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Description
Cypripedium Macranthos, also known as the Big-Flowered Lady’s Slipper, is a species of orchid native to Asia. It is a terrestrial orchid that grows in damp soils in forests and meadows. This orchid is popular among gardeners due to its striking appearance and ease of cultivation.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Genus: | Cypripedium |
Appearance
Cypripedium Macranthos is a large orchid, with a height of up to 80 cm. It has large, bright pink flowers that can measure up to 12 cm in diameter. The flowers have a unique shape, with a pouch-like lip that resembles a lady’s slipper. The leaves are green and oval-shaped, with a length of up to 20 cm. This orchid blooms in late spring to early summer, and the flowers can last for several weeks.
Care Guide
To grow Cypripedium Macranthos successfully, you need to provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are the care guidelines:- Water: This orchid prefers moist soil, so make sure to keep the soil evenly moist. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer to feed the plant during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer once a month.- Soil: Cypripedium Macranthos prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and bark.- Sunlight: This orchid prefers partial shade to full shade. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and flowers.- Hardiness Zones: Cypripedium Macranthos is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cypripedium Macranthos is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can still be affected by certain problems. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that can affect this orchid:- Slugs and snails: These pests can feed on the leaves and flowers of the orchid. Use bait or traps to control them.- Viruses: This orchid can be affected by viral diseases that can cause stunted growth and distorted flowers. There is no cure for viral diseases, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Cypripedium Macranthos is native to Asia, where it grows in damp soils in forests and meadows. It is found in countries such as China, Japan, and Korea. This orchid prefers cool and moist environments, and it can be found at elevations of up to 2000 meters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cypripedium Macranthos easy to grow?
A: Yes, this orchid is relatively easy to grow, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions.
Q: Can Cypripedium Macranthos be grown indoors?
A: It is possible to grow this orchid indoors, as long as you provide it with the right growing conditions, such as bright, indirect light and a humid environment.
Q: How often should I water Cypripedium Macranthos?
A: Water this orchid regularly, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Cypripedium Macranthos be propagated?
A: Yes, this orchid can be propagated through division. Divide the plant in the spring, making sure to keep a few growth points on each division.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cypripedium Macranthos:- Cypripedium reginae (Showy Lady’s Slipper)- Cypripedium acaule (Moccasin Flower)- Cypripedium calceolus (Yellow Lady’s Slipper)
References
– Flora of China. (2021). Cypripedium macranthos Swartz, Nova Acta Regiae Soc. Sci. Upsal., ser. 2, 6: 17. 1799. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200027562- Orchid Care Tips. (2021). Cypripedium Macranthos. https://www.orchidcaretips.com/cypripedium-macranthos.html- Royal Horticultural Society. (2021). Cypripedium macranthos. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/5411/Cypripedium-macranthos/Details
