Cypripedium ventricosum

Native to: China

General Information

Cypripedium ventricosum is a cold to cool growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to China.

Plant Description

Grows to 50cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, lance shaped leaves that grow to 7-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 50cm

Substrate(s)

• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 4mm to 107mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 50% to 81%, highest in August and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from -14C to 22C, highest in July (13C to 22C) and lowest in February (-14C to -13C).

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.