Alphabetical Plant Listing

Paphiopedilum barbatum (Bearded Paphiopedilum)

Venus Slipper Orchid, Lady Slipper Orchid, The Bearded Paphiopedilum, Cordula barbata, Cypripedium barbatum, Cypripedium biflora, Cypripedium purpuratum, Cypripedium warnerianum,


Paphiopedilum barbatum (Bearded Paphiopedilum) is an evergreen, tender orchid boasting striking burgundy flowers, 3-4 across (8-10 cm), with greenish-white sepals adorned with dark purple longitudinal stripes. Blooming in the spring, the flowers are borne usually singly (rarely 2) on upright stems. The attractive foliage of dark green mottled leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), is narrowly elliptic and thin in texture. Native to north Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia, Paphiopedilum barbatum grows in moist shady valleys on granite boulders covered with moss or on the ground in mossy and sandy or peaty areas at elevations of 2300-4200 ft. (700-1300 m). Paphiopedilum barbatum is an easy orchid to grow and bloom.

  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm).
  • Grows in an open medium in a shaded position in summer protected from direct sunlight but move to a bright, unshaded position in winter. An east or west window, or near a shaded south window are best.
  • Needs a night temperature of 61-71°F (16-22°C) and a daytime temperature of 68-77°F (20-25°C).
  • Maintain high humidity (50-70%) for most of the year by standing container in a tray of damp pebbles - do not mist.
  • Water frequently in spring and summer. The substrate between waterings should dry well, but not dry completely. 
  • Paphiopedilum barbatum needs a dormant period to stimulate flowering. During dormancy, night temperature should not exceed 59°F (15°C) and watering should be replaced with a light, clear spraying of the substrate.
  • Feed once every two weeks in the spring and summer, once every 4 weeks in the fall and winter.
  • When the blooms are finished, cut the spike down to the level of the leaves. Continue watering and fertilizing and within a year a new growth will spike to begin the blooming cycle again.
  • When the plant has finished blooming is a good time to repot your orchid. Repot every year. Paphiopedilum orchids like to be tight in their pots. An average plant should have a 4-6 in. pot (10-15 cm).
  • Large plants can be divided by pulling or cutting the fans of the leaves apart, into clumps of three to five growths.
  • Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs.
  • Native to north Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia.

Tips for reblooming

  • Check regularly if the plant is secure in its pot and the root system is sound. If not, repot.
  • Try applying a blooming fertilizer in the early spring months.
  • Move the orchid to a cooler, brighter location for a week, then return it to its original location.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 12
Plant Type Orchids
Plant Family Paphiopedilum - Slipper Orchids
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Patio and Containers

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Guides with Paphiopedilum - Slipper Orchids


 benjamas154, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 12
Plant Type Orchids
Plant Family Paphiopedilum - Slipper Orchids
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Patio and Containers

Guides with Paphiopedilum - Slipper Orchids

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