Paphiopedilum (Orchids)

Wild orchids are plants that came to us from tropical forests. They are appreciated even more precisely due to the fact that they are very rare, while looking incredibly attractive and sensual. In addition, these orchids have an incredibly graceful appearance, but their character is far from unpretentious and perfect. Florists are especially fond of the orchid, which bears the name Pafiopedilum, even though it is inferior in cost to its relatives, it is still incredibly popular.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

Paphiopedilum: description and characteristics of the orchid

In total, the Paphiopedilum family includes about five genera from the orchid family. They all have an identical flower shape, which is characterized by a swollen lip that looks more like a woman's shoe. This is where the name came from. In indoor conditions, the orchid, even despite its finicky care, is found very often, literally more often than many other genera and varieties of shoes. In culture, this orchid has been known to flower growers for 150 years, and every year it is gaining more and more popularity.

Natural species of Paphiopedilum usually grow in tropical and subtropical regions with an appropriate climate. Mostly these are the territories of Southeast Asia, China and India, Nepal, as well as on the territory of some states assigned to Oceania. Of course, there are many legends about the plant, but we are more interested in the facts about this planting, because thanks to them it will be much easier for the grower to create the most suitable conditions for planting, and the plant will demonstrate its maximum decorative effect.

The roots of a healthy Paphiopedilum orchid are colored brown, and they also have a very large number of small villi. The tips during the period of very active development can acquire a white tint. A shortened stem grows from the flower rhizome, a rosette is formed on it, which consists of either belt-like leaves or wide linear leaves, which are painted in a rich green hue. There are also leaves on which you can see the marble pattern, which is also a feature of this plant.

Each Pafiopedilum rosette can bloom only once, a peduncle is formed on it, its length ranges from four centimeters right up to sixty. The flowers are very large, bright, they are painted in red, yellow and greenish shades, especially the lip of the orchid, which is not only brightly colored, but also has a sweetish nectar, catches the eye. It is this nectar, which is located on the inner walls of the lip, that can attract the attention of insects that perform the function of pollinators - bumblebees, bees, wasps.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

Epiphytic species in the Paphiopedilum family are very rare. Under natural conditions, the plant usually grows in litter located in tropical forests or can grow like lithophytes - in crevices of rocks, on humus soils, which can usually be brought in either by the wind, or washed by sediments, so that in general, orchids can reproduce very easily. even in such conditions. In indoor conditions, plants should create such conditions that will be as close as possible to the natural conditions for the growth and development of orchids, but not everyone succeeds in doing this, because, as a rule, experienced gardeners who have already grown such crops repeatedly cope with this task.

In order to grow Pafiopedilum, it is worth picking up either a ceramic container or an opaque plastic pot for it, which will match the size of the root system that develops at the planting. You can also use transparent and translucent containers, but this is done solely in order to be able to independently control the general condition of the root system, as well as the condition of the lower layers of the substrate, which can also be depleted, the drainage layer can sometimes become obsolete, and therefore the layer , and the substrate needs to be constantly renewed. A transplant should be prescribed annually, especially if it is a very young plant. But the Paphiopedilum transplant once every two to three years is carried out only in some exceptional cases. Among such exceptional occasions, the following should be highlighted:

• in one pot formed from eight to ten outlets, and sometimes more
• the new shoot has already grown and matured enough, and therefore the gardener had the goal of dividing the bush in order to propagate it
• after flowering has ended, you can transplant the plant into a new container, as it will perfectly tolerate this procedure, especially during this period of time
• the state of the substrate, its depletion, salinity or decomposition - all this directly affects the state of the plant, and therefore it is imperative to periodically transplant the plant into a fresher substrate so that it has more opportunities to perceive mineral components and substances and, accordingly, to develop
• in almost any of the above cases, the transplant must be scheduled for the spring, not earlier and not later.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

For some orchids, it is possible to replace part of the soil in the container, and this is usually done about six months or eight months after the Paphiopedilum is planted in the container. Thus, it is possible to give the plant a large field in order to draw from it all the necessary components and substances, and this will have a very positive effect directly on the growth and development of the planting, on its decorative effect, flowering and life expectancy.

It is worth talking about the composition of the substrate with which we are dealing. The substrate for such plants should be based on pine bark and peat soil, which is intended specifically for seedlings, the ratio is 2: 1. Also, some additional components can be added to the substrate. These are charcoal, coarse grained sand, perlite or expanded clay, coconut flakes, which are excellent as a bark substitute. In addition, sphagnum moss should be added to the same substrate, as it perfectly helps to maintain the required amount of moisture in the soil. The substrate should be either neutral or slightly acidic, but if the gardener decided to grow calceophiles in a container, then limestone soils are perfect for them, since under natural conditions this plant is just accustomed to just such conditions. In principle, the preparation of the substrate should be taken very seriously and with full responsibility, because the general condition of the plant, its decorative effect, the duration and flowering, and the entire life cycle will largely depend on this.

Of course, in addition to preparation, you should definitely take into account the rules of care. We will talk about this in the next part of this article. Caring for the Pafiopedilum orchid is a very important agrotechnical part, and therefore the conditions will be interesting not only for newly-made flower growers, but also for more experienced flower growers who, in one way or another, would like to continue to develop in horticultural activities, open up new opportunities to effectively influence the plant.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

Orchid care Pafiopedilum

Paphiopedilum orchid is a culture that needs daily care from a gardener and, accordingly, his direct presence is simply necessary here. The gardener must not only constantly observe the plant, but also give him everything he needs, satisfy his whims and needs. Only thanks to this can you achieve the most positive results and help the plant become a magnificent, decorative and unique flower. Ideally, Pafiopedilum should be placed on windowsills that have a northeast, northwest, or east orientation; western windows are also suitable. Although there are some species that can develop quite calmly in the northern parts. The room where the orchid is located should be ventilated as often as possible, and in the summer, the container with the plant can be left in the garden, on the balcony, terrace or loggia. The flower adapts perfectly to diffused light, but at the same time, the plant can be kept in slight shade. This is not to say that the orchid normally tolerates absolute shade, since this is due to the fact that in the shade the plant simply loses all its decorative features and characteristics, and this, of course, is not the best option.

As for the temperature regime, Pafiopedilum causes rather contradictory sensations among gardeners. One way or another, many more experienced gardeners say that a plant that belongs to the group of moderate content can be located within temperatures such as 18-22 degrees. If we are talking about heat-loving orchids, then they must be in comfortable conditions for themselves, the temperature should be from 25 to 30 degrees, and sometimes even higher - this way the plant will ideally respond to all conditions, perfectly tolerate any troubles. One way or another, the general recommendations for temperatures are as follows - in the summer, the temperature should be within 18-25 degrees, but at the same time, short-term drops in temperatures are quite acceptable, especially in the off-season. In this case, the decrease is allowed at least 10 degrees, and the increase should be no more than 33 degrees. It is also worth focusing on the fact that the Papiopedilum orchid does not have a pronounced state of dormancy, so, in principle, stable caring measures and temperature conditions should always be observed so that the plant develops and grows in accordance with all norms and rules.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

The next part of caring for the Pafiopedilum orchid is watering and maintaining the humidity of the surrounding air within normal limits. When a plant enters its most active growing season, it should be watered very abundantly and regularly. But it is also worth allowing a short drying of the soil mixture in order to prevent rotting of the root system. The flower does not tolerate stagnation of water at all, it is afraid of it, and if it suddenly happened, then there is a great risk of developing viral and fungal diseases, rot of various types. That is why watering must be in accordance with the schedule, balanced, and the gardener must monitor the condition of the water - it must be either settled or filtered, ideally, melt or rainwater is suitable. Also, watering must always adapt to any changes that occur in the microclimate of the room, so it must be flexible, and this, in turn, depends entirely on the gardener himself.

If suddenly moisture gets on the Paphiopedilum sockets themselves, then they must be instantly soaked with a napkin, since moisture in those places immediately provokes reactions, putrefactive formations are formed, which are incredibly dangerous for planting, it can be completely lost over time, the plant will get sick and die. It is also worth blotting the plant thoroughly with napkins or a cloth after the gardener has lowered it under a warm shower.

Air humidity is an important condition, it should vary from 60 to 80%, no less. It can be increased manually in several ways - these are devices that are specifically designed to increase air humidity, and this is also the arrangement of the so-called indoor fountain. You can also periodically spray the plant from a spray bottle, flower containers can be installed on pallets, which are pre-filled with moistened pebbles or expanded clay. The method can be absolutely any, at the choice of the gardener himself, as well as in accordance with the general microclimate formed in the room.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

Papiopedilum is an orchid that reacts quite negatively to those situations in which an excess of fertilizing is formed. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out feeding in accordance with the schedule, it is best to do this no more than twice a month. In this case, organic and mineral fertilizers should be alternated with each other, which are just intended for orchid crops. But at the same time, the dose indicated by the manufacturer on the package should be two times less for these plants. Top dressing is especially necessary during the active growing season, after the plant fades, it enters a state of dormancy, and at this time it does not need any interventions from the gardener - neither watering nor feeding. But here again everything is individual, so that the grower himself should determine the state of the plant and whether it is worth additionally supporting it with additional fertilizing, or there is absolutely no need for this, and the plant can calmly survive this time in order to gain strength for growth, development and flowering , but already next season.

The buds of most of Pafiopedilum form around the end of autumn, and this process can also move to the very beginning of winter. If the florist provided the plant with all the conditions, looked after it, then every year the flower will grow new blooming rosettes, which really look incredibly attractive. A sign that the plant is ready to bloom is that a stop leaf is forming on the outlet, which is small in size, but at the same time it is also very tight. From the valves, the top of the peduncle and the bud itself are further formed. But this also does not always mean that the plant is ready to bloom, and that it will generally give some flowers this season. The stop list may remain empty, but you should not despair, because this plant will still form a new outlet, you just have to wait for flowering a little longer than usual. In addition, if the florist really followed all the rules, looked after the orchid, then he will certainly achieve his goal.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

There are some subtleties to keep in mind. So, for example, during the formation of a bud, it is not recommended to disturb the plant - you should not rearrange the container with the plant, turn it over, and you should not change anything at all in the care provided to the flower. Otherwise, he may simply drop the bud, and then this season of flowering can no longer be expected. This is due to the fact that at such a crucial time, any changes can be very dramatic, so they should not be allowed in any form.

After the flowering of Paphiopedilum is over, it should be given some time for the orchid to rest a little. During this time, you can lower the temperature a little, it can be from 15 to 20 degrees, watering is also reduced. In addition, you should not make any feeding for some time. Only after new shoots hatch on the old outlet, then it is then that it will be possible to gradually resume the usual care, but this should not be done abruptly, but rather in stages, otherwise the plant will experience severe stress.

In indoor conditions, the Paphiopedilum orchid can be propagated by dividing the bush. The seed method is used only if the plant is located in greenhouse conditions, while the grower must comply with all the rules and requirements of absolute sterility, since the growth and development of seed material will largely depend on this. But the varieties of papiopedilum are only subject to vegetative propagation, since in any other cases the gardener will most likely fail. The bushes can be divided during the next transplant, and also if from eight to ten sockets have already formed in the pot, no less. The rhizome is carefully cut into several divisions, each part must have at least three viable rosettes, so that the plant can really adapt normally and grow in the future.

Sometimes gardeners say that they come across advertisements for the sale of parcels with one or two outlets. But experienced gardeners say that such divisions have no more than forty percent chance of survival. Only in rare cases, if the gardener provides this planting material with the most ideal conditions, he will be able to take root and give really excellent results. But the likelihood that these orchids will bloom this or next season is zero, so be patient in this case. You can buy seedlings in specialized stores or in nurseries, and then grow them at home to a full-fledged adult material, and this option seems most suitable for many gardeners. Sometimes inexperienced growers do this, who understand that the process of dividing the root part is fraught with risks, and this may not always lead to a good result. But if you grow Pafiopedilum from seeds, then flowering will come only in the fifth or sixth year. So the choice of the method depends on the skills of the grower himself and on whether he is ready to wait so much time for the blossoming and decorativeness of the plant, or whether he still prefers to get a visible result immediately.

Now it's worth talking about what pests and diseases are considered the most dangerous for Papiopedilum. This orchid is very sensitive, since its leaf blades are sensitive, and the root system generally needs special treatment, care and protection. Very often, flower growers observe how the leaf plates are actively dying off. There are several reasons for this, but much depends on the apparent symptoms of the process. We will identify the following circumstances and factors that are most common:

• at first, the leaf plate is actively covered with yellowness, and then it gradually begins to acquire a brownish-brown hue - this may be a completely natural phenomenon for this plant. Such sheets should be removed, new ones will soon form in their place.
• the upper part of the leaf turns brown, almost becomes black, and then all this dark part slides along the edge of the leaf, it narrows to the center of the vein - this indicates that the plant is experiencing too much fertilizing, and Paphiopedilum may be affected by a fungus, which usually arouses a disease such as anthracnose.

If the florist noticed that flowers are falling from Papiopedilum, which have not even had time to open, then this indicates that the plant was affected by the fungus Botrytis. On the petals of the plant, on the lips, specks begin to appear, painted in a light brown tint. The reason may be sudden temperature changes, nighttime temperature drops, as well as the fact that the room has too high air humidity, and due to such changes, the plant begins to wither very much. If the root system suffers from too much moisture, then this leads to the fact that the roots begin to be affected by fungi, pathogens of fusarium, rhizoctinia, late blight.If such deviations are not detected in time, then soon this will lead to the fact that the plant begins to wilt, from its appearance it becomes noticeable that it is feeling unwell. As a result, Pafiopedilum simply dies.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

Among insects can be distinguished mites of flat beetles, as well as false spider mites. Mealybugs and scale insects are also very fond of eating orchids, and if you do not notice their presence in time and start the process of their active reproduction, this will lead to the fact that soon the plant will lose its external characteristics, and even later will die altogether.

Today, there are more than eighty known species in the Paphiopedilum genus, and their number can constantly change, as new species are discovered, old species become less in demand for one reason or another. The number of natural and artificial hybrids can also constantly change, and experienced gardeners say that today there are more than one thousand created, and far from all there is more accurate and adequate detailed information.

In this article, we will look at several types of orchids that are best known both in indoor floriculture and in the greenhouse. The first species that we will consider is pretty (also called bellatulum) - this species is native to Burma. The flowers are painted in a white shade, dark crimson blotches are pronounced on the petals, the flower circumference is from eight to ten centimeters, flowers appear in April, the leaves are also covered with white specks. This species looks really incredibly attractive and decorative, and therefore it is incredibly popular with flower growers.

• Apricot orchid Paphiopedilum - this species was discovered very late, only in 1982. This type of flower color differs - they turn out to be very bright, sunny yellow, they look just great. The pharynx of the plant is colored orange, the leaves are spotty. Taken together, this look is an incredibly bright and pleasant accent that really cannot but please the eye and leaves absolutely no one indifferent. Also, this plant looks great both in single and in group planting.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

• Adorable, beautiful view of Pafiopedilum- the homeland of this species is the Himalayas. Flowering occurs at the end of winter, the flowers are large, arranged in a single order, the diameter of one flower is about fifteen centimeters. The lip is colored orange, it can be distinguished by many greenish veins, the petals are also painted in the same tones, a large number of longitudinal stripes can be seen on them. It is due to the large flower that this plant is so popular, and flower growers from different regions of our country pay attention to it.
• Snow-white appearance of Paphiopedilum orchid - this species differs in that it gives off an incredibly attractive and fresh scent that cannot be compared with any other scent. The leaves have a marble pattern, but the flowers are painted in the purest white shade, differ in some radiance. The circumference of one flower is about eight centimeters, and they bloom mainly in the summer. This is a very delicate plant that is great for heat, and at the same time it is completely unpretentious, if we talk about caring activities - this species does not need feeding at all, or you can add them in a minimal amount, they will still respond perfectly to this. Also, this type of Orchid has a high level of immunity and stress resistance.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

• Orchid Paphiopedilum- the homeland of this species is the island of Borneo.This is an incredibly attractive and luxurious look that has very large and really chic flowers, their size varies from nine to thirteen centimeters in circumference. The sail of the plant is painted in a white shade, and the veins are located longitudinally, painted in a purple shade. The lip is painted in a cherry, reddish color, it all looks incredibly attractive and interesting, flowering usually occurs in spring, so this flower, in principle, is very good at adhering to agricultural technology, for watering and fertilizing, which it needs so much, like many other types. But even here it is worth observing the measure, since the Lawrence orchid can be very sensitive to any outside interference.
• Rough-haired look of Paphiopedilum - This is an Indian species that can give a very long flowering - flowering begins in the fall, and it lasts until the beginning or until mid-spring. The upper petal is burgundy brown, greenish color can be seen along the edges. The side petals are ocher-chocolate in color, while the lip is pale, brown, stands out due to the fact that reddish crimson stains are visible on it. The plant needs to comply with agricultural technology, it is also worth constantly looking after it, creating the most comfortable conditions for it, so that it gives maximum decorativeness and its external luxury.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

• Single color orchid species - otherwise they call him concolor - this species is most common in the south and west of China, as well as Thailand and Burma, Cambodia, Laos. The flower reaches seven centimeters in diameter, the color is beige or brownish, yellowish. Flowers that are white or ecru colored are rare. Small purple peas stand out on the petals, which give the plant even more decorative and attractiveness. If you comply with all agrotechnical requirements, then in this case you can achieve an incredible decorative result, and in general the plant will demonstrate the absolute maximum of its growth and development.
• Wonderful view of Pafiopedilum- originally from the Himalayas, flowering begins in September and lasts almost until February, while the flowers are painted in a greenish tint, they give off an incredibly attractive aroma. Another view - Bearded. This species is the parent of the first artificial hybrid; in culture, this species generally began to be grown much earlier than many other species. The leaves are distinguished by the fact that they have marble stains in the form of a pattern, the flowers are painted in a bright purple tone. Flowering usually occurs in the spring, it all looks incredibly attractive and interesting, and, of course, a flower can become an ornament not only for single planting, but also for group planting.
• Appleton's Paphiopedillum - This orchid is large in size, and it usually blooms in the spring. The leaves of the flower are spotty, and the flower is greenish-purple in color, in a circle one flower reaches ten centimeters. This species is native to Southeast Asia, it is distinguished by its popularity and prevalence precisely due to the fact that it is generally completely unpretentious, and the result is attractive and bright.

Paphiopedilum: photo of an orchid

Conclusion

Summing up, I would like to say that Papiopedilums are rare orchids that have practically disappeared under natural conditions. In any country, they can grow in wild, natural conditions, but they are listed in the Red Book, and they should be very carefully protected. Orchids are incredibly attractive, but at the same time they need really caring hands so that the gardener constantly looks after them, looks after them, and fulfills all agrotechnical requirements. Only in this case, the orchid will give in return all its charm, decorativeness, and originality.It should be borne in mind that Pafiopedilum must be watered in a timely manner, feed, do everything possible to ensure that it is in the most comfortable temperature conditions, so that the air humidity also meets all needs and standards.