Paphiopedilum Pinocchio gx (Venus Slipper Orchid)

Paphiopedilum Pinocchio gx (Venus Slipper Orchid) is an evergreen, tender orchid boasting whimsical spotted pastel flowers. Each blossom is adorned with a pink pouch, a spring green dorsal sepal, and off-white side petals with burgundy spots. The plant produces sequential bloom stems, one after the other for months. It can be in bloom continuously for a year or more. The blossoms are borne singly on the upright stems, above the foliage of solid green, slightly rippled leaves. Pinocchio is an orchid hybrid obtained by crossing P. glaucophyllum with P. primulinum. Resilient and easy to grow, Paphiopedilum Pinocchio is increasingly popular thanks to its vigorousness, compact size, and beautiful sequential blooms. An excellent choice for the home or greenhouse. 

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• 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 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 the 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 the 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 the frequency and/or strength of feeding in winter.
• Propagate by division into clumps of three or more growths. Cuttings or offshoots may be rooted successfully.
• 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 mites, 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.