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Description
Cypripedium Calceolus, commonly known as Lady’s Slipper Orchid, is a beautiful and rare plant species that belongs to the orchid family. This plant can grow up to 60cm in height and produces stunning yellow flowers that have a pouch-shaped lip. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cypripedium |
Appearance
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. The stem of the plant is hairy and can grow up to 60cm in height. The leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 20cm long. The flowers are yellow and have a pouch-shaped lip that resembles a slipper. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer and can produce up to three flowers per stem.
Care Guide
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid requires special care to thrive. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:
Water: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. During the winter, the plant should be watered sparingly.
Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark can be used as a growing medium.
Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:
Slugs and Snails: These pests can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use slug and snail bait to control these pests.
Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Use a miticide to control these pests.
Crown Rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove affected plant parts and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
The Lady’s Slipper Orchid is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in damp woodlands and meadows. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Lady’s Slipper Orchid?
A: The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering. During the winter, the plant should be watered sparingly.Q: What is the best soil mix for Lady’s Slipper Orchid?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark can be used as a growing medium.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lady’s Slipper Orchid?
A: The plant is hardy in zones 4-8.Q: What is the best way to control spider mites on Lady’s Slipper Orchid?
A: Use a miticide to control spider mites on Lady’s Slipper Orchid.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:
- Cypripedium Acaule
- Cypripedium Montanum
- Cypripedium Regineae
- Cypripedium Tibeticum
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cypripedium_calceolus.shtml
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/ladys-slipper/ladys-slipper-care.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/2351/cypripedium-calceolus/details
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Cypripedium-calceolus
