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Description
Cypripedium Guttatum, commonly known as the spotted lady’s slipper, is a rare and endangered species of orchid native to North America. It is a terrestrial orchid that grows up to 30-40 cm in height. It has a single stem with two to three leaves that are ovate, up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide. The flower is large and showy with three sepals and three petals. The sepals are greenish-yellow with purple spots and the petals are white with purple spots. The lip or pouch is slipper-shaped and has a bright pink color with dark purple spots.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cypripedium |
Appearance
Cypripedium Guttatum has a unique appearance with large slipper-shaped flowers that are pink with dark purple spots. The sepals are greenish-yellow with purple spots and the petals are white with purple spots. The plant grows up to 30-40 cm in height with a single stem and two to three ovate leaves that are up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide.
Care Guide
Cypripedium Guttatum requires specific care to thrive. It is important to provide the plant with the right amount of water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. Water: The plant should be watered regularly, but not too much. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade and should be protected from direct sunlight. Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cypripedium Guttatum is susceptible to pests and diseases such as slugs, snails, aphids, and fungal infections. It is important to maintain good cultural practices such as keeping the plant clean and free from debris. In case of an infestation or infection, appropriate measures such as using insecticides or fungicides should be taken.
Habitat
Cypripedium Guttatum is native to North America and can be found in wet meadows, bogs, and swamps. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cypripedium Guttatum be grown in a pot?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a pot as long as the pot has good drainage and the plant is provided with the right growing conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cypripedium Guttatum?
A: The plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the best time to transplant Cypripedium Guttatum?
A: The best time to transplant the plant is in the fall after it has gone dormant.
Q: Can Cypripedium Guttatum be propagated from seed?
A: Yes, it can be propagated from seed, but it requires specific conditions such as a sterile medium and a certain temperature range.
Related Plants
- Cypripedium Acaule
- Cypripedium Calceolus
- Cypripedium Candidum
- Cypripedium Parviflorum
References
- Flora of North America: Cypripedium Guttatum. Retrieved from https://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101084
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Cypripedium Guttatum. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=cygu3
- The American Orchid Society: Cypripedium Guttatum. Retrieved from https://www.aos.org/orchids/culture-sheets/cypripedium-guttatum.aspx
