Cypripedium acaule

Also known as: Moccasin Flower or Cypripedium acaule h.f. album Cypripedium humile Cypripedium acaule f. biflorum Cypripedium acaule h.f. albiflorum Cypripedium acaule h.f. alba Cypripedium catesbianum Cypripedium vittatum var. planum Cypripedium hirsutum Calceolus hirsutus Cypripedium acaule f. lancifolia Cypripedium acaule f. albiflora Fissipes acaulis Fissipes hirsuta Fissipes hirsuta f. albiflora Fissipes acaulis f. lancifolia The Short Inflorescence Cypripedium in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Canada Georgia

General Information

Moccasin Flower is a large cold to warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Canada and Georgia.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 5-28cm long

Substrate(s)

• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids grow on the forest floor so are used to rich soil containing plenty of organic matter that is always moist (but not always wet), and prefer constant conditions in terms of humidity, temperature and water supply. They may not be as forgiving as epiphytes in regards to sudden changes in growing conditions so it is wise to ease them into new conditions over a the space of a few days, and repot as infrequently as possible.

Keep an eye on the plants condition regularly as they can decline suddenly if the conditions are not just right. It is more important to keep water supply constant rather than frequent - overwatering often causes rot which can quickly set in, especially in warmer conditions.

These can be grown in shady, moist areas in the garden, supplied they have protection from abrupt changes caused by the elements, e.g. dry winds, frost etc. Being grown around companion plants such as ferns and bromeliads will help build and retain the humidity they require throughout the year.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 25mm to 112mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 60% to 77%, highest in December and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from -14C to 28C, highest in July (17C to 28C) and lowest in January (-14C to -6C).

Fertiliser

These plants do well with slow release fertiliser at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media. Additional fertiliser during the growth period may be beneficial, but not necessary.

Potting

These plants can be sensitive to repotting though should not require repotting regularly. Repotting should be done when the mix has broken down to the point that it doesn't absorb water or holds onto water for far too long, usually the plant shows a decline in growth as well.

The mix should be free draining, with a blend of 30% inorganic ingredients such as coarse sand, gravel or perlite, mixed in with about 70% organic ingredients such as peat, leaf litter or decomposed bark. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they can vary wildly and may contain "wetting agents" that can hold onto water for loo long, causing rotting and stunted growth.