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Care of the plant Paphiopedilum or Venus slipper.

Care of the indoor plant Paphiopedilum or Venus slipper

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.

Paphiopedilum is used as greenhouse and indoor plants. It's an orchid of relatively simple cultivation.

Venus slipper needs an illuminated exposure but without direct sun (semi-shade). It does 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.

Paphiopedilum is propagated by division of the plant.

Images of the indoor plant Paphiopedilum or Venus slipper

Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilum insigne
Paphiopedilum insigne
Paphiopedilum insigne
Paphiopedilum insigne
Paphiopedilum insigne
Paphiopedilum insigne
Paphiopedilum insigne