Paphiopedilum Maudiae gx (Venus Slipper Orchid)

Paphiopedilum Maudiae gx (Venus Slipper Orchid) is an evergreen, tender orchid boasting ravishing flowers, 4 in. across (10 cm), in spring and early summer. The blossoms feature a yellow-green pouch resembling a slipper, and green and white striped upper petals. They may persist on the plants for as long as two months. The sophisticated flowers are borne singly on upright stems above the foliage of mottled rounded to oval green leaves. Maudiae is a primary hybrid between Paphiopedilum callosum and lawrenceanum. Introduced in 1900, Maudiae went on to breed many similar types of slipper hybrids known for their beautiful foliage and elegant flowers. Resilient and easy to grow, Paphiopedilum Maudiae is a popular and 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 are best.
• Needs a minimum night temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C) and a daytime temperature of 75-85°F (24-30°C).
• Maintain high humidity (50%) in spring and summer by standing container in a tray of damp pebbles – do not mist.
• Water once or twice a week in spring and summer, reduce watering in the winter but do not allow compost to dry out completely. This orchid needs a moist medium – never soggy, but never dry.
• Feed every two to three weeks with a proprietary orchid fertilizer when in growth but reduce frequency and/or strength of feeding in winter.
• Propagate by division in spring when plant has at least six new growths and can be divided into clumps of at least three growths.
• 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. Paphiopedilum orchids like to be tight in their pots. An average plant should have a 4-6 in. pot (10-15 cm).
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs.

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.