Paphiopedilum armeniacum

Also known as: The Apricot Orange Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum armeniacum var. parviflorum Paphiopedilum armeniacum var. undulatum Paphiopedilum armeniacum var. mark-fun Paphiopedilum armeniacum var. markii Paphiopedilum armeniacum h.f. alba Paphiopedilum armeniacum h.f. flavum Paphiopedilum armeniacum h.f. album Paphiopedilum armeniacum h.v. Mark Fun Paphiopedilum armeniacum f. markii in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: China

General Information

The Apricot Orange Paphiopedilum is a dwarf sympodial cool to warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to China.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous thick leaves that grow to 2-12cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 15cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter

Blooming Season

• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Fine
• Bark
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids live on the forest floor, often in dead leaves or humus, yet still have the organs that would allow them to store water given unpredictable or intermittent weather conditions. They require some moisture to always be present in the soil, but not much. Water when the soil approaches dryness and don't let it dry out completely. Some growers place pots in saucers to retain water, but this may create an environment that is too wet, leading to rot.

In most areas these can be grown in the garden under trees or in sheltered locations, as long as they are reasonably protected from huge weather swings, excessive heat, and frost.

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 155mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 60% to 83%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 0C to 24C, highest in June (17C to 24C) and lowest in January (0C to 15C).

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

dormant-medium-demand-orchid Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a low Nitrogen fertiliser during Winter. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Winter. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

This orchid prefers a fine, well draining media. Avoid commercial potting mixes as they may have 'wetting agents' that retain water for too long. A simple mix made up of 20% sand, 50% peat or moss, with the remaining 30% made up of decomposed bark and leaf litter would be adequate. Adding some charcoal to the mix will also help it last longer.

Repotting depends on how wet the media is usually. Every 2-3 years would suffice, or whenever the media shows signs of clumping, staying wet for too long, or smells foul.  

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually, after flowering and in Spring.