Paphiopedilum gratrixianum (Venus Slipper Orchid)

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum (Venus Slipper Orchid) is an evergreen, tender orchid boasting ravishing caramel flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), with a white dorsal sepal blushed pink and spotted purple. Blooming in the fall and early winter, the blossoms are borne singly on upright stems above the foliage of solid green, linear to lanceolate leaves, up to 9 in. long (22 cm). Native to Vietnam and Laos, Paphiopedilum gratrixianum grows naturally in broad-leaved, evergreen highland cloud forests, shady cliffs, and steep mountain slopes at 900 to 1220 meters. Resilient and easy to grow, Paphiopedilum gratrixianum tolerates a wide range of conditions and temperatures, making it adaptable to cultivation. A beautiful choice for the home or greenhouse.

• Grows up to 10-12 in. tall (25-30 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 is best.
• Needs a night temperature of 62-66°F (17-19°C) and a daytime temperature of 68-72°F (20-22°C) in summer. A night temperature of 55-60°F (13-16°C) and a daytime temperature of 68-73°F (20-23°C) in winter.
• Maintain high humidity (50%) in spring and summer by standing the container in a tray of damp pebbles – do not mist.
• Water frequently throughout the year. The substrate between waterings should dry well, but not dry completely.
• 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 mites, and mealybugs.
• Native to Vietnam, Laos.

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.