Paphiopedilum kolopakingii

Also known as: Kolopaking's Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum kolopakingii h.f. album Paphiopedilum kolopakingii h.v. kolopakingii Paphiopedilum kolopakingii h.v. giganteum Paphiopedilum kolopakingii f. katherinae Paphiopedilum kolopakingii h.v. topperi Paphiopedilum topperi in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

General Information

Kolopaking's Paphiopedilum is a large warm growing terrestrial orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae. It is named after the Javanese Orchid Collector late in the 1900's.

Plant Description

Grows to 1-45cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 8-60cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Spaghnum Moss

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 81mm to 323mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in February. Humidity ranges from 73% to 84%, highest in June and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 19C to 29C, highest in March (21C to 29C) and lowest in February (19C 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

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.