Minnesota State Flower: Lady Slipper

From: The Spruce

Lady Slipper orchids come in unusual shapes and color patterns, and some are rare, at risk or endangered. Belonging to the orchid genus Cypripedium, lady slipper orchids are the most primitive type found today. Most are terrestrial, growing in the ground in temperate zones around the globe.

The genus includes lady slipper orchids and moccasin flowers native to the northern hemisphere, characterized by a pouched lip that resembles the toe of a shoe or slipper. Certain states in the U.S. identify several species as endangered or at risk.1 This is due largely to over harvesting and habitat destruction. These rare orchids require very specific growing conditions and are slow to germinate and colonize.

Lady slipper orchids are sympodial, which means they have multiple growing points along a horizontal stem. This orchid genus does not often produce tall plants, although there are exceptions. In native areas, most reach only about 6 to 8 inches high with flower spikes around 15 inches. Different species identify as either warm or cool growing, so care differs slightly depending on your particular orchid. Ask your grower about its native origins, particularly the elevation, of your plant.

This is a low-light orchid that requires shade. Place it in an east-facing or a shaded south-facing window. Fluorescent lighting also works well. Suspend lights 6 to 12 inches above the foliage. Grown outdoors, some varieties of these terrestrial orchids prefer full sun in the morning with afternoon shade. Other varieties prefer only dappled sun throughout the day.

Soil

Most are terrestrial orchids that grow in very specific types of soil. Good choices for potting material include shredded osmunda bark, medium grade fir bark and crushed dried oak leaves. Avoid packing the mix too tightly.

Water

Like other sympodial orchids, lady slipper orchid stems have pseudobulbs for storing water and nutrients, so they can go a while between waterings without suffering. Depending on the growing environment, your orchid may need water twice a week. Avoid chemically treated water or allow it to sit out for several days before using. Potting medium should stay moist but never soggy, though some varieties that grow in boggy conditions may prefer a wetter medium. Others can grow indoors but need very specific temperatures, with a 10-15 degree temp drop at night.

Temperature

Mottled leaf types thrive in daytime temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees F. and nighttime temperatures from 60 to 65 degrees F. Keep green leaf types between 75 and 80 degrees F. during the day and 50 to 60 degrees F. at night. These are recommended temperatures, but many growers are successful growing both types in the same temperature range.

Moderate humidity of 40 to 50 percent is adequate and can be maintained by setting the orchid pot on a tray of gravel partially filled with water. Water should not touch the bottom of the pot. If humidity is low avoid letting moisture sit on the leaves or crown of the plant. When humidity is high, air movement is essential which might require a fan or dehumidifier. For the varieties that prefer boggy conditions, humidity levels may need be higher. Those varieties will also require a temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees overnight.

Types of Lady Slipper Orchids

Cypripedium acaule (pink lady slipper) produces deep pink flowers 3 inches long from late June into July. This is a fragrant type with a sweet floral scent.

Cypripedium calceolus (yellow lady slipper) sends up a buttery yellow flower in early spring and is found mostly in rich woodlands or along bog edges.

Cypripedium parviflorum pubescens (greater yellow lady slipper) can grow up to 2 feet tall, with flower petals up to 6 inches across.

Cypripedium reginae (showy lady’s slipper) is another large species, 1 to 2 feet tall with pink-streaked, white flowers appearing in late spring/early summer. It grows naturally in wetlands and damp meadows.

Cypripedium candidum (white lady’s slipper) is a small type from 6 to 12 inches tall. Considered endangered it may be available from reputable nurseries.

SOURCE: THESPRUCE.COM