All about Paphiopedilum orchid: general description, home care tips and the type of plant in the photo

It is no coincidence that the Paphiopedilum orchid is named after the goddess Venus - the goddess of beauty, desire, pleasure.

There is a mystery and mystery in this orchid, inexplicable beauty and harmony.

This type of orchid is one of the most numerous and diverse - there are so many varieties and sub-varieties! And each is a perfect creation of nature, its great work and gift of heaven.

Brief definition

Paphiopedilum or Venus slipper belongs to the ancient genus of perennial herbaceous plants, the family is orchid. Homeland - India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines. These types of orchids are planted mainly in botanical gardens, due to the peculiarities of reproduction and care, but now hybrids and bred greks are full of flowers on the windowsills of houses and apartments.

Description of appearance

The root system in Paphiopedilum is well developed, slightly pubescent, brown.

The stalk is relatively short, the shoots are sympodial. The leaves are found in various shapes, depending on the type of this orchid: they are wide, they are oblong, like belts; two-way socket. The colors are also different: some varieties have one-color leaves, and some differ in an intricate marble leaf pattern. They grow to 50-60 cm.

Peduncle medium grows from 5 to 55 cm. Almost all types of inflorescences are the same in color and shape. Up to 30 flowers may gradually appear on one peduncle - stalk! And in some species of this orchid there are not so many flowers - 13 - 15.

The flowers are large, expressive, especially shaped. Vivid oriental colors of orchids prevail: red, bright yellow, green. The upper petal, like a sail, is wide, bright, bulging forward, it is slightly wrapped, therefore it protects the flower from rain or excessive water when watering, such a canopy is a visor. And the lip resembles an elegant shoe, so the orchid got several names - twins - Venus slipper, Zozulki, Venus slipper, etc.

There are about 60 species of this colorful oriental flower. In nature, lives in gorges, high in the mountains of distant Asia.

History of occurrence

Paphiopedilum was classified as a separate genus at the end of the 19th century. Back in 1819, in India, a Danish scientist Nathaniel Wallich discovered this miracle - a flower, described it in his writings and even settled this rare species in the botanical garden. So Europe discovered the Shoe of Venus. In the 19th century, strange flowers began to be planted in the Royal Nursery of England. Nowadays, more than 70 species have been studied.

The most recent find is a natural specimen discovered in the jungle of Vietnam in the late 90s of the 20th century, described by our compatriot, St. Petersburg L.V. Averyanov.

What is the difference from other flower types?

At the moment, this natural, the primordial species of orchids is in danger of complete extinction. Therefore, all types of Paphiopedilum are included in the Appendix of the International Convention for the Protection of Wild Animals and Plants. Their abundance in wildlife has declined greatly, breeders bred Shoe successfully, you can buy any variety in the store.

Slippers are not all epiphytes, there are lithophytic ones, that is, they grow on stones and ravines, but there are species that live on the earth, their roots adapt well to a thick layer of forest litter.

The main difference between Paphiopedilum is that each of the subspecies of this many-sided orchid has its own habitat, its own necessary temperature and humidity, and the substrate is also different. Such care features need to be clarified when you purchase an orchid.

One more Paphiopedilum orchid feature - leaves do not die off after floweringTherefore, all year the flower has a chic look, decorates the decor, creates a special mood in the house, delighting with its bright greenery.

Description of subsorts with photos

Here you will find a description and photo of each subspecies.

Appleton

The orchid is large, voluminous, up to 10 cm in diameter. It blooms in spring, it is a real harbinger of the sun - bright yellow, sometimes greenish-purple, gives a pleasant aroma. The leaves are painted with marble patterns, hard, slightly rounded, sessile.

Great

This flower is like greetings from the Himalayas, it comes from there. A very delicate greenish color, blooms in late autumn and blooms all winter. It has many varieties, different variety of colors and aromas. Loves the cool. The leaves are long, grow up to 30 cm. Peduncle average.

Snow white

Very delicate orchid, loves warmth and light. It blooms in the summer, loves to be looked after, cherished, the real queen! White flower petals are covered with a scattering of dark dots. The peduncle is small, about 20 cm, gives 1 - 2 fragrant flowers, 8 cm. The leaves are long, painted marbled. Elite flower.

Bloom

The timing

Each type of plant has its own flowering period. Flowering lasts up to 3 months, and the elegant foliage remains the same after the orchid has bloomed.

Features

And after flowering, Paphiopedilium orchid usually reaches for the light, periodically turn the pot so that the leaves and stems do not deform.

After the orchid fades, the peduncle dries, you need to prune it right at the base.

What to do if it does not blossom?

In order to wait for flowering, there should not be differences and temperature fluctuations, as, for example, in phalaenopsis. It is necessary to comply with permissible moisture standards, fertilize, water. In winter, you need to connect phytolamps.

Step-by-step care instructions

From here you will learn how to care for the plant at home.

Seat selection

This orchid is very common in greenhouses, but it should be noted that this flower feels great in the apartment, it does not need much time and attention, need proper care.

A slipper loves a cozy corner without drafts, slightly shaded by a curtain.

Humidity should be sufficient sometimes you can treat the orchid with a warm shower, sometimes you can feed it with fertilizers.
Also, do not put pots near the battery.

Soil and pot preparation

For shoes, plastic or ceramic pots are best and most often used. Be sure to make small holes at the bottom for drainage so that the substrate is ventilated and dried.

For young collectors, transparent pots are better - you will see how the root develops, see if the soil is dry. And transparent pots can be hidden - masked in a cache-pot - cover. It is both beautiful and will prevent the appearance of blue - green algae on the inside walls of the pot.

No matter what kind of shoes you transplant, pine bark must be in any mixture.

Mixture Options:

1. Composition 1:
   • pine bark, pieces of 0.5-1.5 cm - 5 hours;
   • perlite - to preserve moisture - 1 hour;
   • charcoal - 1 hour;
   • 5: 1: 1 - proportion.
2. Composition 2:
   • pine bark, pieces of 0.5-1.5 cm - 7 hours;
   • coarse sand - 1 hour;
   • charcoal - 1 hour;
   • perlite - 1 hour;
   • 7: 1: 1: 1 - proportion.

The substrate may clump, water may stagnate in it, salt may accumulate - this harms the roots, the whole orchid may die. It is better to renew the soil annually; it should be neutral or sufficiently acidic. Before planting, consult a florist.

Temperature

Most Paphiopedilum orchids love moderate heat - 20-25 ° C in the summer and 14-16 ° C in the winter, that is, there are no special requirements. The main thing is that the temperature does not rise above 32 ° C - the flowers suffocate, the root dies, you need to immediately cool it. Shade windows, put additional containers with water to increase air humidity. In winter or autumn, hypothermia of the orchid must not be allowed; up to 5 ° C, the flower tolerates persistently, below the permissible norm - it is detrimental to Paphiopedilum.

There are species that love coolness and, accordingly, require differences in night and day temperatures.
It is important not to install pots near radiators, it overdries the substrate, negatively affects the roots, stems and leaves.

Humidity

• For this type of orchid, the permissible limits of humidity are 30-60%.
• Orchid loves fresh air, avoid stagnation, ventilate the room, but beware of drafts.
• In warm weather, to refresh the orchid, spray - irrigate it with warm, clean water.
• Slippers welcome a warm shower, only after it you need to get wet well in your sinuses and sockets to avoid decay.
• In the heat and heat, you can artificially moisten the air, refresh the orchid. Pots can be installed on a pallet with wet expanded clay or pebbles.
• In summer, orchids can be placed outdoors in the garden, on the veranda, on the balcony.

Lighting

There are no single recommendations for all representatives of this flower. Some people like coolness and feel great on the northern windows of apartments, and some species need an additional lamp to extend daylight hours in winter.

But anyway most orchids need a 12 -13 hour light day. Direct sunlight is contraindicated for all orchids, it is better to place them on the east side. If the sun is too bright, the windows should be shaded with a light tulle so that the light becomes diffused.

Shoes - constantly drawn to the light, so from time to time turn the pot, let the orchid feel comfortable from all sides.

Watering

So that the root does not get sick with fungus or other diseases, observe the soil - the substrate inside the pot from watering to the next watering should dry well. But at the same time, drying out must not be allowed. Control the condition of the roots through a transparent pot, test the substrate for dryness. If it is dry, carefully pour warm water from the watering can, but not hot.

Top dressing

It is better to feed the orchid with watering, adding the right dose of fertilizer for orchids to the settled water. They are purchased in a flower shop, there, ask about the permissible doses so as not to overfeed the orchid. Usually fed for every 3 waterings, not more often.

Transfer

• If the soil has become heavily polluted and decomposed, it is better to renew the substrate. Some gardeners say that it is better for this orchid to renew the substrate every 7 to 8 months.
• In general, it all depends on the age of the orchid. A young flower is usually transplanted once a year. Adult flowers - every 3 years.
• If the roots are rotten, the pot becomes small, the substrate smells unpleasant - it is better to transplant an orchid to avoid its death.
• We transplant into a transparent plastic pot or clay, but not varnished, so that the roots are well positioned and cling to its walls.
• The soil should be loose and light, do not crush or compact, so that there is free air access.
• Be sure to put drainage on the bottom - pebbles, expanded clay, etc.

How to propagate?

Paphiopedilum is propagated by division. The following conditions must be observed:

1. Each divided part must have at least 2 shoots.
2. Water the flower well, soak it, so that it is easier to get it out of the pot and divide it into parts.
3. To clean from the old soil, remove the damaged roots, dust the wounds with charcoal.
4. After the procedure, do not water for 2 weeks.
5. Humidify the air.
6. Maintain temperature - 20 -22 ° C.

Diseases and Pests

• The most dangerous pests - ticks, scale insects, worms. They are enemies of leaves, stems and peduncles. Yellow and then purple spots appear. Orchid is covered with black sticky dew. Spraying will help 1 time per week, repeat 2-3 times for prevention. Use fitoverm. If the flower is badly infected, use malathion. Remove pests with a cotton swab, it is better to bathe an orchid after a hot shower after treatment, and treat the sinuses of the leaves well.
• Rot and fungus - a disease of the root and its base. This occurs when air does not circulate, high humidity, dampness. Copper sulfate will help here.

Prevention of various problems

1. Frequent inspection, observation of the orchid will help to avoid flower diseases.
2. If the leaves change color, first turn yellow, then turn brown - the substrate is "overfed" with salts. Transplant and change the soil.
3. When transplanting, work with disinfected tools - do not introduce the infection.
4. When reusing pots and flowerpots, wash them well, process.
5. For prevention, wipe the leaves with a diluted needles extract once a month.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the number of hybrids of the beautiful Paphiopedilum orchid was more than 400! In 1926, the George Moore Medal was established for the most extraordinary masterpieces of this kind. And today, this titled person can decorate our gardens, verandas, living rooms, filling the house with luxury and splendor.

Watch the video: How to identify Orchids without flowers - A simple guide for beginners! (December 2024).