Care of the indoor plant Paphiopedilum or Venus slipper |
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The genus Paphiopedilum, family Orchidaceae, comprises 80 species of orchids native to tropical regions of Asia. Some species are: Paphiopedilum insigne, Paphiopedilum barbatum, Paphiopedilum callosum, Paphiopedilum venustum. Common names: Venus slipper, Slipper orchid. They are terrestrial orchids with long ribbon-shaped leaves 30 cm (11.8") in length. The spectacular flowers measure 15 cm (5.9") and bloom from late summer to mid-winter. They are used as greenhouse and indoor plants. They are orchids of relatively simple cultivation. They need an illuminated exhibition but without direct sun (semi-shade). They do not resist temperatures below 15 ºC (59 ºF) or above 30 ºC (11.8 ºF)). The soil should be a mixture of 1/3 of black soil, 1/3 of leaf humus and 1/3 of coarse sand and fine peat. Use small pots. Water with lime-free water all year long enough to prevent the substrate from drying out. Spray the leaves with lime-free water if the temperature is above 23 ºC (73.4 ºF). Fertilize every 15 days during flowering with mineral fertilizer for orchids. Overwatering causes fungal diseases. They are propagated by division of the plant. |
Images of the indoor plant Paphiopedilum or Venus slipper |
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