Cypripedium yatabeanum

Also known as: Spotted Lady's Slipper or Cypripedium guttatum ssp. yatabeanum Cypripedium guttatum var. yatabeanum Yatabe's Cypripedium In Japan - Kibana-No-Atsumori-So in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Japan

General Information

Spotted Lady's Slipper is a small to medium sized cold to cool growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Japan.

Plant Description

Grows to 20-35cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic leaves that grow to 3.5-15cm long. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 41mm to 124mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 82% to 89%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from -8C to 10C, highest in August (6C to 10C) and lowest in March (-8C to -2C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a constant supply of moisture, with a slight drying out between waterings. Saucers can be placed under pots to retain moisture during hot weather, however the saucers should be removed or let to dry every 1-2 weeks to prevent rot. Keep an eye on the plant especially in hot weather and look for cues of under/overwatering and adjust accordingly.

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.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round.