Paphiopedilum concolor (One Colored Paphiopedilum)

Paphiopedilum concolor (One Colored Paphiopedilum) is a miniature, tender orchid boasting charming cream to peach flowers, 3 across (7 cm), finely speckled with dark red. Blooming in the spring and late summer, the pleasantly fragrant flowers are borne usually singly (occasionally 2 or 3) on short erect stems covered with reddish hairs. They rise just above the attractive foliage of dark green, elliptic-oblong leaves, up to 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), adorned with pale green tessellation and purple spots underneath. Native to China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, Paphiopedilum concolor grows in broad-leaved evergreen forests and scrub on very steep slopes and cliffs of high eroded limestone. This miniature orchid is easy to grow.

• Grows up to 4 in. tall (10 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 concolor 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 China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

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.