Paphiopedilum sukhakulii

Also known as: Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum or Paphiopedilum sukhakulii h.f. album Paphiopedilum sukhakulii f. aureum Paphiopedilum sukhakulii h.f. alba in the subfamily: Cypripedioideae

Native to: Thailand

General Information

Sukhakul's Paphiopedilum is a sympodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Cypripedioideae native to Thailand. It is named after the Thai Orchid Collector.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Each new growth has numerous oblong shaped leaves that grow to 4-25cm long

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Sand

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 3mm to 224mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in December. Humidity ranges from 59% to 82%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 9C to 34C, highest in April (21C to 34C) and lowest in January (9C to 27C).

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

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