Paphiopedilum ciliolare

Also known as: The Short Haired Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum ciliolare h.f. semialbum Paphiopedilum ciliolare h.v. estaminoide Paphiopedilum superbiens ssp. ciliolare Paphiopedilum ciliolare var. miteauanum Cypripedium miteauanum Cypripedium ciliolare var. miteauanum Cordula ciliolaris in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

General Information

The Short Haired Paphiopedilum is a warm to hot growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae. The name refers to the hairs found in the pouch.

Plant Description

Grows to 30cm. Each new growth has numerous erect elliptic, lance shaped, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-15cm long. The plant forms clusters over time

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

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 to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 124mm to 620mm per day, heaviest in December and lightest in June. Humidity ranges from 82% to 91%, highest in January and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 16C to 26C, highest in May (18C to 26C) and lowest in January (16C to 22C).

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 orchids do not need to be regularly fertilised and roots may be sensitive to salt build-up, dying back and therefore impairing the plants growth or even killing it.

If fertilising, use half to quarter of the recommended amount of fertiliser. If they receive fertiliser as part of a collection, be sure to flush out the pots regularly with fresh water and monitor the roots by checking how much resistance is given by the plant when nudged in its pot or mount. If the plant becomes wobbly or loose, repot in fresh mix or rinse the media/mount thoroughly and do not fertilise for at least 3 months.

Be sure to flush out excess fertiliser by running water through the media regularly year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser year round. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser year round.

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.

Repotting is best done annually.