The Splendid Paphiopedilum
A cool growing species from Asia Paphiopedilum insigne is a semi terrestrial orchid, mid green leaves and flowers held on tall stems. The name means ‘Badge of Honour’ and it really is a stunning Orchid.
The individual flowers are long lasting, from 1 – 2 months depending on the growing conditions and the individual plant.
The pale yellow form, Paphiopedilum insigne var. sanderae is unusual, it does not have the spots of the species and is used widely in hybridisation.
This is a fairly widespread species from China, through South East Asia and the northern states of India including Assam.
What does the name mean?
Paphos – Paphos is a small city on the island of Cyprus where Aphrodite was born out of the sea. pedilum from the Ancient Greek word pedilon, meaning slipper.
insigne – means ‘badge of honor’
Also known as Venus’ slippers, Venus is the Roman counterpart to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
How To Grow Paphiopedilum insigne
This is naturally a lithophytic species, it grow in cracks and crevices of limestone outcrops along streams and near waterfalls, so it does naturally come from wet climates. Flowering time is usually in autumn/fall and this is an orchid that will grow well in cool climates.
It is not regarded as frost tolerant, and certainly no more than the occasional light frost.
It also will not tolerate any extended dry periods, so keep this one fairly well watered.
Growing Medium
Paphiopedilum do not produce pseudobulbs, they are semi terrestrial and therefore Paphiopedilum insigne does require access to moisture.
A substrate growing medium, can be simple soil mix Is medium sized pine bark with some super coarse perlite ( 5-7ml) mixed though to improve drainage works well. 70% pine bark and 30% perlite. With this you get the drainage and also some moisture retention.
Adding some vermiculite tooth mix can decrease the need for watering, however you will need to judge this according to your watering habits.
You do need to sure that the potting medium, is packed so the plant does not move around in the pot.
Light
Good filtered light for 8 hours a day is a minimum for best flower production and overall growth. So around 50% shade cloth.
You are looking for enough light to produce good glossy green leaves.
Temperature
P. Insignia is one of the species that can grow well in cooler temperatures. Try for a minimum of 12C, and a maximum of around 30C.
Humidity
The higher the temperature the more humidity, Water by drenching the growing medium and then allowing it to dry a little.
Watering
The trick to watering is to keep the growing medium moist, never wet and soggy and never dry. Watering frequency will depend on growing conditions. As a guide, water twice a week from spring through to autumn. Once week in winter.
In summer watering may be be more frequent depending on the temperature and growing medium as well as other growing conditions.
Underwatering Paphs can quickly lead to death of the plant.
Fertiliser
Liquid fertilisers work well, In the growing season, late spring, summer through to autumn use a 1/4 strength liquid fertiliser each week. In winter you can hold back on the fertiliser.
Air Circulation
This is important to prevent fungal disease and other issues, so with growing these plants indoors you need to ensure that air circulation is good. No cold drafts and no positions near heating and cooling ducts.
Repotting
The best time to repot is in early summer, this allows for the plant to recover and send out new growth before the heat of summer. As the growing medium settles you may need to add a little more to keep the root system covered.
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