Cypripedium formosanum

Also known as: The Beautiful Cypripedium or Cypripedium japonicum var. formosanum Formosa's Lady's Slipper in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

General Information

The Beautiful Cypripedium is a cold to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae.

Plant Description

Grows to 35-40cm. Each new growth has numerous lance shaped oblong shaped leaves that grow to 8-13cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-15cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Spring

Blooming Season

• Spring

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

hot-forest-orchids Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 46mm to 912mm per day, heaviest in May and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 78% to 92%, highest in August and lowest in January. Temperature ranges from -1C to 17C, highest in August (8C to 17C) and lowest in January (-1C to 9C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually.