The Cypripedium orchid has a very dramatic bloom, different from the orchids we commonly see on the shelves of your local market floral shop or nursery shelf. Carl Linnaeus named this orchid species back in 1737 using the word Cyprus from the Greek Isle of Cyprus along with the word pedilum which means shoe or slipper.

So you may recognize this orchid through its other common names like Lady Slippers, Steeple Cap, Venus’ Shoes, Whippoorwill Shoes, Camel’s Foot or Moccasin Flowers. The English name of this orchid, Lady Slippers, definitely relates to the slipper-like appearance of the beautiful bright pouch. The petals that frame the pouch have the specific name of calceolus which, in Latin, means “shoe.” It is Great Britain’s rarest and most remarkable orchid. Each stem supports only one or two flowers – rarely three. The lighter green leaves have obvious nerves along the length.

This stunning group of hardy orchids is one of the easiest to grow, even though it is
considered to be one of the slowest growing plants. It can take up to eleven years before it produces flowers. But I don’t mind; they put on a yearly show that is unmatched by other orchids. The sight of them can stop you in your tracks. These ancient blooms seem to be able to stir up a feeling deep within that makes us sigh with pleasure. These amazing plants go as far back as 2500 years in the Far East when the roots were even used for medicinal purposes as a sedative and a tonic. In China, dried stems were crushed into a powder and used to stop bleeding from wounds.

Cypripediums usually grow well in partial shade with a 30% to 70% humidity factor and can survive at 35º to 89° F. They are not very demanding but should be in well ventilated and well drained soil, and can be covered with a 50% shade cloth so they don’t get much direct sun. Common mixes are sand, clay, gravel, fir bark, silt, pumice, pine needles, lava rocks and perlite. The mixture is really dependant on the particular species or orchid. Among the hardiest of all and they grow in the colder climates of Europe, North America, Asia and Siberia, Alaska surprises us all by being able to grow these spectacular flowers. The seeds are minute. They’re dust-like and have no food reserves so they are dormant in winter and develop rhizomes instead of tubers. They can grow under the snow and begin blooming when it melts. The height of these plants is usually 20 to 70 cm (8 to 28”) and the petals can be as large as 3.5 to 5 cm. (1 to 2”). Close to extinction in the wild due to the shrinking natural habitat and collection by people, Britain reports only one single calceolus has survived. How sad.

A misperception has existed for many years that Cypripedium orchids are difficult to grow but that’s no longer true since you can get nursery propagated plants with easy-to-follow directions. If they are planted in Mediterranean areas which don’t have cold seasons, they should be stored in the fridge at 4° C (39°) for approximately three to six months depending on the plant. The potting soil needs to be moist and the plants have to be checked regularly. All you need is the proper site and care and they will form large clumps that will live for forty or more years. For each year of well-tended growth you will see more clumps, sometimes 25 to 30 separate orchid plants thriving, each with their own flowers on them.

The following video will not necessarily teach you anything new about orchid care in general or about specifically caring for the Cypripedium Orchid, but it is guaranteed to increase your appreciation for these incredible beauties.

Most terrestrial orchids have a short and robust rhizome that grows in the uppermost layer of soil. The rhizome grows every year with a bud at one end and dies off at the other. Most slipper orchids have an erect long stem with leaves that grow all along its length. However, the Moccasin version has a short underground stem and the leaves grow out of the soil. The leaves are often hairy along the veins and margins and lack pseudobulbs. The sepals and pets usually show similar colors with the lip in a different color but there are the many variations of nature.

These astonishing flowers are not heavy feeders. They will thrive on organic fertilizer if you feed them from spring to early autumn once a week with a half strength fertilizer. Don’t feed in the winter when they are dormant. Relatively disease and pest free, you can occasionally see aphids. Always be on the lookout and follow directions on how to remove these garden pests. The minimal effort is well worth it.

Whether it is information about Cypripedium Orchids or the more common types of orchids and the supplies which are needed for successful growing, you will find it all here at Orchid Care.org — the most extensive source for everything for and about orchids.

Filed under: Orchid Species

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