Selenipedium Orchids are also known as Slipper orchids and hail from Brazil. These elegant and striking looking flowers are a genus of tall, reed-like orchids that include a species that has pods used as a substitute for one of our favorite flavorings, vanilla. Although difficult to grow, which I will talk about later in this article, the small flowers are so special. With the full lip and beautiful colors, growers keep trying to cultivate them in captivity, so to speak. There aren’t that many plants that offer such great rewards given the proper care, as those collected by orchid lovers. Although challenging, you know you’ve reached the heights of orchid growing when you master growing a Selenipedium orchid.

A genus of the Orchidaceae family (an enormous broad based family of perennial plants that have unusual flowers with fleshy rootstocks, and are terrestrial or epiphytic), this orchid has its own tribe (rank in the orchid family) named Selenipedieae and a subtribe named Selenipediinae. Abbreviated as Sel in trade journals, the name is derived from the Green word selen which means “Moon” and pedium which means “slipper.” The pronounced lip of the flower, or the pouch, denotes the slipper portion of the name. Grown naturally in Central and South America, the Selenipedium orchid’s Amazonian habitat is threatened by extinction. Found in Costa Rica, South Columbia, Ecuador and the Amazon River basin in Brazil, this wild flower has seed capsules that were formerly used as vanilla substitutes, they are rarely cultivated. This is due in part to the small size of the flower and the difficulty in growing them out of their natural sites.

The majority of orchids are those that grow anchored to shrubs or trees and are called perennial epiphytes. They grow in the tropics and subtropics and most of them need temperate climates. The other species that grow on rocks are called lithophytes. Almost all temperate orchids grow on the ground. These unusual plants can be cultivated in sand and in tree fern fibers. If you decide to cultivate, they need temperatures in the range of 60 to 80 F and 60% to 70% humidity. The orchids must be watered with rainwater as should be cultivated in warm temperatures with diffused bright light. They are similar to Cattleya insofar as their lighting requirements are concerned. An over-the-counter fertilizer once a month and water after letting the potting mix dry completely, likely every two weeks, is what’s needed most. Their stems can reach up to three meters, about ten feet high, so you need a special area in which to plant them. Their columns have two fertile anthers on each side and a stamen in the center that covers the top part with the column.

There are only six true Selenipedium species are known to us. They are Selenipedium aequinoctiale (the Equatorial) which is a terrestrial orchid (grows on the ground) in Ecuador. The Selenipedium isabelianum is found in Brazil and the Selenipdium steyermarkin is found in Brazil and Venezuela. The Selenipedium vanillocarpum from Brazil has adapted to growing in the mountains and a new colony of them was discovered as recently as 2001. Also know are the Selenipedium chia, Selenipedium palmifoliun which is a dry land flower from the Amazon basin.

Orchids of all types are sought by collectors of both species and hybrids. Buyers will bid hundreds of dollars on new hybrids or on improved species. Botanical Gardens offer annual orchid shows that you can visit. This is one of those times when you would like to contact others who have grown or tried to grow these unusual plants. Learning from others is the easiest way to avoid pitfalls and loss of time, effort and expense – not to mention the emotions involved. The American Orchid Society is one venue to pursue. There are multiple growing guides available in your local libraries, book stores and online. Also, the nursery or grower from which you purchase your orchids will supply loads of information on how to grow and cultivate these and other orchids.

Here is a nice short video of a slipper orchid.  It’s worth your time!

For more information from additional sources, please click on the links provide here before you:

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