Paphiopedilum delenatii (Venus Slipper Orchid)

Paphiopedilum delenatii (Venus Slipper Orchid) is an evergreen, tender orchid boasting charming pristine white flowers with a bright pink pouch, and central yellow staminode. The dorsal petal and lower petals are white inside and pink outside with reddish spots. As an added bonus, the blossoms have a slight rose fragrance. Blooming in late fall to early spring, the flowers are borne 1 or 2 (rarely 3) on upright reddish stems above the attractive foliage of mottled dark green, narrowly elliptic to oblong-elliptic leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm). The colorful leaves make this orchid an attractive houseplant even when it is not in bloom. Native to Vietnam, Paphiopedilum delenatii was originally found in the wild by a French army officer around 1914-1915. It was recently rediscovered in the mountains of southern Vietnam in the region near Dalat west of Nha Trang. It usually grows on eastern and southeastern slopes at heights of 3600-3900 ft. (1100-1200 m), but it is also found at an altitude of only 2600 ft. (800 m), and an altitude of up to 4900 ft. (1500 m). One of the few truly fragrant paphiopedilums, Paphiopedilum delenatii is a reliable bloomer and a beautiful choice for the home or greenhouse.

• Grows up to 8-12 in. tall (20-30 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 a shaded south window is best.
• Needs a night temperature of 62°F (17°C) and a daytime temperature of 78°F (26°C) in summer. A night temperature of 55-59°F (13-15°C) and a daytime temperature of 70-71°F (21-22°C) in winter.
• Maintain high humidity (70-80%) for most of the year by standing the container in a tray of damp pebbles – do not mist.
• Water frequently throughout the year. The substrate between waterings should be allowed to dry out. Water abundantly during the growing season (avoid soggy soil) and reduce watering while the plant is resting.
• Feed every week or every two weeks. High-nitrogen fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, high phosphorus fertilizer at the end of the growing season.
• This orchid grows better if moss is added to the substrate.
• 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 mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to 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.