Contents
Description
Cypripedium Acaule, also known as Lady’s Slipper Orchid, is a beautiful and rare wildflower native to North America. It is a member of the orchid family and is known for its showy flowers that bloom in the spring. The flowers are pink or white and have a unique slipper-like shape, which gives the plant its common name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cypripedium |
Appearance
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid can grow up to two feet tall and has one or two flowers per stem. The flowers are typically 2-3 inches long and have a pink or white color. The petals and sepals are fused together to form a pouch that resembles a slipper or moccasin. The plant also has large, pleated leaves that are up to 8 inches long.
Care Guide
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid requires specific care to thrive in the garden. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. It is also important to fertilize the plant regularly during the growing season. The orchid should be planted in a partially shady area to protect it from direct sunlight. It is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Slugs and snails can damage the leaves and flowers, while spider mites and aphids can cause yellowing or distortion of the leaves. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew, which can cause leaf spots and a white powdery coating on the leaves.
Habitat
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid is native to eastern North America and can be found in wooded areas, bogs, and swamps. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade. The plant is rare and endangered in some areas due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Lady’s Slipper Orchid?
A: The orchid should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize the Lady’s Slipper Orchid?
A: The orchid should be fertilized regularly during the growing season, typically from spring to fall.
Q: Is the Lady’s Slipper Orchid hardy in all zones?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.
Q: Can I grow the Lady’s Slipper Orchid indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow the orchid indoors, it can be difficult to replicate its natural habitat and provide the necessary care for it to thrive.
Related Plants
- Cypripedium reginae – Showy Lady’s Slipper
- Cypripedium californicum – California Lady’s Slipper
- Cypripedium pubescens – Yellow Lady’s Slipper
References
- “Lady’s Slipper Orchid.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 2 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287734&isprofile=0&cv=5
- “Cypripedium Acaule.” Plant Database. Accessed 2 August 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CYAC
- “Cypripedium Acaule.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 2 August 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/22833/Cypripedium-acaulis/Details
