Paphiopedilum fowliei

Also known as: Fowlie's Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum fowliei var. sangianum Paphiopedilum fowliei f. sangianum Paphiopedilum fowliei h.f. album-christianae Paphiopedilum hennisianum var. fowliei Paphiopedilum fowliei f. christianae Paphiopedilum fowliei h.f. album in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

General Information

Fowlie's Paphiopedilum is a sympodial warm to hot growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae. It is named after the American Orchid Enthusiast.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous elliptic leaves that grow to 2.5-14cm long. The plant forms clusters over time

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 25mm to 199mm per day, heaviest in August and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 81% to 88%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 18C to 28C, highest in April (20C to 28C) and lowest in January (18C to 26C).

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

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

Due to the growth nature of these plants they are best mounted onto cork, tree fern slabs, or even trees if the climate suits. Water regularly especially in hot weather.

This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.