but are also grown in pots. These are the fabled lady's slippers that most gardeners are familiar with. Light: Most Cyps prefer bright shade as in the north or east side of a building or under a tree. In pots, bright indirect light. The delicate leaves and flowers will scorch in intense light or direct afternoon sunlight. Meanwhile, many will not flower if they do not receive some direct light in the morning. The species Cyp. reginae, Cyp. candidum and (in colder areas) Cyp. kentuckiense, can tolerate somewhat more light, as can probably Cyp. formosanum and Cyp. japonicum in colder areas. Temperature: Most Cyps are temperate plants and should therefore be grown in a cool greenhouse, alpine house, or outside in the garden in suitable climates. Different species have varying hardiness ranges so where you live decides which species you can grow in the garden. Most of the commonly cultivated species are hardy to at least zone 3, however. Cyps will all die back and go completely dormant during the winter. During this time, they need reduced watering and temps just above the freezing mark. Most need 3-4 months but the warmer growing species like Cyp. formosanum only need 2. Watering: In general, Cyps like moderate moisture at all times and cool roots. However, you must be careful not to keep the roots too wet as this can easily cause rot which is often fatal. you can combat rot by watering carefully and using an open, free-draining mix, and, when growing in pots, providing plenty of air movement. The following species are more sensitive to wet conditions: Cyp. acaule, Cyp. montanum, Cyp. macranthos and related species, Cyp. margaritaceum and related species, and Cyp. kentuckiense. Cyp. reginae is known as a moisture lover, but it should still never be kept WET for long perods of time. Humidity & Air Movement: As nature provides. In pots, air movement is absolutely essential to prevent rot. Most species can tolerate low humidity. Fertilizing: Cyps are generally sensitive to large concentrations of minerals and chemicals in the soil, but light fertilization is still a good idea. Generally, a general purpose formula diluted at 1/4 to 1/8 strength and applied every 2 weeks during active growth is o.k. Cyp. reginae and the hybrids are heavier feeders and require more fertilizer (as for other perennials) for proper growth. Cyp. parviflorum (all varieties) also seems to respond well to heavier feeding. Repotting and Dividing: Cyps grown in the ground are best left there undisturbed. They never need to be divided and take a good two years to establish. The more vigorous species such as Cyp. pubescens and Cyp. reginae, and the hybrids, can be divided once they are very large clumps without too much trouble. Simply cut the rhizome with a sharp knife. Each division should have at least one large dormant eye and plenty of healthy white roots. Any dividing should be done in the late fall or early spring, while dormant. Moving or repotting can be done at any time of the year, but is best done at these times. Repotting may need to be done if the plant overgrows the pot or the mix becomes sour. Always use as large a pot as possible to accommodate the vigorous root growth. Use a free-draining mix that at the same time retains some moisture. Generally it can be 30% to perhaps 90% organic depending on your watering habits and the species (use less organic material if you tend to water a lot or have a water-sensitive species). Inert materials such as perlite, sand, orchid bark, gravel and clay pellets are excellent additives to improve the soil's drainage. There is no definite recipe for a good soil mix; any mix can be used as long as it meets these requirements. A good term to remember is "fluffy". Additional Notes: The following species are hardy to at least zone 3: acaule, calceolus, guttatum, kentuckiense, macranthos (Siberian clones), montanum, parviflorum (all varieties), reginae. Most hybrids are very hardy as well. |
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