Growing Paphiopedilum Orchid at Home Is Easier Than You Think—Here's How

Paphiopedilum orchids, also called slipper orchids, are a type of terrestrial orchid known for their pouch-shaped petals that resemble a dainty slipper. Paphiopedilums are part of the sub-family Cypripedioideae, or lady's slipper family.

Unlike epiphytic orchids, which grow in trees, these orchids grow on the floor of tropical forests in their native Southeast Asia. Paphiopedilums are relatively easy to grow indoors as houseplants and thrive with high humidity, medium indirect light, and moist soil. Here's how to care for paphiopedilum orchid in your home.

Paphiopedilum Orchid Care

• Put in a place with medium indirect light.
• Plant in a chunky, well-drained growing medium.
• Water once or twice each week.
• Fertilize with a balanced orchid fertilizer after each watering.

Light

Because paphiopedilum orchids grow along the shaded forest floor, they require less light than some other orchid types. Indirect light from an east-facing window is ideal. You can also put your paphiopedilum near a south-facing or west-facing window as long as it's shaded by a sheer curtain.

A reddish tinge to the leaves indicates that the plant is getting too much light, while a lack of blooming indicates too little light. Note that paphiopedilums with mottled leaves require less light than those with solid green leaves.

Soil

Like other orchids, paphiopedilums don't grow well in standard houseplant soil. Instead, look for a chunky, well-drained mix designed for paphiopedilums that includes ingredients like orchid bark, perlite, charcoal, and coconut husk.

Lightly dampened sphagnum moss or Rockwool, a hydroponic substrate, can also work well as a growing medium for paphiopedilum orchids.

Water

Paphiopedilum orchids lack pseudobulbs, meaning they have a lower capacity for storing water than other types of orchids. As a result, they may need to be watered more frequently, and you won't want to let the growing medium dry out completely.

Water paphiopedilums one to two times per week, depending on the growing conditions in your space. Plants in hot, dry climates tend to require more water than those in cooler, more humid climates.

It's also important not to give softened water to these orchids, as the salts can damage their roots. If possible, water paphiopedilums with rainwater, distilled water, or even the water collected in a dehumidifier.

It's possible to use tap water, but plants watered this way will need to be repotted more frequently as minerals from tap water build up in the growing medium.

Temperature and Humidity

Paphiopedilum orchids grow best with humidity in the 40% to 70% range. In arid regions or during cold winters, it's a good idea to run a humidifier nearby to increase moisture in the air.

The plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees, but they can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and up to 95°F.

Fertilizer

Feed your paphiopedilum orchid with a balanced orchid fertilizer diluted to one-quarter strength. Fertilize once per week after you water the plant. Once per month, flush the growing medium well by running water through the pot for several seconds to help wash away excess salts.

Types of Paphiopedilum Orchid

• 'Maudiae' hybrid paphiopedilums: Also called mottled-leaf paphiopedilums, these hybrids have light green leaves dotted with dark green splotches. They bloom with one or two long-lasting flowers once per year. They prefer warm temperatures and require less light than other types, making them ideal for indoor growing.
• Insigne paphiopedilums: These orchids are sometimes called green-strap paphiopedilums due to their many solid green, strap-like leaves. They require cool evenings and brighter light than some other varieties, making them more challenging to grow indoors.
• Complex paphiopedilums: The "bulldog" paphiopedilum hybrids are known for their large, colorful single flowers. Similar to mottled-leaf paphiopedilums, they prefer warm temperatures and can grow well in lower light.
• Multifloral paphiopedilums: Rather than just one or two flowers per plant, these orchids bloom with several flowers on a single stem. They require more space and brighter light but are considered some of the most beautiful paphiopedilums due to their profuse blooms. A few months of cool nights are needed to promote flowering.

Pruning

There's no need to prune paphiopedilum orchids regularly, but it's a good idea to remove dead or damaged leaves as they appear. Cut away affected leaves with sterilized pruners at the base of the plant.

Propagating Paphiopedilum Orchid

After blooming, paphiopedilum orchids will grow offshoots, each of which can grow its own flower stem. Specimens with multiple growths can be divided, but know that this process can damage the delicate root system.

If you do decide to propagate your paphiopedilum orchid, wait until there are several mature growths in the pot. Plan to divide paphiopedilums during repotting, which is best to do when new growth appears in spring—never during flowering. Before you begin, gather fresh orchid mix, a small plant pot, and sterilized pruners or shears.

1. Tip the plant from its pot and gently use your fingers to loosen the root ball and shake away the old growing medium.
2. Examine the crown of the plant and look for a natural division point. Each division should have at least three growths.
3. Carefully pull apart the plant from the crown at the division point.
4. Repot each division with fresh soil and water it well.

Potting and Repotting Paphiopedilum Orchid

Repot paphiopedilum orchids every two or three years. Wait until flowering has concluded and you see new growth appear in spring before repotting the plant.

1. Remove the old growing medium from the roots, cut away any dead or damaged roots, and go up only one pot size larger.
2. Fill the pot about a third of the way up with soil, then place the plant on top.
3. Fill in the rest of the pot with orchid mix, gently tapping or shaking the pot to help the mix settle.
4. Avoid pressing down on the mix, which can compress or damage the delicate roots.
5. Water the plant well after repotting.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

Like many indoor plants, paphiopedilum orchids are susceptible to common houseplant pests, including mealybugs and scale. Overwatered plants may suffer from root rot, which is caused by a fungal infection.

How to Get Paphiopedilum Orchid to Bloom

Bloom Months

Paphiopedilum orchids typically bloom between fall and late winter, depending on the variety.

How Long Does Paphiopedilum Orchid Bloom?

Paphiopedilum orchids bloom annually and last for anywhere from three to eight weeks.

What Do Paphiopedilum Orchid Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Paphiopedilum orchids are renowned for their colorful, long-lasting blooms with the characteristic slipper-like pouch. Flowers may be multicolored or solid-colored and come in a variety of shapes. Many varieties don't have a noticeable fragrance, but several species offer a sweet-smelling aroma.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Sufficient light is required for paphiopedilum orchids to bloom. A few weeks of cooler temperatures can also help promote blooming.

Caring for Paphiopedilum Orchid After It Blooms

After blooming has concluded, cut back the flower stem to the base of the plant.

Common Problems With Paphiopedilum Orchid

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, which promotes root rot. If roots are healthy but leaves are yellow, a lack of fertilizer could be the issue.

Browning Tips

Stress, typically caused by a lack of water, can cause the leaf tips on paphiopedilum orchids to turn brown. Water plants more frequently to keep the roots from drying out.

Flowers Falling Off

Lack of water can cause paphiopedilum flowers and buds to suddenly drop. Watering with cold water can cause the same issue. Water frequently with tepid water.