Q regarding Lady's Slipper

[peeweelovesbooks]

I purchased a lady's slipper orchid a couple of months ago. It bloomed, but now the blooms dropped off. I have several questions:

1) do I cut off the stem like a phal?

2) the orchid grower told me that I would have to repot it when the blooms dropped off. She gave me some repotting soil and a larger pot to place the plant inside. However, the soil that she gave me is very gravelly and when I water the orchid it seems to just drain off. It looks to me like it's not good quality soil. what potting medium do you recommend?

3)Moreover, when I took out the plant from its old pot, the roots were HUGE and didn't fit into the pot she gave me. And, the leaves got LOOOOOOOOOONG since the time I had it. So, would you all recommend a bigger pot? I put it in a 6 inch pot but I'm not sure that this is appropriate. Thanks for all your help.

[Ross]

First, I want to welcome you aboard. Don't think I've done that yet.

You state Ladyslipper (Paph) but ask about Phal. Which are you really asking about. Paph - yes, Phal, maybe.

Not sure what you mean by "gravelly" but the "soil" should be really open bark mix or something similar. Most orchids don't like "dirt" like, say, African Violets. They can't stand constant moisture arounds the roots without free-flowing air. So most of us use either coarse bark mix or a large clay-based particle called LECA to pot up the orchids.

As to repotting, the only time I repot is when the mix starts "breaking down" as in it starts turning into soil. Then it starts holding too much water. You will want a pot approx the size of the root mass that you have already. The idea isn't the same as with most house plants. Orchids don't always want room to roam, they want room to breath. Hope this makes sense. My guess is you'll go through several orchids before you finally settle in on the ones you want and can grow. That's not a negative thing. We'v all done it! Enjoy your hobby and welcome to the board.

[Lagoon]

I don't meen to second guess you .. But, are you talking about a paph or phal
Can you show us a photo?

You don't have to repot a paph or phal after is blooms, aslong as the media is still in good shape.

My paphs are grown in a peatmoss mix with perlite.
You can just cut off the spike about 1 inch from the crown area.

Welcome to the forum

[Ray]

Aw, c'mon folks.

The purchased plant was a lady's slipper (paph or phrag we don't know, but I'd guess the former), and the question was "do I cut the old spike LIKE a phal?".

Unless it's a multifloral (you'd see more buds on the spike before the last flower drops), slippers do not rebloom from the same spike, so you can remove it.

[JAMMINJOE]

I heard lady slippers like a little cow manure in the medium.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by Ray

Aw, c'mon folks.

The purchased plant was a lady's slipper (paph or phrag we don't know, but I'd guess the former), and the question was "do I cut the old spike LIKE a phal?".

Unless it's a multifloral (you'd see more buds on the spike before the last flower drops), slippers do not rebloom from the same spike, so you can remove it.

Thank you!! I thought my question was clear. And, thank you for the advice. I'll go ahead and cut the spike.

[Lagoon]

I'm sorry, But I wasn't going out of my way to be confused when I try to answer the post.
Guess we just have those days ...

[Ray]

Thank you, Gloria.

MY day needed a laugh!

<editorial mode>
One of the best parts of online forums - in my opinion - is the participants' ability to see and acknowledge a periodic "oops". I consider myself an expert in the "oops" category, and not necessarily anywhere else.
</editorial mode>

[Lagoon]

LOL @ expert opps!
We need a OPPS meter , heehee!

[DelawareJim]

How well do slippers do in S/H?

Since Ross mentioned using LECA for potting up in this thread, are people growing slippers in S/H? I know it would provide plenty of air but was a bit concerned about being too moist.

Cheers.
Jim