The Paphiopedilum – “paphs” to their many admirers – are also more prosaically known as the Lady Slipper Orchids. Indeed, pedilum means ‘slipper,’ which the lip of the flower resembles. (Paphios was a temple in Cyprus dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, or Paphia.)
This is confusing, as the paphs are only distantly related to our native Cypripedium Lady Slipper Orchids. As with these though they are usually terrestrial but there the resemblance ends – sometimes they are epiphytic or even lithophytic (growing on rocks). They are tropical inhabitants of rainforests from the Himalayas to the Solomon Islands in the Pacific. About 60 species are known from the wild but there are many hybrids available in cultivation.
Often sold with but a single bloom at the end of a stiff stem, although multiple flowered forms are known, the flowers last for a prodigious length of time, often months on end when treated as befits their status in the world of horticulture.
Coming from the floor of the rainforest, these orchids prefer deeper shade than most but that does not mean dark, dismal crannies at the back of rooms with drapes drawn across the windows. Directly in a north-facing window, to either side of windows with an east or west exposure, even a few feet back from those facing south is recommended.
As with all orchids a major secret to successful cultivation lies in the watering. Water well perhaps twice a week but allow draining completely before returning to their normal location. Every two weeks in spring, summer and fall apply a specifically formulated orchid fertilizer but use only once a month during winter.
Temperatures that are comfortable for you suit paphs perfectly: 30ºC days, 15ºC at night. Like many another houseplant though they thoroughly dislike stale, stagnant air – smoking of any substance is definitely verboten. An overhead fan kept moving at low speed will make a vast improvement to growing conditions. Amongst orchid fanciers this is known as “buoyant air.” However, unlike most other houseplants they should never be spritzed with water.
Most orchid growers suggest choosing only lady slipper orchids with mottled leaves; those with plain green foliage require lower temperatures than are commonly found in the house.
Early in her career, Greta Garbo appeared in a silent movie originally to have been called Heat. Fortunately saner heads prevailed and it was renamed White Orchids. Garbo, a bisexual, for years afterwards would howl with laughter when suggested she might have been advertised as "Garbo in Heat."
In China, orchids are the symbol of virtue, moral excellence and refinement of the superior man. Obviously it is all too easy to become enthralled with such. Experienced orchid hobbyists will caution that you buy your first orchid; then you buy another; then you buy a new house . . .
Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.
