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Description
Cypripedium Californicum, also known as California lady slipper, is a rare and stunning orchid endemic to California. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is protected under the Endangered Species Act. This plant is known for its showy and large yellow flowers, which bloom from April to June. The flowers have an intricate pouch-like structure that serves as a trap for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Cypripedium Californicum is a slow-growing plant that can take up to five years to reach maturity. It thrives in cool and moist environments, typically found in shaded areas of coniferous forests, meadows, and rocky slopes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cypripedium |
Appearance
Cypripedium Californicum has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other orchids. It has a tall stem that can reach up to 50 cm in height, with two to four leaves that are lance-shaped and up to 20 cm long. The flowers are large, measuring up to 10 cm in diameter, with a bright yellow color and maroon spots. The pouch-like structure of the flower is deep and intricate, with a waxy texture that makes it look almost artificial. The petals and sepals are elongated and slightly twisted, giving the flower an elegant and delicate appearance. The plant produces one to three flowers per stem, which bloom from April to June.
Care Guide
Cypripedium Californicum requires specific care to thrive in a home garden. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful orchid:- Water: The plant needs to be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged. Water it regularly, but be careful not to let the soil dry out completely.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply it once a month during the growing season, and reduce it during the dormant season.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark, and make sure the soil is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: Cypripedium Californicum prefers partial shade, with filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can damage the leaves and flowers.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9, but it can also grow in cooler climates with proper care.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cypripedium Californicum is susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can damage the plant. Here are some common ones to watch out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing significant damage. Use organic slug and snail bait to control them effectively.- Spider mites: These tiny insects can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. Use insecticidal soap to control them.- Fungal diseases: Cypripedium Californicum is prone to fungal diseases like root rot and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by keeping the plant in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Cypripedium Californicum is native to California and can be found in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Klamath Mountains, and the North Coast Ranges. It grows in cool and moist environments, typically in shaded areas of coniferous forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a slightly acidic pH. Cypripedium Californicum is a protected species under the Endangered Species Act, and it is illegal to collect, trade, or sell it without a permit.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cypripedium Californicum easy to grow in a home garden?
A: No, Cypripedium Californicum is a slow-growing plant that requires specific care to thrive in a home garden. It prefers cool and moist environments and is susceptible to pests and diseases.
Q: Can Cypripedium Californicum be grown in full sunlight?
A: No, Cypripedium Californicum prefers partial shade, with filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers.
Q: What is the blooming season for Cypripedium Californicum?
A: The plant blooms from April to June, producing one to three large yellow flowers per stem.
Q: Is it legal to collect Cypripedium Californicum from the wild?
A: No, Cypripedium Californicum is a protected species under the Endangered Species Act, and it is illegal to collect, trade, or sell it without a permit.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cypripedium Californicum:- Cypripedium guttatum- Cypripedium calceolus- Cypripedium reginae- Cypripedium parviflorum
References
– “Cypripedium Californicum.” USDA Plants Database.- “Cypripedium Californicum.” California Native Plant Society.- “Cypripedium Californicum.” Lady Slipper Orchid Club.- “Growing Cypripediums.” American Orchid Society.- “California Lady Slipper.” Pacific Horticulture.
