Paphiopedilum sanderianum

Also known as: Sander's Paphiopedilum or Cordula sanderiana in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

General Information

Sander's Paphiopedilum is a medium sized hot growing lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae. It is named after the English Orchid Gaqrdener.

Plant Description

Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 5-45cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Spaghnum Moss
• Sand

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Climate

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 112mm to 427mm per day, heaviest in January and lightest in April. Humidity ranges from 81% to 86%, highest in January and lowest in July. Temperature ranges from 21C to 29C, highest in April (22C to 29C) and lowest in January (21C to 28C).

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

Repotting is best done annually and in Winter or Autumn.