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Paphiopedilum sukhakulii (Sukhakul’s Paphiopedilum)

Venus Slipper Orchid, Lady Slipper Orchid, Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum, Paphiopedilum sukhakulii f. aureum

Paphiopedilum sukhakulii, Venus Slipper Orchid, Lady Slipper Orchid, Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum, Paphiopedilum sukhakulii f. aureum, Easy Orchids, Red Orchids

Paphiopedilum sukhakulii (Sukhakul’s Paphiopedilum) is a small semi-terrestrial orchid boasting large flowers, 5-6 in. across (12-15 cm). Each blossom features a yellowish-green to reddish-brown pouch, a broadly oval upper white sepal with longitudinal green lines, and green lower sepals with purple dots. Blooming in the late winter and spring, the flowers are borne singly on upright purple-brown stems. This orchid can flower twice per year and the flowers can last for 6-8 weeks. The attractive foliage of dark and light green mottled, narrowly elliptic leaves, up to 10 in. long (25 cm), is slightly dotted with red dots. The colorful leaves make this orchid an attractive houseplant even when it is not in bloom. Native to Northeast Thailand, Paphiopedilum sukhakulii grows in leafy sand-clay linens, usually along mountain streams, in the partial shade of large trees at heights of 780-3280 ft. (240-1000 m). A particularly ornamental species for the flowers as well as for the foliage.

  • Grows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 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 70°F (21°C) and a daytime temperature of 86-88°F (30-31°C) in summer. In winter, the average daytime temperature is 80-86°F (27-30°C) and 48-53°F (9-12°C) at night.
  • Maintain 70-80% humidity from the end of spring to fall, 60% at the end of winter and early spring – by standing container in a tray of damp pebbles – do not mist.
  • During the growing season, water with slight drying between waterings. Reduce watering in winter and allow the substrate to be completely dry for 1 or 2 days to induce flowering.
  • Feed once a week or every two weeks during the growing season. High-nitrogen fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, high phosphorus fertilizer at the end of the growing season.
  • 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 2-3 years. 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 Northeast Thailand.

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Plant Type Houseplants, Orchids
Plant Family Orchidaceae
Genus Paphiopedilum
Common names Orchid, Lady Slipper Orchid
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Paphiopedilum delenatii (Venus Slipper Orchid)
Paphiopedilum malipoense (Jade Slipper Orchid)
Paphiopedilum spicerianum (Spicer’s Paphiopedilum)
Paphiopedilum barbatum (Bearded Paphiopedilum)
Paphiopedilum concolor (One Colored Paphiopedilum)
Paphiopedilum callosum (Callus Paphiopedilum)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Plant Type Houseplants, Orchids
Plant Family Orchidaceae
Genus Paphiopedilum
Common names Orchid, Lady Slipper Orchid
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchid) to pick?
Compare Now

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