Paphiopedilum fairrieanum

Also known as: Fairrie's Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum fairrieanum var. nigrescens Paphiopedilum fairrieanum var. bohlmannianum Paphiopedilum fairrieanum h.f. flavum Cypripedium fairieanum Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.f. flavum Paphiopedilum fairrieanum h.f. albescens Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.v. pradhanianum Paphiopedilum fairrieanum h.v. bohlmannianum h.f. album Paphiopedilum fairrieanum h.f. bohlmannianum hort. album Paphiopedilum fairrieanum h.f. album Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.f. similarsepalum Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.v. Tej Pradhan Paphiopedilum fairrieanum f. bohlmannianum Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.v. nigrescens Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.v. biflorum Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.f. longisepalum Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.f. album Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.f. elongatum Cypripedium assamicum Paphiopedilum fairieanum h.v. giganteum Paphiopedilum fairieanum Cordula fairrieana Paphiopedilum fairrieanum var. giganteum in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Bhutan Sikkim - India

General Information

Fairrie's Paphiopedilum is a cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Bhutan and India. It is named after the English Orchid Enthusiast in the 19th century.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-27cm long

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Winter

Blooming Season

• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 798mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 73% to 95%, highest in July and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 5C to 22C, highest in July (18C to 22C) and lowest in January (5C to 12C).

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 during Summer and Winter.

Potting

Repotting is best done annually.