The slipper orchids are popular for the slipper shape of the flower. The flower’s pollination via insects is unique: insects are trapped and forced to climb up the staminode and fertilize the flower. Aside from this uniqueness, lady slipper orchid is easy to care for, highly resistant to environmental factors and has smooth pollination. Although the plant withstands some degree of drought and high heat, it is mandatory to learn how to care for your plant.
What should you do to care for the lady slipper orchid properly?
Lady slipper orchid is easy to care for; you should keep the following in mind.
Check the cultivating area
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Ensure you plant the lady slipper orchid away from the big plant or tree. Lady slipper orchid is gentle with lesser roots. The root is important in the osmotic movements of water into the plant system. Without water, the metabolic activities reduce or stop. Thus, planting your lady slipper very close to other plants (that have well-rooted root) may reduce how your lady slipper orchid plant absorbs and grow.
Check the soil evaluation
Observe soil clearing occasionally. It is best to clear the cultivated area when the plants are crowded with disturbing or bigger weeds. You should not bother about the cultivating area if you have your plant pot or place the lady slipper orchid indoors. Notwithstanding, the soil mix is essential: orchid potting mix or 2 parts fine-grade fir bark: 1 part perlite or sand: 1 part sphagnum moss. The artificial plant medium is the optimal medium for the lady slipper orchid, although the plant may grow on the typical ground. The plant thrives in well-aerated and well-drainage soil compared to other parts. There are about 165 species of this plant; do mix conditions meant for other species as the measure for your lady slipper orchid.
Ensure you divide the clumps
Lady slipper orchid develops into clumps naturally, especially when it grows into adult size. The large number reduces nutrient distribution, water absorption, and plant efficiency. You must divide the clumps into small sizes and reduce overcrowding.
Cultivate the young plant indoors before transplanting
The young lady slipper orchid does better indoors for a couple of years before you consider transplanting. If you have a plant pot or other medium you could use to cultivate the plant indoors, it is advisable to plant the young lady slipper orchid indoors first before outdoor transplanting.
Check and note the light requirement
Lady slipper orchid withstand a moderate level of heat. However, you should not place the plant in direct sunlight; it may burn. Lady slipper orchids thrive better in shaded sunlight. You may place the plant indoors or in an indirect sunlight shade outdoor.
For more information on different shades for plants, check out this article. Shade Cloth vs Blinds: Which Is Better For Patio Plants?
Check and note the water requirement
Unlike most plants, the lady slipper orchid requires consistent watery to thrive. However, ensure the soil is well-aerated and well-drainage. There is a high probability of waterlogging since you water the plant often. Ensure a drainage system prevents the plant from absorbing more than the required water. Do not let your lady slipper orchid dry out; promote constant watering.
For more information on other types of orchid, click here to see our other articles. Orchids
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Grown by Westerlay Orchids, a family-owned farm in Carpinteria, California
What should you not do to care for the lady slipper orchid properly?
Keep the following in mind while you care for your plant. Although there is a positive thing, you should do when caring for the lady slipper orchid. Some negative things you should avoid:
Avoid propagation via the rhizomatous roots
Propagation via the rhizomatous roots is possible; however, the success rate is low. Propagation via the stem is advisable: the flower and reproduction occur faster than the rhizomatous propagation. Propagation via the rhizomatous elongates the production to three or more years, which is not advisable for any gardener. However, you may try rhizomatous root propagation if you do not prioritize production in your lady slipper orchid.
Care for the plant via pest control
Lady slipper orchid attracts plant; promote plant control via pesticide. Do not do any harm to your plant by applying dangerous chemicals to the plant. Be well informed that the plant attracts pests; mild or non-harmful pesticide is enough as a control measure.
Do not mix the plant requirement
As mentioned earlier, the growth duration for each species differs, with about 165 species. Lady slipper orchid is one species – ensure you follow the plant requirement according to the section above. If you have more than one species in your garden, ensure you follow each plant’s requirement.
Conclusion
You will enjoy and keep your plant safe if you keep the information in mind. Caring for your lady slipper orchid should be easy because the plant has some innate ability already.
