This is a group of mostly terrestrial orchids (growing in the ground), but unlike many other terrestrial orchids, they do not produce pseudobulbs at the base of their stems.

Grow Paphiopedilum in a shaded position in summer, with protection from direct sunshine. Move to a position in bright, un-shaded light in winter.

The plain green-leaved slipper orchids are cool temperature growers, preferring a growing temperature range of 10-25°C (50-77°F), and requiring a minimum winter temperature of 10-13°C (50-55°F).

The mottled-leaved types tend to require a warmer temperature, needing a minimum night temperature of 18°C (65°F) and a daytime temperature of 20-30°C (68-86°F) with high humidity.

Slipper orchids generally flower from November to March, but flowers can appear at any time of the year. Flowers last up to three months, and may need support with a stake.

Watering, humidity and feeding

Water Paphiopedilum orchids regularly in spring and summer. Allow the

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

Do not mist this orchid. Instead, increase

The amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. Different plants require different levels of humidity. Houseplants that need high humidity are best grown in a steamy bathroom, misted regularly or the pot placed in a saucer of damp pebbles. In a greenhouse, humidity can be raised in hot weather by damping down (wetting) the floor, overhead watering or misting. However, high humidity can cause fungal problems, in which case open vents to improve ventilation.

Apply proprietary orchid fertiliser every two to three weeks at the application rate recommended on the packet. Reduce the frequency and/or strength of feeding in the winter.

Re-potting

Re-pot after flowering between February and June, using specialist orchid compost. Do not re-pot into a container that is larger than necessary; choose a pot just large enough to comfortably contain the roots.

After flowering, divide the plant by separating an offshoot with a good root system that has developed on the edge of a large clump. Pot it on individually as per the advice given above for re-potting.

Paphiopedilum Pinocchio: This has a lime green dorsal sepal, a pink pouch, and off-white side petals with maroon spots on them.
P. Maudiae: This has green and white blooms with a strongly striped dorsal sepal.
P. insigne: This is one of the more cold-tolerant slipper orchids, with a coppery-gold colouring to the flowers.
P. niveum: This has large petals with a slightly frilled edge, all in snowy white.

Paphiopedilum are prone to the same problems as other indoor orchids.