Paphiopedilum purpuratum

Also known as: The Purple Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum sinicum Paphiopedilum purpuratum h.v. hainanens Paphiopedilum purpuratum h.f. Aphacea h.v. Mark Paphiopedilum purpuratum var. hainanense Paphiopedilum purpuratum f. album Cypripedium sinicum Paphiopedilum aestivum Cordula purpurata Menephora bicolor in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Guangdong - China Hong Kong

General Information

The Purple Paphiopedilum is a small cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to China and Hong Kong.

Plant Description

Grows to 26cm. Each new growth has numerous thick elliptic, oblong shaped leaves that grow to 2.5-17cm long

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn and Winter

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse

Care Notes

This orchid goes into a dormancy phase during winter, during this phase it is best not to provide water unless the plant is starting to look thirsty. The lack of water increases the chance of flowering in spring, and also reduces the likelihood of any rot forming. Do not resume watering until new growth has appeared and is growing strongly.

Often a period of intense growth occurs after dormancy. During this time the amount of light, water and fertiliser the plant receives will directly impact the amount of growth that occurs during this time, and in the case of seedlings, will reduce the time required to reach maturity.

It's recommended to heavily reduce the water amount at the middle to end of autumn to trigger dormancy. Leaves on older bulbs will begin to drop during this time while the newer bulbs continue to mature until terminal leaves appear at the tip of the pseudobulbs.

Repotting can be done any time of the year though it's best to do it in early spring when new growth is appearing as this also means new roots will appear to help the plant anchor into the new media and offset any damage to established roots during the repotting process.

 

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 30mm to 394mm per day, heaviest in June and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 67% to 83%, highest in May and lowest in November. Temperature ranges from 11C to 28C, highest in July (23C to 28C) and lowest in February (11C to 15C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Repotting is best done annually.