Anyone grow Cypripedium in pots? Please advise on growing medium!

[varda.elentari]

I recently got two rather expensive Cyps so I'd really like to keep them alive. I did do a fair bit of research and saw multiple sources recommended more inorganic media rather than organic, perlite, Turface, etc. So I put together a mix of bark/bark fines, perlite and aquarium gravel because that's all I have on hand. Didn't water very heavily but when I pulled the plant out to check it's roots today, lo and behold, some of them are dying already.

I read that in the wild they grow in fluffy humus, mulch or even living sphagnum moss. So I was wondering why not grow straight in sphagnum? Fluffy, not compacted, and watered just enough to keep it moist? Or should I try leaf litter?

Would really appreciate some advice. Thank you!

[estación seca]

Bump.

Hybrids or species? They can be very picky about substrate. Different species have different natural substrates. Did you ask the seller?

Also I think uprooting them is harmful.

[Ray]

Several years ago I purchased a few hybrids. I grew them in semi-hydroponics, using LECA in a clay pot standing in a tray of water. The extra evaporative cooling was a "plus" in that case.

In the fall, I unpotted them and put them in baggies in the refrigerator.

[varda.elentari]

Hybrids. Purchased from a nursery. I doubt they grow them themselves. And yes, I've also read they don't like to be disturbed too often but if I left it, all the roots would've rotted!

Thanks Ray! I prefer organic mediums but I'll definitely consider that option if nothing else seems suitable. I was also planning to overwinter them in the fridge because our freeze/thaw cycles wreak havoc on all my balcony plants.